Tutorial - Hoop Charm Earrings

[Dana James]

I was asked by Christina over at A Different Shade of Me to do a guest post on her blog. I decided that as this earring design has been so popular that I would write a tutorial. I hope you all enjoy. It is also posted over at Christina's blog at http://www.differentshadeofme.blogspot.com.

Hoop Swirl Charm Earrings

What you need:
20 gauge sterling silver of 14 kt gold filled wire (hard)
1” wood dowel or something similar in size
Wire cutters
Round nose pliers
Needle Nose pliers (not pictured)
Jewelers hammer
Stainless steel block or anvil
Sterling silver headpins (at least 6)
Various gemstones, pearls, crystals to use as charms (4-8mm)
Jewelers metal file
Ruler (not pictured)

Instructions for earrings:
Cut two lengths of wire 3” each.
Wrap the wire as shown around the dowel to get the hoop shape.
Curl wire on one end under as shown to make a curly cue.
Wrap the second wire and curl as you did the first trying to be consistent with the first one you made.
Match them up to make sure they look similar.
Trim any extra wire on the opposite side of the hoop.
Lightly hammer earrings laying them flat on the anvil so that they keep their shape.
File rough edges on the open end.

Instructions for charms (you will be making 3 pair):
Choose 3 sets of beads that coordinate.
Thread each bead on a headpin.
Make a wrapped loop at the top of each bead with the wire using your round nose pliers.

To use, thread one set of beads on one earring hoop making sure that they so not slide off the curl end and repeat with the other. Mix and match other beads if you like. This is a great way to use up some of those left over odd beads from other projects.