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Wire Beaded Chain Tutorial

This video tutorial from PotomacBeads teaches you to make Allie Buchman's "Gem Lamp" earring design. Find a list of supplies in the description below.

Step 1: Choose Your Materials

Step 2: Watch the 
Video Tutorial

Wire Beaded Chain Tutorial
The Designer’s suggested colors and materials:
  • 20 gauge sterling silver dead soft wire (or copper, artistic, German style wire)
  • Natural blue turquoise beads (8x10 mm nugget)
  • One-hole lentil beads (for example piece)
  • Tools: wire cutters, round nose pliers, bent needle nose pliers, standard bic pen (or other household items for shaping wire)
  • Step 3: Need More Help? Follow these Steps

    steps

    Quick Project Steps

    Cut 6 feet of 20 gauge wire.
    Start by making a loop around a bic pen, leaving an inch above the pen.
    Criss-cross the wire and bend a quarter turn to align the loop above the bead.
    Coil the wire three times around the base of the loop and trim the excess.
    Flatten the cut end to avoid sharp edges.
    Slide a turquoise bead onto the wire.
    Create a second loop in the opposite direction of the first loop.
    Repeat the coiling and trimming process for the second loop.
    Continue adding beads and linking the loops together to form the chain.
    For the clasp, create a small loop, add a bead, and form a hook from the wire.
    Finish by attaching the clasp to the necklace.

    Step 4: Pick Your Own Colors

    Step 5: Need Any Extra Materials?

    • Athenacast Jeweler's Wire 20 Gauge Round - Non-Tarnish Silver 18 Feet
    • Athenacast Jeweler's Wire 22 Gauge Round - Non-Tarnish Silver 24 Feet
    • Athenacast Jeweler's Wire 24 Gauge Round - Non-Tarnish Silver 30 Feet
    • BeadTec 10-Step Mandrel for Making Rings | 2-Piece Set | 1.5-10mm
    • Athenacast Jeweler's Wire 20 Gauge Round - Non-Tarnish Premium Gold Plated 18 Feet

    Step 5: Need Any Extra Materials?

    BeadTec Beading Ruler | Advanced | 6x3"
    Wire Beaded Chain Tutorial
    PotomacBeads Pliers - Round Nose Pliers

    Step 6: Choose Your Next Project

    • In this latest tutorial from PotomacBeads, Allie shows how to make the Coiled Wire Earrings using Artistic Wire and beads. Technique Learned: Wire Working The Designer's suggested colors and materials: - Gemstone 8mm Round - Magnesite Turquoise Matte, ~4 Pieces - Extra Beads Optional (Czech Rondelles 4x7mm - Turquoise), ~2 Pieces - Potomax Jeweler's Wire 20G - Silver Plated, ~1 Foot - Potomax Jeweler's Wire 24G - Silver Plated, ~4 Feet Looking for a new and fun jewelry making project?

      Read More

    Step 6: Choose Your Next Project

    • Glasgow Rose Embroidered Pendant - DIY Jewelry Making Tutorial by PotomacBeads
    • Glasgow Rose Embroidered Pendant - DIY Jewelry Making Tutorial by PotomacBeads

    Watch Anna Tonnesen as she provides detailed step by step tutorial instructions to learn to embroider with beads. Create the Glasgow Rose pendant or create your own masterpiece of DIY jewelry following this project tutorial. Learn how to lay out your embroidery project, cut and shape your surface, sew on beads, apply the backing and seem the sides of the piece.
    • Comet Earrings - DIY Jewelry Making Tutorial by PotomacBeads
    • Flower Gem Earrings - DIY Jewelry Making Tutorial by PotomacBeads
    • Embroidered Rings - DIY Jewelry Making Tutorial by PotomacBeads

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    Item Description

    This video tutorial from PotomacBeads teaches you to make Allie Buchman's "Gem Lamp" earring design. Find a list of supplies in the description below.

    Designer's Material List

    The Designer’s suggested colors and materials:
  • 20 gauge sterling silver dead soft wire (or copper, artistic, German style wire)
  • Natural blue turquoise beads (8x10 mm nugget)
  • One-hole lentil beads (for example piece)
  • Tools: wire cutters, round nose pliers, bent needle nose pliers, standard bic pen (or other household items for shaping wire)
  • Project Steps

    Cut 6 feet of 20 gauge wire.
    Start by making a loop around a bic pen, leaving an inch above the pen.
    Criss-cross the wire and bend a quarter turn to align the loop above the bead.
    Coil the wire three times around the base of the loop and trim the excess.
    Flatten the cut end to avoid sharp edges.
    Slide a turquoise bead onto the wire.
    Create a second loop in the opposite direction of the first loop.
    Repeat the coiling and trimming process for the second loop.
    Continue adding beads and linking the loops together to form the chain.
    For the clasp, create a small loop, add a bead, and form a hook from the wire.
    Finish by attaching the clasp to the necklace.