How To Make Your Own Ear Wires - A Tutorial By Brooke Miles

Making your own ear wires is incredibly easy to do, it provides you with a variety of design options and it will also save you money. I work with a variety of metals in my Etsy Store, Sunset & Vine, and but I prefer to use 20 gauge half-hard wire for my ear wires. The choice in wire gauge (thickness) is all yours, I just find that 20 gauge is thick enough to hold its shape while being lightweight and comfortable for your ears.
Materials Needed: Round nose pliers, chain nose pliers, wire cutters or flush cutters, 20 gauge wire (half-hard), round pen or I used a chap stick lid, metal files and a ruler.

Begin by measuring out your pieces of wire to about 2 inches. After I measure my first piece I measure my other pieces against it for perfection.

Next you will want to hold one of your wire pieces against your pen and mold it around the shape of the pen. Repeat this step with your other piece of wire. I do this step differently than most people who first make their loop and then make their hook shape.

After both of your pieces of wire are formed and have a hook shape you will want to pick up your round nose pliers and one ear wire and make a loop on the shorter side. Repeat this step with the other ear wire.


To ensure the best shape possible I repeat step 2 once I have completed step 3 with both ear wires.



Next you can make a small bend in the end of your ear wires if you choose or you can leave them straight. To achieve this look use your round nose pliers and grasp the end of the wire and slightly bend at an angle. Repeat this step on each side.
Finally you will want to use a metal file or burr cup to soften the ends and smooth away sharp edges in the wire.







Tips:

• If you are planning on using sterling silver I strongly advise that you practice on copper wire first. Copper is cheaper and you will get all your major mess-ups out of the way before you graduate to the more expensive wire.
• Use a rawhide mallet to harden your metal before working or after your ear wires are finished to harden up the shape.
• You can use a chasing hammer to get a textured look on your ear wires.
• You can use different sized pens and caps to get various sized ear wires.

Have fun making your own ear wires, the possibilities are endless. Once you give this a try you will never go back to buying them again. If this is the first time you have made jewelry don't be wary to give it a try, every craft store sells these materials and you will love the satisfaction of telling your friends that you made the earrings you have on. Just pick out some charms or beads and headpins to add to the ear wires when you are done.

These are just a few of the fun shapes you can create!