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Finding Out About Findings

14 May 2010 by Sara Richardson

Sara Richardson
is the associate editor
for Step by Step
Wire Jewelry and
Lapidary Journal
Jewelry Artist.
For a long time, I hesitated making my own findings. I just didn't feel confident enough that I could make them as well as store-bought
Earrings I've made with my own earwires. Top: Sunny Yellow Heart Earrings with 20-gauge silver craft wire earwires. Middle: Ice Earrings with 18-gauge silver craft wire earwires. Bottom: Rosy Chain Hoop Earrings with 22-gauge rose gold craft wire earwires. 18- to 22-gauge wire is usually best to make earwires. Photo: Michael Richardson.
pieces. But one day recently, when I was on a creative bent, I made a few pairs of earrings. Well, when I went to look for my silver earwires, I noticed I had run out. Gasp!

First Findings
Sure, I could've run to my local bead shop (It's practically right down the street from my house!) or placed an order with my favorite online store, but I was too antsy this time. I decided that these earrings just couldn't wait to have earwires. So, I picked up a spool of 20-gauge wire, round nose pliers, flush cutters, and a Sharpie marker. I thought, what the heck, it won't kill me to try.

Granted, my first few attempts were funky at best. But as I kept working at it, rolling the wire along the curves of the Sharpie until the bends were just right, I realized how really simple it is. Now I can whip up ear wires any time I need them.

A toggle clasp inspired by Linda Jones' Orbital Necklace (Step by Step Wire Jewelry, Summer Preview '09). Made with 18-gauge silver craft wire, then hammered and textured. Photo: Michael Richardson.
Fabulous Finding Source
While I'm on the subject of findings, I remember one issue of Step by Step Wire Jewelry that really stands out in my mind. Our Summer Preview 2007 issue had a special section of projects on how to make several findings out of wire . . . clasps, bails, ring shanks, bezels, end caps for leather cording, and earwires. It was so interesting to see the artists' different spins on those little things that keep our jewelry together.

You, too, can discover how much fun it is to make your own findings. Even though the issue I mentioned has been out of print for a long time, it's now available again (along with the rest of our magazines from that year) in the 2007 Step by Step Wire Jewelry CD Collection. You'll get the entire selection of projects, exactly how they were published back then, but in a very convenient format...right on your own computer! Check out the projects you've missed, such as Lisa Niven Kelly's freeform and fun Entangled Wire Bezel, Connie Fox's stunning Vere Donne Bracelet, Iza Malczyk's incredible Wire Woven Bead Caps, and Gladys Botz's colorful Japanese 2-by-2 Beaded Chain Maille Bracelet.

Have you taken the leap into making your own findings? Do you prefer making your own to store-bought? What kind of materials do you like to use? We'd love to hear your opinions and ideas on Jewelry Making Daily!

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Comments

 
JanineB@7 wrote
on 14 May 2010 11:32 AM

Sara,

Great Tutorial on making French Hooks. I make a lot of my own findings,

earwires, S Shaped Hooks, round beads(these are really fun to make)

and have started to attempt some Wire Wrap. I do use commercail grade jump rings, due to the fact that I have not figured out how to cut them on an angle.

I have tried to make the Spiral French Hooks with some frustration. You

have explained my dilema and I know I will be able to make them with

a lot more ease and less frustration. By bending the wire away from yourself   allows the wire to form correctly when making the spiral.  

Again, thank you so much for turning the light bulb on.

Regards,

Janine

Sara Richardson wrote
on 14 May 2010 1:03 PM

Thanks for your comment, Janine. It's actually Stephanie Riger's tutorial, and we felt it would be useful. Glad it was for you. They really are a breeze once you get going! :)

Take care,

Sara

chamil wrote
on 17 May 2011 6:16 PM

Sara,

To make your own ear wires what type of wire do you need to use? I always make sure I buy the surgical steel so they are less likely to cause allergic reactions with them.    I really get a lot of information out of the blogs and stories on this website.

Thank you

Cindy

Sara Richardson wrote
on 17 May 2011 7:51 PM

Hi Cindy,

You can use any type of round, soft wire. Yes, the surgical steel is great for any ear sensitivities. I've also used silver craft wire (coated copper wire by Parawire) and sterling to make mine. Denise Peck has made them from colored craft wire to match the color of her earrings.

Have fun and thanks for your question!

-Sara Richardson

Sara Richardson wrote
on 17 May 2011 7:56 PM

Hi Cindy,

You can use any kind of round, soft wire. You're on the right track by using surgical steel wire to address any ear sensitivities. I have used sterling and silver craft wire (non-tarnish coated copper wire by Parawire or other suppliers). Denise Peck, the editor of Step by Step Wire Jewelry has even used colored craft wire to match the earrings she has made.

Have fun and thanks for your question,

Sara Richardson :)

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