https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/beaded-spiral-pendant-tutorial • Posted by zoraida.bros
This spiral pendant with a circle of beads is quite easy to make. It can be created in a variety of sizes and beads. You can use 14 or 16 gauge round, soft wire or square soft wire for the spiral and 20 or 22 gauge wire for the beads. You could even insert a bead in the center if you leave a big enough hole at the beginning of the spiral. A simple 16 or 14 gauge jump ring may be used as a bail or you can use any bail you like. It looks great on a cord, a chain, a ribbon, a collar or it can be part of a necklace element.
This spiral pendant with a circle of beads is quite easy to make. It can be created in a variety of sizes and beads. You can use 14 or 16 gauge round, soft wire or square soft wire for the spiral and 20 or 22 gauge wire for the beads. You could even insert a bead in the center if you leave a big enough hole at the beginning of the spiral. A simple 16 or 14 gauge jump ring may be used as a bail or you can use any bail you like. It looks great on a cord, a chain, a ribbon, a collar or it can be part of a necklace element.
With the round nose pliers and 12″ piece of 16 or 14ga wire, create a flat spiral. Keep each round tight and close to the one before until you get to the last round. This last round should come out just about 1/8″ in order to leave space for the beading wire. The spiral should be about 1 inch in diameter. Leave a tail of 1/2″ to 3/4″ for the loop on top of the spiral.
Make a loop with the round nose pliers at the end of that tail
Place the spiral on your steel block and gently hammer all around (skip this step if you’re using square wire). Make sure you hammer lightly all around the spiral. If you hammer too much on any side, the spiral may warp out of shape. If this happens, hammer all around some more and use your hands to flatten the spiral again. You can hammer the top loop as well but don’t close it completely yet.
Insert the 22ga piece of wire through the last loop on the spiral at the top where the loop meets the spiral
Wind the 22ga wire around the top section where the spiral and loop meet
Wind the 22ga wire around again to secure it leaving a short tail of about 1/2″ to hold onto Hold the spiral in your non dominant hand and add a bead to the 22ga wire.
Bring the bead close to last loop on the spiral, insert the wire through the last loop on the spiral from back to front. Keep the wire snug against the spiral.
Loop the wire around the last round of the spiral again and bring the wire up to attach another bead
Continue wrapping and adding beads in the same manner until you reach the top of the spiral next to the small loop and insert the wire through the top loop, go under and up again
The spiral with have a textured side from the hammering and a smooth side. Both sides are attractive and you can have either face out.
Bring the 22ga piece of wire toward the center of the top loop, cut it close to the bottom center. Cut any extra tail wires and if your top loop is still open, close it now.
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Tuck in the cut end of the 22ga wire with your chain nose pliers
Attach a jump ring or bail to the top loop. Add your chain, cord, collar, ribbon and you’re done!!!