Spiral Skull Earrings Tutorial

Use memory wire to create your own ear wires!

Created by: Rita Hutchinson

Designer Tips

Use heavy-duty flush cutters to cut 2 equal lengths of memory wire.
Form a loop at one end using sturdy round-nose pliers. New to making jewelry? See Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).
With flat-nose pliers, create a sharp bend at the "middle" of the wire.
Smooth the opposite wire end with a cup bur.
Form a spiral* (see below) with plated wire:
Add the skull bead, complete the wrapped loop and attach to the ear wire.

* To form a "loose" (or "open") spiral, follow the instructions on our How to Make Spiral Head Pins blog article.
Or, to form a tight spiral: create a tight circle at the tip of your round nose pliers. When the circle is complete, continue wrapping wire around the outside while holding in flat nose pliers. Spiral until you reach desired size. When spiral is desired size, bend the remaining wire at a 90-degree angle to create pin for attaching beads. Count your spirals to make pairs even.

Suggested Supplies

1 oz (use 5") #61-177 22ga Beadalon Stainless Steel Memory Wire Coil, Bracelet, 1oz
1 spool (use 16") #46-450-21 Artistic Wire Silver Plated Copper Jewelry Wire, 20ga, 25ft
1 strand (use 2 beads) #21-007-704-18 Dyed Magnesite Gemstone Beads, Skull, 8x10mm
or
#21-007-701-18 Dyed Magnesite Gemstone Beads, Skull, 8x10mm