Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Valentine Heart Shaped Charm or Pendant

  The craft projects I've been doing lately have been centered around what I already have.  I have a large stash of beads and wire that I need to use instead of spending more money on accumulating more stuff to stash.  You know the feeling when you'll out and about and you come across stuff that strikes your fancy and you just can't do without. You say to yourself, I'm gonna make or do something with this.  Only, you don't have a clue as to what you're going to make and you just "stash" it away.  


Valentines Day is just around the corner and you can bewitch the object of your affection by making and wearing a bejeweled heart shaped charm or pendant. It is quite easy to make and you can be wearing it in no time!     










To make one, you will need:

20 gauge wire at least 9 inches long
1 large decorative bead
9 smaller beads 
Basic wire jewelry pliers


Hammer and a hard metal surface if you want to flatten the wire









Cut a 20 gauge wire  9 inches long                            

Fold it in half












Tighten the point



 




On one side of the wire place 1 large bead

On the opposite side, place several smaller beads of your choice.













Start by coiling the end of one of the wires with round nose pliers, leaving space between the layers.

Do the same thing for the opposite wire to form a heart shape. You might want to "re-shape" the heart at this point if it's out of form.

It takes practice to coil the wire around in a smooth pattern.  I didn't like the shape of the wire (too bumpy) that I practiced on so I used the barrel of a chunky pen (or mandrel) to wrap my wire around and then I used my round nose pliers to coil the ends into a little hook and went from there. Later, I found a very good tutorial here that I'm going to try.

 To make the wire sturdy so that the scroll will not uncoil,  temper the wire by hammering it on a flat hard metal surface, flattening it.(not shown in the photos)

And, you're done!
 Hang your finished heart from a chain, ribbon or decorative rope. If you like, you can add a jump ring to connect the necklace for a more finished look.


Another bead variation  .   .    .    I love the coiled little heart bead that I found at Michaels!






 You can become a "Valentine Sweetie" and make a loving, heart-felt statement by donning these easy to make charms and pendants!!!



           Have yourself a great  Happy Valentine’s Day!         
      
Take a little time to enjoy,









Full Circle Creations




 





Fluster Buster


{Primp}



homeworkLife on Lakeshore Drive

24 comments:

  1. This is so cute! I want to make some for my daughter and sister-in-laws. I found you from Someday Crafts.

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  2. Wow, this is really beautiful!

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  3. Cute - love the shape and your directions are so clearly written - I am pinning this and just might try it!

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  4. Darling little heart Gail. Thanks for sharing your tutorial. perfect for almost anytime. Thanks for visiting my blog. Enjoy the rest of your week....Linda

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  5. Thanks for coming over to The CSI Project and linking up! This is gorgeous!!!!
    Dee, The cSI Project

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  6. Beautiful! You've inspired me to get out my wire and play.

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  7. Love your blog I'm a new follower. Check out my blog when you have a minute at WWW.sister-number-5.blogspot.com

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  8. I love this and think that I have everything to try it!!!! So glad to have come across your blog.

    Janet

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  9. Well, my word for this year is "less". I guess you have encouraged me to pull out my jewelry supplies and use them to create something. The trouble is I often fall in love with a bead and do not want to use it. I do not think I could part with that coiled wire heart bead. Too pretty!

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  10. this is such a simple yet bold little necklace- LOVE IT :) stopping by from shaken together & newly following (i'm pretty in love with purple myself!!)

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  11. Have to say I really like this sweet little charm. I have some wire but I think it's too thick. Oh, my Gosh, you are so right about the "stash" thing. I have so much fabric but when I see fabric I like, I still want to buy it. It takes a lot for me to say "no" to myself about buying new fabric unless I have a project I'm working on and need some for that. Oh, then I also got into beads. Thankfully I was into beads before Michael's and Joanns really got the beautiful stuff they have now. :)

    Anyway, thanks for linking to my brand new weekly party. I hope you can come back next week, too. I am pinning this project. Linda

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  12. That's gorgeous I'm so in love with your beading projects :)

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    Replies
    1. Too charming! Love the beads and red is a love color :)!
      Thanks so much for sharing the great tutorial! I'd love for you to visit my blog.
      Have a fabulous weekend!

      Hugs from Portugal,

      Ana Love Craft
      www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com

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  13. Gail these are fabulous! I love the little swirls at the top of the hearts too! You are making me want to get out my beads for a project! So pretty! And you know how much I love Valentines stuff!!

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  14. Hi, Great post. I found you through the blog hop. Now following you.Please stop by and say hi when you get a chance.
    Be sure and check out my new Blog Hop that we just started, It's Weekly Goals Link Up. It's a great way to stay on track. Have a great day. :) Here's the link in case you want to check it out. Thanks again.http://lenettacarnes.blogspot.com/2013/01/weekly-goals-linkup-html

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  15. Gail, these are so beautiful!! I love the gorgeous hearts. You always make the most beautiful creations. Thank you so much for sharing at A Bouquet of Talent this week! I hope you have a wonderful week. :)

    XOXO
    Kathy

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  16. Gail, I featured your heart wire jewelry. Thanks for showing us how. Linda

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  17. Gail that is just so pretty! And different. Thanks for your sweet comment on our Valentine mantel.

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  18. Hi Gail,

    I'm visiting from Linda's weekend party. Your stash sounds like my stash! More stuff keeps coming home with me. This heart charm is so cute and easy instructions, tfs. ♥

    Gloria

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  19. Gail, these are so pretty! You will be one of the features at Make it Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House tomorrow. Hope to see your prettiness again at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

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  20. Really beautiful Gail!!! Love it! Thanks for sharing this great tutorial!
    Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
    Hugs from Portugal,

    Ana Love Craft
    www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com

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  21. This is a beautiful piece. It will make a perfect Valentine's Day gift.

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