H A P P Y
E A S T E R
Here's a little eggstra project to keep you inspired over the
Easter break ... a special Feather Necklace, delivered to you
by the easter bunny, direct from the easter chick ...
My Easter 'CHICK' Necklace
To make this, you will need: Round, flat, and
chain nosed pliers, wire cutters, 0.6mm (24-gauge) &
0.8mm (20-gauge) silver-plate wire, a few beads, a little
bit of black cord, coloured feathers and some Superglue.
If you're sitting comfortably ... I'll begin:
To make the
double spiral
chain units:
1. Cut6"
(15cms) of
0.8mm silver
wire.
Now, fold
it in half.
2. Squeeze the
doubled end together
and straighten the
projecting wires
so that they run
parallel to each
other.
3. Using your chain nosed pliers (or your
round nosed pliers ... whichever you find
easier), hold the doubled end VERY firmly
in your pliers and curl into a hook, keeping
the wires flat and parallel.
4. Once you've got the start of spiral
in the making, you can swap to your flat
nosed pliers and continue curling the
wire around itself ... but grip the wires
very FIRMLY, as you must keep them both
tightly together and flat.
5. ... and
if you keep
going you
should achieve
a tight double
spiral, with 2
loose ends.
6. Use yourround nosed
pliers to create
links with the
loose ends. (*If
the links don't
end up opposite
each other - don't
worry, just roll
the link around
until it sits
opposite the other
link and cut off
any extra with your
wire cutters.)*
If you have the
patience - make
9 more!
7. Now to attach those feathers: Wrap
some 0.6mm (24-gauge) wire around the very
tips of your round nosed pliers to create
a tight, even coil of approx.1/2" (1cm).
8. Once you've
made the coil,
cut the wire
from the spool
leaving a 'tail'
of about 1/2"
(1cm).
9. Using your
round nosed pliers
make a link with
the projecting
wire, that sits
at right angles
on top of the coil.
10. Push the tip of the feather through
the open end of the coil and use the tips
of your chain nosed pliers to squeeze or
'crimp' ONLY the last link of the coil
tightly to the feather stem. Once the
feather is fixed in place, cut off any
extending stem and dab a little Superglue
around the base of the coil and feather
to ensure it is completely secure within
the coiled crimp.
If you have the patience and energy ...
make 6 more!
11. Now, back to your double spiral chain
links. Create some jump rings and attach
8 double spiral units together to form a
continuous chain.
12. Using a few more jump rings, start attaching
your feathers to the connecting links
of the chain ...
13. ... and
you should
end up with
something like
this!
14. Now it'sup to you as to
how you wish to
finish the sides
of the necklace:
but here's an
idea - some beads,
another double
spiral and a bit
of cord for the
back ... I'll
leave you to create
your own versions
and variations!
AND IF YOU DON'T WANT TO MAKE SOMETHING WITH
FEATHERS ... just a create a chain with the double spirals.
Here's a version with & without beads:
BACK TO FEATHERS ... DID YOU SEE MY
LATEST PROJECT FEATURED IN 'MAKE JEWELLERY'
MAGAZINE (Issue 25 - May 2011) ...
A DreamCatcher Necklace (with Brooch & Earrings):
AND IF YOU DON'T HAVE FEATHER'S TO
HAND ... MAKE YOUR OWN IN WIRE
(although I realise it looks more a LEAF!!)
... and finally, a project from my 'CELTIC' book!
An idea for a bracelet created with shells, buttons,
plaited cord and of course ... as we're on the subject:
FEATHERS!
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HAVE AN EGGSELLENT EASTER!!
and keep 'loving the wire'.
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!!! C A L L - O U T !!!
Any Guild members that would like to be considered for
future Artist Features, or any Bead Suppliers that would
like to 'shout' about their wares ... please contact me
and I will happily consider them.
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ReplyDeletelove it thanks so much.
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