Retired - Dots and Loops Earrings

Note: Components and tools listed within this INSTRUCTIONS box and the printer-friendly PDF, if available, may have been discontinued since this project was published. Refer to the PURCHASE COMPONENTS and TOOLS AND OTHER SUPPLIES sections for current availability.

1. Cut one 3 inch length of 22 gauge wire. Straighten the wire with nylon jaw pliers if necessary.
2. Hold the wire in place on your steel bench block. Use your chasing hammer to flatten the last 1/4 inch of the wire until the flattened tip is 1mm wide, creating a paddle head pin. Use a flat metal file to file the tip of the wire so it is smooth and rounded.
3. String one amazonite long drop bead onto the head pin. Measure 3/4 inch from the top of the bead and cut off the rest of the wire with flush cutters.
4. Using pliers, create a simple wire loop at the top of the head pin, perpendicular to the flat front of the paddle. Set this component aside.
5. Cut three 2 inch pieces of 22 gauge wire.
6. Repeat step 2 three more times, creating three more paddle head pins.
7. Take one head pin and string one carnelian bead. Measure 1/2 inch from the top of the bead and cut off the rest of the wire with flush cutters. Repeat step 4, creating a perpendicular wire loop at the top.
8. Take another head pin and string one carnelian bead. Measure 5/8 inch from the top of the bead and cut off the rest of the wire with flush cutters. Repeat step 4, creating a perpendicular wire loop at the top.
9. Take the last head pin and string one carnelian bead. Measure 3/4 inch from the top of the bead and cut off the rest of the wire with flush cutters. Repeat step 4, creating a perpendicular wire loop at the top.
10. Open a 5mm jump ring. String the 5/8 inch head pin, the amazonite drop head pin, the 3/4 inch head pin, and then the 1/2 inch head pin. Close the jump ring. (For your second earring, string these components in the opposite order if you like.)
11. Open the loop of an earring hook. Slide it onto the 5mm jump ring from the previous step. Close the loop.
12. Enjoy your earrings!

• SPAZ-08001 - Amazonite Gemstone Beads, Faceted Drops 6.5x17.5mm, 6 Pieces, Aqua Green
  Project uses 2 pieces. You will need 1 package.


• SPCA-08004 - Carnelian Gemstone Beads, Round 4.5mm, 15 Inch Strand, Red Orange
  Project uses 6 pieces. You will need 1 package.


• WCR-2233 - Artistic Wire, Copper Craft Wire 22 Gauge Thick, 8 Yard Spool, Tarnish Resistant Brass
  Project uses 18 inches. You will need 1 package.


• FJR-5250 - 22K Gold Plated Open Jump Rings 5mm 20 Gauge (100)
  Project uses 2 pieces. You will need 1 package.


• FEA-3030 - 22K Gold Plated Long Elegant Earring Hooks 25mm (50)
  Project uses 2 pieces. You will need 1 package.

• XTL-5511 - Beadsmith Jeweller's Micro Pliers Chain Nose Flat Nose
• XTL-5514 - Beadsmith Jewelry Fine Round Nose Micro Pliers
• XTL-5600 - Xuron Sharp Flush Cutter Pliers - Wire/Soft Flex
• XTL-0074 - Eurotool Nylon Jaw Pliers Chain Nose- For Scratch-Free Wire Work
• XTL-0101 - Five Piece Mini Needle File Set On Key Ring 4 Inch
• XTL-2152 - Beadsmith Jeweler's Chasing Hammer - 1 Inch Head - Metal Smithing
• XTL-0250 - Eurotool Bench Block Helper - Rubber Base With Interchangeable Steel And Nylon Blocks