Wire Jewelry Making: Craft a Big Bold Coiled Pin

For a bold accent to dress up a boring coat or stuffy jacket, try creating a big, bold swirl pin. These pins are funky, stylish and easy to make. It's a simple concept: a traditional wire coil, but on a bigger scale. A big coil is just the beginning. Once you're done with the basic pin, you can add decorative elements, like big beads or charms that will make your pin even more creative.

Tools

Pliers
Round Nosed Pliers
Wire cutters
Hammer and Block - Optional
Clamp

Materials

Bold gauge wire (16 or 18) Use copper, sterling or whatever wire you choose.
Beads - Optional
Glue - Use one like E600 that will bond metals together.
Sand paper or try a thick emery file like you'd find in a beauty supply store.

Create Your Big Coil

1. Cut a 1 & ½ foot piece of wire

2. Start your coil by making a loop at one end with your round nosed pliers.

3. Continue coiling your wire, rotating the free end around the already loop end. (see #1)

4. Turn the last ½ inch of wire into a loop going in the opposite direction.

5. If you have a hammer and a block, use them to flatten your big wire coil

6. Use your pliers to fold the loop you just created so it forms a right angle to your pin. This will allow a decorative dangle to face the same forward direction as your pin.

7. Smooth out tool marks and rough edges with sandpaper.

8. Glue your pinback to your coil. The loop you made should face downward.

9. Allow glue to set for 24 hours before wearing your pin.

10. If you have a clamp, use it to clamp your glued pin back in place until the glue sets.

Decorative Dangles for your Big Coiled Pin

1. Make a smaller swirl using 4 inches or more of your 16 gauge wire.

2. Add a big bead to a headpin and dangle from the bottom.

3. Add a shell or whatever you choose. You decide.

A Few Tips

- If you have a tumbler or other mass finishing equipment, tumble your big coil before adding your pin back.

- Try making your pin with two big coils, one hanging down from the other.

- Be creative.

Source: My personal projects