I'm a big fan of techniques that are easily reproduced but still allow for infinite variations to create a project that's different each time. This simple pendant is one such technique!


****NOTE: This is a Set of Instructions ONLY - the materials and finished product are NOT included in this listing****


The image of the original pendant - the African opal featured on the cover - has been circulating around the internet for years, from my flickr account. Even now, it randomly shows up on my Pinterest page from people I follow. I finally decided to do up some instructions on making a similar pendant, this time out of some painted jasper stones I had.

The pendant comes together quickly, allowing you to showcase two special stones you may have been saving for a rainy day. Only a few techniques are required - using pliers, wrapping one wire around another, and making loops.


In addition to the pendant design itself, in this tutorial you will learn:

* how to make a bail without special tools
* how to make a spiral in the middle of a wire (not at the end)

With over 50 photos to demonstrate, you will find it easy to follow along. I firmly believe that making jewellery doesn't need to be difficult OR expensive, so in addition, this pendant walkthrough shows how to make a bail with no special tools.

I write my tutorials for the absolute beginner.

You'll get a lot of use out of the techniques in this tutorial. Have fun, and share what you make!

To complete this tutorial you should have basic knowledge of wire tools.

****List of Tools and Materials****
round artistic wire, 22 gauge;
two rectangular beads, about an inch long;
flush cutters;
chain nose OR bent chain nose pliers. Round nose pliers might help too!


MY EXPERIENCE
Jewellery Tutorials are a perfect fit for me, which means my tutorials are perfect for you. Here's why:

* I'm a self-taught wire artist, since 1998, so I know what it's like to struggle with a new technique or to work without special tools, and you'll find workarounds in my tutorials. You'll also find many of my techniques are different from the usual since nobody was teaching when I was learning and I had to invent something new every time I was solving a problem!

* My day job is to write course curriculum for online, adult learners, and I'm good at it. So you'll find my tutorials have clear, concise, accurate instructions with photos for every step - even partial steps. I know how to teach you no matter how you learn best! Plus, I make jewellery to sell - and I sell a lot of it - so many of my techniques are designed to efficiently put into production, leading to tutorial stages which you can easily follow.

* I am also a graphic designer, so you'll find a consistent, readable layout on every page, photos that draw your focus to the relevant step, and constant clues to keep your place - even if you forget to staple and the whole thing falls apart!

Finally, in 2013 I was approached by F+W Media - the lovely folks who bring you Jewelry Making Daily and Interweave press - to write a book. I’m pleased to say that my book, Freeform Wire Art Jewelry, was released in April of 2015! You can see previews and order at www.freeformwireartjewelry.com.

Look for a unique wire style, lots of color, asymmetry, irregular gemstones, inexpensive non-tarnish wire, some steampunk elements, and even some polymer clay.

You keep reading, and I'll keep looking for exciting new ways to help you make jewellery!