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Creating Glass Spiral Earrings |
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Using silver wire and glass "globs"
I love these little flat-backed glass domes that I have come to call "glass globs." They feel wonderful in the hand, and make such a lovely, subtle magnification if they are placed over other objects, such as a small picture, some paper, or, in this case, some flattened wire spirals. With the slight AB coating on the glass, the spirals show through only at certain angles, but if the light is behind them, it shows up beautifully, almost like a hidden element in the earrings. It looks wonderful, whether the wire spirals show through or not.
Here's what you'll need to make a pair of your own:
Two - 20mm x 15mm Glass Globs from a Stained Glass store, Florist shop, or hobby supply store in the floral arrangements section.
Two - 6mm clear or AB faceted round Swarovski crystals or other glass beads.
Two - 4 to 6 inch sections of 24 gauge sterling silver wire.
One - Pair Silver Lever Back Ear Wires, or the ear wires of your choice.
One - Pair Round Nose Pliers.
One - Flat Bench Block and hammer.
Step 1: Starting with the first piece of sterling silver wire, wire, hold one end with your round nose pliers and make a loose spiral by wrapping the wire around itself making an ever increasing circle, turning three or four times. Be sure to leave a 2 inch tail at the end of the wire for the added bead and wrapped loop closure. Lay the spiraled wire against the back of the glass glob, and adjust for fit. It should fit just on the back of the glob, and have a section of wire long enough to contain the round bead and to make a wrapped loop showing above the top of the glob when looking at the right side of the glob. Repeat for the other earring.
Step 2:One the wires spirals have been adjusted for fit on the back of the glass globs, the next step is to flatten the wire spirals, taking care not to flatten the "stem" section that will hold the 6mm round bead and be used to make the wrapped loop. Do this by using the hammer and the bench block, or other hard surface. Try to use a hammer or a surface that will leave some texture on the wire, as that will help adhere the wire to the glass glob when it is glued into place. If you are flattening against a concrete floor, place a couple of sheets of newspaper on the floor before you begin. This may help keep you from chipping the concrete if your hammer goes off on its own little adventure!
Step 3: Adjust the wire spiral for fit on the back of the glob again, making any adjustments. When the wire spiral fit is correct, bend the top of the wire to straighten it, and add the 6mm clear glass or AB glass bead. Close with a wrapped loop.
Step 4: Place a large drop of Gem-Tac glue on the back of the glass glob. Then place the wire spiral on to the back of the glass glob, and adjust it into place. Lay the glob face down on your work surface, with the edge of the wire propped up to keep it from sliding. After about 2-3 hours, add more Gem-Tac glue over the first glue, to completely encase the silver wire spiral on the back of the glass glob.
Step 5: After allowing the glue to dry for 24 hours, you may use a T-pin or very small sharp scissors to remove any glue that shows. Don't worry if you can see it some from the back, it will not show on the front of your finished piece, and will not be noticable from the back, as this glue dries very clear.
Step 6: Place each finished earring on a lever back earwire and they are ready to wear.
This technique can be used to embellish glass globs with any design you prefer. Make squares with your wire, etch a design into the back of the glob, or leave them plain. need. Enjoy!
