SPIRAL HEARTS

As February is about to sprout! My mind is on HEARTS
for cards, jewellery, gifts and home decor.

The simple bracelet in the image above, comes from my
'Wire and Bead Celtic Jewellery' book (page 48-49) and
it's still a old favourite of mine!

For this Valentine themed blog, I will revisit and adapt 
it to a necklace project and call it:
SPIRAL HEARTS NECKLACE
For this, you will need your usual set of pliers, cutters
(plus an optional, Whammer hammer and steel block).

As for materials: 0.5mm cotton cord, 0.8mm wire,
some beads (that can thread through the cord) and Superglue.

STEP 1 

 





















Cut 5 x 5" (12.5cm) lengths of 0.8mm wire and create medium
sized (if you have stepped round nosed pliers), circular links
at each end.  Spiral the ends in towards each other on each
side, leaving about 1/2" (1cm) uncurled, at the centre of the wire.

STEP 2

Place the tips of your round nosed pliers at the centre of
the uncurled wire and using your fingers, push both spiral
ends in towards each other ...

STEP 3

To create a 'pointy' end to the heart, push the spirals together,
until they sit one on top of the other. Then, using the tips of
your flat nosed pliers, gently pinch the rounded tip to form a
point.

STEP 4

Spread the spirals apart and re-adjust, so that they sit side-by-side,
touching at the top, forming a spiral heart frame.

STEP 5

Once you've created all 5 (or more, if you want a longer necklace!),
gently stroke hammer the spirals and sides on a steel block to work
harden. (Avoid hitting the pointed tip, as it will spread and widen).

STEP 6 

Create an 
even coil 
of wire
(that fits a 
doubled
length of 
cord.)
Just like
making 
jump-rings. 








STEP 7

Cut a length of 0.5mm cord that is approx. 3 times longer
than the necklace. Thread the coil onto the cord and 
double the cord back through, leaving a loop at the end.
Use the tips of your chain nosed pliers to 'crimp' and tighten
the very last link at each end of the coil, ensuring that it's 
secure on the doubled cord.

STEP 8

(Even though I didn't, you can begin by making a knot
on the doubled cord, just by the wire coil.) Next, thread 
a bead onto ONE of the cords. Create a knot with both
cords, sliding it right up to the side of the bead to
secure it in place.

STEP 9 

Thread both ends of the cord through one of the spirals
at the top of the heart and back through the other side ...

STEP 10

Create a knot using both cords and slide it just by the
side of the heart spiral frame ...

STEP 11

Continue alternating the beads, knots and heart frames
until you've achieved the right length for your necklace,
or bracelet.

STEP 12

Make a knot, close up to the last bead and cut off
just ONE of the cord ends. (For extra security, you can
add a dab of Superglue on the cut end and knot).

STEP 13

Create a second wire coil (as in Step 6) and thread this
on to the projecting cord. Double the cord back through
the coil to form a second looped end.

STEP 14

Cut off any excess cord and pinch the last ring of the coil
tightly around the cord to secure.  For extra safety, add a
small dab of Superglue at each end of each coil, where it
has been crimped and pinched around the cord.

STEP 15

If it's the correct overall length, all you have to do is add
a clasp. Otherwise, you could add chain, or cord (as I have
done) to lengthen.

Matching earrings, can be created in a similar way. As above,
you can choose to attach a bead into the centre of the heart
frame with some 0.4mm wire. Cut and neaten the ends.

To add more colour to your necklace, you could also
add beads to all of the heart frames. I have only chosen
to add one to the central unit.

Using this technique, you can create a varied range of
simple heart-shaped pendants ...

... using different coloured wires and beads. It also works
well for wedding designs.

Sending VALENTINE GREETINGS 
to everyone who LOVES TO play 
with wire! XXX