SCRUNCHED WIRE COLLAR NECKLACE

Can you believe that we're already half way
through the year! The summer so far, in the
U.K., has been a tapestry of showers, hail storms
and cool winds with the odd of splash of sunshine!

Hopefully, this statement 'collar' necklace will
add some sparkle and a dash of colour to your
outfits! It's been designed to sit off centre, however,
if you prefer symmetrical to asymmetric designs,
please feel free to adapt as preferred.

All I have used for this piece is: 0.3mm/0.4mm plus
0.8mm and 1mm wires. A focal bead of about 1" diameter,
3 smaller beads and a piece of ready made chain.

STEP 1

Depending on the size of your focal bead (mine was about
1" - 2.5cm in diameter), cut approx. 12" of 1mm wire and
create a curve around the centre of the wire to echo the
side of your bead.

STEP 2

Bring both wires back towards each other, twisting one to
follow the curve of the other (as shown above).

STEP 3

Cut another length of 1mm wire, this time slightly shorter
(say about 9") if you want to create the asymmetric style
necklace. Repeat by making a second curved shaped.

STEP 4

Secure the ends together, to make each side of the frame
and then gently Whammer the wire frames (avoiding
the joins) on a steel block to work harden.

STEP 5

Next, cut at least 2-3metres of 0.3mm (or 0.4mm) of silver
plus a coloured wire, that matches your focal bead.
Scrunch lightly together, rolling the wires in the palms
of your hands to create a ball. If like me, you are creating
an asymmetric frame, make one ball slightly larger than the
other.

STEP 6

Using your fingers, tease and spread each of the wire balls
out and shape to fit the inner part of your frames. Cut an
arm's length of 0.4mm silver wire and use this to 'stitch'
the scrunched wire into the space of the frame.

STEP 7

Once both frames are filled with the scrunched wire, gently
flatten and hammer with the nylon head of your Whammer
to compress and toughen.

STEP 8

Cut about 6" of 0.8mm wire and secure to the centre of the
curved side of one of the frames (leaving about a tail of 1"
projecting).

STEP 9

Thread your bead onto the longer length and secure at the
centre of the second part of the frame. Create a tight spiral
with the tail ends and flatten down onto the frames on each
side.

STEP 10

Thread the top ends of the frames with an additional bead of
your choice and using your round nosed pliers, create links
at each end.

STEP 11

Attach some ready made chain, or create your own out of
1mm wire, connecting a clasp to the desired length.

Have fun creating this design in different colours ...

or perhaps ... experiment with different shape frames!

 If you like this style of project, there are many more to inspire
you in my latest book: HAMMERED WIRE JEWELLERY
by Search Press!

As always ... the world of wire is your oyster bead!
Have fun scrunching the wire!
Love: Linda xxx