The idea of making a pair of earrings with hammered technique is basically to add the flat look. This project provides guideline to make teardrop earrings which are timeless and are never out of style. Being hammered, this earring offers even more sophisticated look. The entire techniques to make it are pretty simple and easy to master even for a novice. If you are interested to make it yourself, the following tutorials will make you an expert.
Materials
- Steel block
- Slab beads, this project uses the blue ones
- 4 mm of gold rounds, or any other color you like
- 22 gauge wire
- 20 gauge wire
- 8 mm jump rings
- Ear wires
- Wire nippers
- Round-nose pliers
- Chain-nose pliers
- Hammer
The Making Steps
1Take the 20 gauge wire. It is recommended to cut it 5 inches long. If you cut using the wire cutter, the end can be a little rough. In this case, you can use a file to smoothen it a little. Then, make a simple loop on both ends of the wire. Make sure to decide on the same direction for consistency. You can use the round nose pliers. You also need to flatten the loop. You can use the handle of the hammer for it. Then, form the wire into a teardrop shape. Flatten the wire again using the same technique.
2Take the 22 gauge wire. Cut the wire and make a 5 inches long strand. Set the wire a little down from the top. Wrap the wire into one side of the teardrop four times. After wrapping, slide in your chosen beads and wrap again the other side of the teardrop. If the space is enough, you should consider adding more than just one bead. It will create accents and prevent boring look. Do the wrapping as many as the first one and trim the tail. When you are done, you are basically almost ready with one of the earrings.
3Connect the earring with a jump ring and make sure it is secure and firm enough. When you are done adding the jump ring, connect it with the ear wire. Then, your earring is ready. You can continue the entire steps from the beginning to make the pair.
It is important to use the back of the hammer to flatten the earrings. However, it is far more important for you to choose your own beads and details. It defines you personal style. The hammered technique is merely a way to make it nice.