Creative Jewelry Project: Creating a Beautiful Wire Cross Pendant

More and more people today are turning to the Christian faith as a way to find meaning and solace in a world full of trouble and turmoil. The cross is perhaps one of the most revered symbols of the Christian faith, signifying the sacrifice, and the devotion of their faith. There are hundreds of different cross styles out there, but if you want a really fun and easy way to create a cross pendant that truly symbolizes your faith, consider trying to make your own wire cross pendant.

The first thing you need to do, of course is gather together the equipment and materials that you're going to need. First, let's discuss the materials you need, namely the wire. Wire, of course, comes in many different forms, but the main type of wire that you want to use is commonly referred to as jewelry wire. It is a solid wire that comes in various sizes or gauges, and it is usually made of copper wire that has been either plated with gold or silver, or perhaps colored. Jewelry wire can be found at just about any hobby or craft store, or in the larger discount stores such as Wal-Mart ® or Target ®. Simply ask the salesperson, and they'll be able to easily direct you to where it is. Once you find the wire, the next thing is to determine the gauge or size of wire that you want to use. Basically, the higher the gauge number, the thinner the wire. Thinner wire might be easier to bend and shape, it also offers less strength and stability to the cross pendant. For the cross pendant that we will create here, the best choice is 21 gauge square wire.

Now that you know the type of wire that you need, now let's take a look at the type of equipment you need. The first and most useful piece of equipment is a pair of jewelry pliers. The second is something called a pin vise, and is used to twist the wire into the decorative shapes you want. You'll also need a pair of wire cutters, a ruler, and a jeweler's file to help you create the cross pendant that truly symbolizes your thoughts on Christianity.

These are the basic materials and equipment you need to create a cross pendant. If you wish, beads or a small stone can be easily added, and we will discuss how to do that a few paragraphs down.

Ready to get started? Good.

First thing to do is to cut six pieces of wire 4 inches long, and eight pieces of wire 2 inches long. Next, take the each of the 2 inch wires, and measure approximately 1/4 inch down from one end. Bend this segment into loop, with the end grazing against the main wire.

Next, take two of the 4 inch wires, and using the pin vise, twist them into a corkscrew pattern. Simply take the wire, and insert into the vise, and tighten the vise until the wire can be slowly passed through the vise. Hold onto one edge of the wire firmly with your jewelry pliers and pass the pin vise over the wire, slowly twisting it. Be careful though, a twist two many, and the wire could break. Go slowly, and as soon as the wire feels a bit tenser, go ahead and stop. No sense in breaking it unnecessarily.

Now take the four remaining 4 inch wires and measure 1.5 inches down from one end. At this point, using the jewelry pliers, bend the wire into a 90 degree angle. Be sure to not been the twisted wire. This could easily break them since the twisting has compromised their strength. Now these two 4 inch wires should be bent so that one arm measures 1.5 inches and the other arm measure 2.5 inches.

So let's recap. At this point you should have eight pieces of two inch wire with loops at one end, two 4 inch wires that have been twisted, and four 4 inch wires that have been bent by 90 degrees.

Now take those two 90 degree bent wires, and one of the twisted 4 inch wires and place them so that the twisted wire is in between the two bent wires, with the 2.5 inch arms of the bent wire up against the twisted wire. You should be able to see the beginnings of your cross pendant. Now, take one of those 2 inch wires with the loop at one end and slide the loop up from the bottom of the cross pendant so that the loop rests at the 90 degree bend. Carefully wrap the 2 inch wire around the three wires, making sure that the three 4 inch wires are flat. Wrap the wire approximately four times around, making sure everything is secure.

Now take the second 4 inch twisted wire and place it perpendicular to the first twisted wire, in the center, overlying the two bent pieces a wire. Now, take the third bent 4 inch wire and place it so that it mirrors the one below it. The next step is to take another 2 inch wire, slide the loop over the three wires, and wrap accordingly. Wrap about 4 times around, making sure that the arm of the cross is secure.

The next steps are a repeat of the steps listed above. Basically, take two more of the 2 inch wires, and wrap the two remaining arms of the cross pendant. At this point you should have a cross with twisted wire in the center, and four wire wrappings close to the center point of the cross.

You're almost done! Now it's just a matter of pulling it all together.

Now take the remaining four 2 inch wires, slip the loops over the ends of each arm, and wrap the loose wires at the ends of each of the arms together. Now, take your wire cutters and trim the wires beyond the last wrapping so that the twisted wire and the bent wires are the same length on three of the arms. Leave the one at the top of the cross alone so that you can create your pendant. Now, fan the wires of the three remaining arms out.

This next step is where you can make the cross pendant truly unique. Using your jewelry pliers, bend the ends of the wire into decorative shapes, or take a few stone beads and place them on the ends, and bend the wire around the beads to create the look you want. Finally, bend the top wires to form a loop for your necklace.

There you have it! You've just created your very own, unique wire cross pendant.