How to Make Twisted Wire and Bead Earrings

Jewelry making tools and supplies to make twisted wire and bead earrings.

Twisted wire and bead earrings can be a distinctive accessory for any occasion. It's simple to make twisted wire and bead earrings from thin craft or jewelry wire and small glass beads. The beads add sparkle to the ends of the twisted wire strands, but the wire is the main design element in the earrings. Alter the earring designs with different colors of wire and different styles of beads. Small round beads look completely different on a twisted wire earring than faceted bicones or top drilled ovals.

Things You'll Need

• 24-gauge jewelry wire
• Wire cutters
• 4 mm faceted crystal beads
• Round nose pliers
• 2 French ear wires

Instructions

1. Cut three lengths of 24-gauge jewelry wire, one 12 inches long, one 10 inches long, and one 8 inches long.

2. Fold each wire in the center in a U shape. Hold the wires together at the base of the U. Bend the sides of the U together to form a small loop. Twist the wires together twice at the base of the loop. The loop will allow you to connect the twisted wire and bead section of the earrings to the ear wire.

3. Separate the wires so that a short, medium, and long strand are on each side of the loop. The design will resemble the shape of a Christmas tree with the loop being the topper.

4. Bend the smallest wire on the left in half. Thread a 4 mm faceted crystal bead over one side of the wire to the bend. Twist the loose end of wire around the length of wire extending from the loop. Press the tip end of the wire to the wire at the base of the loop with round nose pliers.

5. Repeat Step 4 with each of the remaining five lengths of wire. The beads will appear suspended at the ends of each twist of wire. Shape the twisted wires so that the ends curl up, down, or leave them straight.

6. Open the loop on the ear wire with round nose pliers. Slide the loop at the top of the twisted wire section of the earrings over the loop on the ear wire. Close the ear wire loop.

Tips & Warnings

• Use black craft wire and A/B faceted crystal beads to create an elegant twisted wire beaded earring. Add more wires in 2-inch increments to Step 1 to make a fuller twisted wire earring.

References

• Lily's Beads: Beading Wire Earrings