80 makingjewellery.comPROJECT
7 8 910 11 12- For large stones, wrap 0.4mm (24 gauge)
wire several times at the middle. At the back
of the stone, thread the thin wire under the
main wire and wrap tightly a few times. Pull
the remaining wire taut along the front of the
stone, return to the back and then thread under
the main wire. Pull the wire back on itself,
continuing again along the front and to the
back, overlapping the fi rst section of thin wire.
Repeat several times and the opposing tension
points will help secure the central wire in place.
Wrap and trim to fi nish. - To complete the coil around the loop, trim
the square wire at the rear, fold the end towards
the coiled area, position over a gap and squeeze
together with fl at nose pliers. This is shown on
the horizontal stone pendant (p78, far left). - Choose beads to complement the stones
and wood pieces. For the necklace featuring
the white stone pendant (opposite, far right)
handmade lampwork beads are combined with
5mm metal beads. Create simple loops on either
side to make bead links. The same principle
is used to make metal bead links, joined with
jump rings to form a chain. This is combined
with the large blue stone pendant and various
ready-made chain is used to complete the
remaining pendants.- To turn the driftwood pieces into links
and pendants, make wire loops with a small
section that is inserted into the wood. Create a
simple loop in 1mm wire and measure approx.
1–1.5cm of wire before cutting. Make as many
as you need. - Use a 1mm drill bit to make holes in the
wooden sections and pendants. Place the
wooden pieces in a padded vice to secure and
use a small drill supported in a stand to make
clean, straight holes. Driftwood is usually very
soft so you could also make suitable holes with
an awl. For safety, you should still use a clamp
and do a test piece fi rst. Mix small amounts of
two-part epoxy glue and use thin wire to coat
inside the holes before inserting the wire loops
from Step 13.- The pendants and links are attached
together with jumprings. You can also use a
combination of gold and silver-plated rings.
Thicker wire rings are used in strategic places,
where more weight or support is needed. When
making and joining the bead links, ensure the
loops are perfectly symmetrical and it is good
practice to position all the cut ends at the back.
Place a jumpring in between and the bead links
should all sit in an even formation.
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