Hello and welcome everyone.
Today, we are going to learn to make a new style of component. The Paddled Earring Wire, is a unique and beautiful finding that adds the special finish to your work, making your piece entirely handmade.
The ear wires made today are used in the Boho Turquoise Drop Earrings.
These special touches are what set your brand apart form other, run of the mill designers.
The techniques we will use today, include:
- Chasing and Forming Wire/Metal
- Texturing
- Measuring and Marking
- Forming
- Finishing
Tools and Materials
- 4 – 6 inches – 20 Gauge Bronze Jewelry Wire
- Flush Cutters
- Flat Jewelry File – 2 Cut
- Multi-Step Looping Pliers or Round Nose Pliers
- Chain Nose
- Pro-Polish Pads
- Sharpie marker – if using round nose pliers
- Ruler
- Chasing Hammer
- Rawhide Mallet
- Steel Bench Block
- Wire Rounder
Getting Started
To begin, you will measure and flush cut pieces of wire to equal lengths.
You will need approx two inches of wire for each finding.
When we paddle the wire from round to flat, the wire will grow in length at the same time.
If you are struggling with holding your wire, try using a 3 inch piece to start.
You will have a little more waste, but it will make the process a little easier to master.
When forming the paddles, you will get better results if you start with flush and filed wire ends.
Use the file to make the ends smooth and flat.
When forming the paddled end, work in the center of your bench block.
If you work on the side you will have a sharp creased edge that is very hard to file away.
The paddle should be 1 inch long.
The end of the paddle needs to fit through the loop end of your earring component or a jump ring. Try to keep the width to about under an 1/8th inch.
For the best results, the end should be between 1/16th and 3/32’s of an inch wide.
Here are a few more tips to help you along the way.
- Begin hammering at the end of the wire and slowly work the hammer upwards a few millimeters at at time.
- Flip the wire over about every 5 or so strokes and work the paddle from both sides.
- Work your strokes down and straight off the end of the wire.
- If you notice the paddle curving, try stroking the wire in the opposite direction for a few strokes.
- Use the ruler often the check the length and width often.
- Adjust your strokes accordingly.
Check the second finding against the first.
Use your files to correct any small discrepancies between the two and to round off the pointy edges at the end.
I like to form the ear wire using multi-step pliers.
I line both wires up and form them simultaneously to ensure they come out as near to identical as possible.
Use the flush cutters to even up any tiny differences in length.
Use a wire rounder, cup bur or file to finish the end of the earring wire.
I hope you like this project and will join me for many more.
Next time, we will make another style of elegant findings, Oval Ear Wires and use them along with our Spiral Wrapped Carnelian Briolette components.
Stay tuned.