VALENTINE HEART

That time of year is approaching once again,
when every working jeweller in the land is
creating pieces for Valentine's Day!

'Heart' Wall Decoration

I know heart shapes are a bit cheesy, but they still
sell, plus they look very feminine! Not to mention,
that they "say it all" in one motif and can be worn all
the year around!

So here's my offering, well in time for February 14th!
You can attach this to the front of a card, suspend it from
a chain or ribbon.

Make it for yourself, or give it to your
best friend, or even even create a few to sell as gifts ...

"The early bird catches the heart!"

This HEART tutorial creates a pendant of about
4cm x 3cm (without the dangles) however, you can always
increase the size for a larger, statement piece.
(*I apologies for the quality of images! I just didn't have the
time to re-do all the photography! But, hopefully, the steps
below, will give you enough inspiration to come up with your 
own unique versions!).

STEP 1

Cut approx. 10" of 0.8mm (20 gauge) wire. Fold it
in half and squish the centre fold together.

STEP 2

Using the tips of your round nosed pliers, create a circular
loop with the doubled up wire.

STEP 3

Depending on the size of your heart frame, place a round mandrel
on each side of the doubled loop and form the top 'shoulders' of the
heart frame. (I used 8mm bail making pliers, but a pen, or pencil
will do the job too!).

STEP 4

Thread each side of the frame with some beads of your choice...

STEP 5

Using the ends of some step-pliers (or the tips of your round nosed
pliers), create a couple of small loops halfway down, on each side of
the frame.

STEP 6

Repeat, to create 2 further small, circular loops, so that you now
have 3 in a row on each side.

STEP 7

Bring the wires together to form the tip of the heart and secure
by wrapping one wire around the other.

STEP 8

Trim the ends, so that you have about 1" (2.5cm) to create a small
spiral to cover the wrap and leave enough projecting wire to
create an end link ...


STEP 9

Form a link at the very tip of the frame.

STEP 10

Cut varying lengths of wire and make headpin ends. Thread these with
your chosen beads in readiness to suspend from the loops on each side
of the frame.

STEP 11

Attach the beaded dangles to the side loops of the heart frame and
if desired, connect another bead within the centre of the frame.

STEP 12

Create a 'figure of 8' link to attach to the centre loop of
the heart ...

STEP 13

Connect a jump ring to the 'figure of 8' so that the heart pendant
can be suspended from a ribbon or chain ...

'Et Voila!', the piece is now complete!
You could also make matching earrings - like 2 halves of a heart!

Have fun experimenting with your own colour variations!

If you can't thread beads onto the top of the frame, you can
always bind them on afterwards with 0.4mm wire, as in this
red version above.

I created a blue & white version for a favourite blue dress that I own
and used the same beads to make earrings to complete the set!

I do hope this has fueled your heart, to create your own heart shaped
pendant!

HAPPY WIRE WORKING!