How To Create Your Own Hoop Earrings - By Brooke Miles

Last week if you stopped by we learned how to make ear wires and this week we are going to build on that idea by creating our very own hoop earrings. In my Etsy store, Sunset & Vine, I have quite a few hoops featured. Hoop earrings are a timeless, classic style and they are also extremely versatile. The other great thing about hoops is that they are inexpensive to construct, they require very few materials, the design options are unlimited and they are easy to create!



The materials you will need to get started are 20 gauge or 22 gauge half-hard wire, beads of your choosing(optional), a cylindrical object (I use different sized prescription bottles), round nose pliers, chain nose pliers, wire cutters or flush cutters, file or cup bur to file the metal. Most of these materials you will already have around the house and they are the same materials needed for last weeks project.




The first step is to take your wire and cylindrical object and wrap the wire around the object. You will want to make sure that you have about a 1 centimeter overlap with your piece of wire and then cut the piece with your wire cutters. Repeat this step so that you have two pieces cut.



The next step is to make a round loop on one side of your hoop shape with your round nose pliers and then slightly bend it back to open up the loop slightly. Repeat this step with your other hoop shape. If you have beads you will want to slide them on the wire now.



Finally, you will take the chain nose pliers and make a slight bend to close the hoop for the closure. Grasp the end of the wire and bend an angle between 45-90 degrees. Take your file and smooth away any sharp edges.




Tips:

• Use a lighter gauge wire to practice with, try 22gauge, it will still be great to wear and it will be easier to mold and work with.

• To avoid making mistakes with costly sterling silver or gold fill wire practice with copper wire or colored craft wire.
• Use a chasing hammer or rawhide mallet to strengthen your hoops by giving them a few light taps.
• For added texture hammer your hoops.
• Try different sized bottles and different shapes for a variety of hoops.

Have fun with this and don't stop at just one pair. I made several pairs in different metals, some with beads and some without. I made ovals, circles and squares and I had a lot of fun learning what worked for me in the process. There is nothing better than having a great pair of hoop earrings except making a pair for your best friend or family member. They make a great gift and Christmas is right around the corner!

Brooke