Weekend Whimsy DIY - Wire Ear Cuff the Interchangeable Charms

It's been some time since I have done a blog post. So, why not do a tutorial?

Today's tutorial is a super cute and trendy, easy to make spiral wire ear cuff with an adorable interchangeable charm.  These charms are made with Swarovksi® crystals and are available exclusively from Michael's Craft Stores.  These little beauties are put out by Cousin Corporation of America.  The charms come in a variety of shapes such as bumble bees, flowers, hearts, owl, and even birthstone colors.

Cousin Corporation sent the us ambassadors a few of these charms to play around with. At the end of this tutorial are links to the other projects done by my fellow ambassadors.

I chose this lovely peacock feather charm to start with.


Materials:
1 Paradise Shine Peacock Feather Charm
20 gauge wire

Tools:
Ruler with both standard and metric measurements
Round Nose Pliers
Bail Making Pliers (optional)
Eye Protection

Skill Level: Beginner

Instructions:

Cut a 4 inch section of wire.  Lay the wire against the metric side of the ruler, and measure 4 cm from one end of the wire. Bend the wire back over itself using round nose pliers.

Measure 3 cm from the bend and and then fold the other end of the wire over forming a "Z" shape.




Using your round nose pliers form a loose spiral on each tail end of the wire.


















Wrap your form around the barrel of a pen or use the larger barrel of bail making pliers to curve the form into an ear cuff.

Slightly bend the back of the ear cuff inward slightly to grip the lobe.









Add your charm.  These charms come complete with a little lobster claw clip and make it super easy to change out your charm to a different one.  You can make your charm a permanent addition by using chain nose pliers to open the jump ring connecting the clip and the charm and removing the clip.  Tighten the spiral at the bottom of the ear cuff so that it is not as open.  Attach the charm using the jump ring and then close the jump ring.  Personally, I like that I can change these out.

Happy crafting!

LINKS:
DIY Wine Charms by Rebecca Grafton
DIY Gift Packaging by Rebecca Grafton
DIY Skull Necklace by Jennifer Priest
DIY Back To School Ideas by Jennifer Priest
DIY Ideas by Lisa Crone
DIY Handmade Card by Rachel Nielsen
DIY Bookmarks by Rachel Nielsen
DIY Whimsical Ring by Shelly Owen

Week of 10/09/2011 Featured Shop

I came across this shop on Etsy and felt it was well deserving of a feature.  These have to be some of the most unique and beautiful ear cuffs I have ever seen.  So I am featuring this week Thyme2Dream.

"I create jewelry for Fae & Elven folk and have recently discovered that mortals like it too...in my shop you will find unusual jewelry items~ ear cuffs, bohemian wraps (ear wraps), arm cuffs, tiaras, circlets, hair vines combs & twirls, rainbows and other fairy accouterments."

"Fantasy, Medieval and Renaissance wedding jewelry is also a specialty of mine...I would love to work with you to create something unique for YOUR special day!

VISIT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ~ http://thyme2dream.blogspot.com/

MY TEAM MEMBERSHIPS:

~~WIRE ARTISANS GUILD ON ETSY
I am honored to be a member of the Wire Artisans Guild. Visit the link below for a complete list of member shops on Etsy, and to see some amazing jewelry art from our members worldwide:

http://www.thewireartisansguild.blogspot.com/

OR search in titles/tags on etsy for: teamwireartisans

~~KC ETSY
A group of talented etsyians from the Kansas City area...if you are local please check out our blog for area trunk shows and more: http://kcetsy.blogspot.com/

To see etsy items for sale from the group search: kcetsyteam

~~FAE: FANTASY ARTISTS OF ETSY
A delightfully talented group of fae and elven folk...if you like my wares, a FAE team search will definitely tickle your fancy...search for: Faeteam

Also, visit our latest artisan exhibition~
http://fantasyartofetsy.webng.com/exhibition.html
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ABOUT THE STONES

I love rock ~ From the naturally heart shaped piece of Kansas River rock my boys found for me one day on a home school outing, to the lovely cool feeling of blue chalcedony or the magical shimmer of rainbow moonstone~ all stones become my friends when I work with them.

Wrapping and spiraling with wire and gemstones seems to be a natural combination for me…Most of my pieces are not planned, they just sort of happen as I play with the elements of the design.

I am also fascinated by the ‘personalities’ that different cultures and traditions have given gemstones through the ages, and often combine them with specific meanings in mind as a blessing to the person who will eventually wear them. Above all, I try to put a lot of love and joy into everything I create!

Fairy elven ear cuffs & jewelry handmade to order. Wedding tiaras, fairy jewelry sets, crowns for men, renaissance & medieval costume accessories are also available in my wedding shop and hubby Ian's circlet shop:
Thyme2dreamweddings.etsy.com
PernCirclets.etsy.com
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