Tuesday, October 16, 2012

New Hinged Wire Woven Earring Tutorial on Etsy

Hello Everyone.  To think that over a year ago I wanted to create my very own tutorial and now I have three completed!!  That was a dream of mine to create at least one lesson and share it with other people wanting to know how to contort wire into functional shapes.  The process is a lengthy one to complete one tutorial, but when it is finished I get that same feeling I get when I turn the last page of a good book.  I want more!!  So this means that I will start working on my next tutorial.

This tutorial can be found on Etsy at:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/wiredlotus

About this tutorial:  This one is different from the others in that I didn't use sheet metal for any components.  Everything is done with wire to create a hinged earring.  See the photo below to see the moveable hinge:
The reason for creating a hinge is to show how this hinging is possible while incorporating the hinge wire into the design.  Why is this important?  This will allow for a more fluid design following making the hinge instead of using a rivet or swirls or a curled wire at either side of the hinge.  Using this technique doesn't make it necessarily better than the others, but gives the artist another option in their design.  The hinge also allows for a movement in the piece that would otherwise be stationary.  This hinge can also be used in bracelets and was actually intended for this use, however I felt this earring design to be pretty groovy, so went with it.

This design can be done in any soft metal such as silver, gold fill, gold or copper.  Below, see the copper earring.  This is my mother's favorite (Christmas present?  Perhaps!!):


For the design of the earring I used a pear shaped briolette.  After I photograph, write and put all the steps into a document I then work the tutorial myself just to be certain that it works smoothly.  When I was done I created this pair of earrings out of a triangle bead and with more chains.
This tutorial was a great adventure.  Now, on to my next one!!  I'm thinking a chakra barrel bead pendant done with metal forging, wire wrapping and chains.  Gotta love those chains!!

Thank you.

~Susan



8 comments:

  1. Susan, What gorgeous earrings! This looks like an awesome piece of engineering. I look forward to giving these a try. Thanks so much for posting and for writing a tutorial for these beauties!

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  2. Christine, it is always nice to hear from you. I appreciate your comment about engineering. Some times I think that what we do with our wire is a mix of engineering, therapy, composition and a smattering of fun!!

    ~Susan

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  3. I love these, Susan! I can easily envision all the movement in them. I love earrings that move to catch the light. If this is anything like your other wonderful tutes, it will be awesome!!

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  4. Thank you, Tela. Like you, I also enjoy wearing earrings that have movement. These do just that. As I "mature" I seem to be drawn to that BOHO look. This is a new term that I have recently discovered that is a fusion of Bohemian and Hippie. Oxidized or in copper I feel that these fit that bill. Left shiny with a quality gemstone they have that elegant feel and look. As always, I appreciate your feedback, Tela. Thank you!!

    ~Susan

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  5. hi susan! i love your designs, maybe because of that "boho" vibe, because i love that look as well. but its more than just that; your designs have an edgy, modern, up-to-the-minute feel to them, very unique. best of luck to you in all your jewelry making endeavors, you are very, very talented :)
    ~denise

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  6. Hello Denise. Welcome to Wired Lotus Blog. Thank you for you for your thoughtful compliments. I feel that we are kindred spirits when it comes to our appreciation of wire. Oh, the things you can do with a bit of wire!!

    ~Susan

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  7. Hi Susan, just wanted to leave a special note that this tutorial is amazing, it leaves nothing out at all, so detailed.
    So if anyone isn't sure about buying it, just do it, you won't regret it.

    Thanks so much Susan.

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  8. Thank you for your feedback and endorsement of the Hinged Wire Woven Tutorial. Seeing your words is like music to my ears. These earrings are a lot of fun to wear, as they swing when worn.

    Again, big thanks for your comment.

    ~Susan

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Please comment or contact Susan at wiredlotus.aol.com