To create a basic wire wrap on a bead, start by cutting a piece of wire 5 inches long. Using chain nose pliers, bend the wire at the 3-inch mark, creating a 90-degree angle. Using round nose pliers, grip the wire about 1/8 of an inch from the bend and roll the pliers inward, back toward the straight part of the wire (the stem). This creates a loop. Continue the loop until the pliers are at a 90-degree angle to the stem. Pull the tail of the wire around the pliers to finish the loop.

Hold your newly formed loop steady with your chain nose pliers and extend the tail end straight upward. Wrap the tail around the wire stem tightly about three times. Cut the wire and smooth out the remaining piece of the tail for a clean finish.

You can make wire wraps on both ends of your beads to link other components. String a bead onto the wire of your first wire wrap. Using your finger, bend the other end of the wire to a 90-degree angle. Make sure the wire is bent as close to the bead as possible.

Repeat the process of making a wire wrap as learned in making the first wrap. You now have two wire wraps perfect for connecting additional components to make beautiful jewelry.

Things To Remember:

• You’ll need three tools to make a wire wrap: wire cutters, round nose pliers and chain nose pliers.