Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set with Czech Fire-Polished Glass Beads and Wirework

Cut the following:

• 22-gauge copper wire:
• One 9-inch length
• Two 12-inch lengths

• 24-gauge stainless steel wire:
• One 12-inch length
• Two 25-inch lengths

Butterfly Wings

Form a messy quintuple loop (five loops) using a length of stainless steel wire, approximately two inches in diameter but varied so all the loops are not exactly the same size. Wrap both ends around the loop a few times, taking care that the loops stay at slightly different diameters.

Grip the loop with the chain-nose pliers near the wraps and bend the loop in, forming a wing shape.

Repeat with the second length of stainless steel wire. Trim excess wire.

Using one 12-inch length of copper wire, wrap the end closely around one wing several times nearest the rounded part of the wing. Continue to wrap the copper wire around the edge of the wing toward the corner, then place the other wing on top of the current one so the corners of both are touching.

Continue to wrap the 12-inch length of copper wire up the edge of the second wing. Trim excess wire.

Butterfly Body

Using the 9-inch length of copper wire, wrap one end several times around the tip of the round-nose pliers to create a coil then straighten the working end to be in line with the coil.

String on four 4mm rounds then thread the wire through the copper wrap at the corner of the wings. Wrap once around then string one 4mm round and one 6mm round onto the wire and pull tight so there is no slack in the wire.

Leave a 2mm space then make a 45-degree bend up in the wire. Measure approximately 3/4 inch then bend the wire back on itself to form the first antenna.

Bend the wire 180 degrees then repeat to form a second antenna.

Wrap the tail around the 2mm gap from before, forming a spiral, until the gap is filled then trim excess wire.

Forming the Bail

Using one 12-inch length of copper wire and one 12-inch length of stainless steel wire, form both lengths into a quadruple loop around the top wing of the butterfly. Wrap both tails around the loop then tuck in tails.

Attach a chain to the bail to complete the necklace.

Earring Instructions

Cut the following:

• 22-gauge copper wire:
• Two 9-inch lengths
• One 12-inch length

• 24-gauge stainless steel wire:
• Two 30-inch lengths

Flower

Using one 30-inch length of stainless steel wire, leave a 2-inch tail then make a messy quintuple hoop (5 loops) approximately 1 inch in diameter with each loop being a slightly different diameter. Wrap the 2-inch tail around all five loops several times then trim tail and tuck in. Do not trim long tail.

Wrap the end of a 12-inch length of copper wire several times around the quintuple hoop near where the tail is tucked in.

Working with the stainless steel wire again, form the wire into a small loop then bring the working end of the copper wire through the loop of the stainless steel wire and around the quintuple hoop, wrapping tightly around the hoop. Repeat to add nine more stainless steel loops along the outside of the quintuple hoop then trim excess wire.

Stem

Using a 9-inch length of copper wire, make a small wrapped loop on one end. String seven 4mm rounds onto the wire then leave a 3mm gap in the wire and form another wrapped loop, attaching the loop to the outer hoop of the flower component from Step 3. Wrap the wire around itself to fill in the 3mm gap then form the end of the wire into a leaf shape approximately 1/2 inch long.

Wrap the tail twice around the stem then trim and tuck in.

Attach an ear wire to the first wrapped loop.

Repeat Steps 2 - 4 to create a second earring.