Lampwork Bead and Wirework Earrings Project

About This Design

Time:  Approximately 30 minutes

Level of Difficulty:  All Levels (with Basic Wire Wrapping Knowledge)

Cost: Varies, depending on materials selected.  Approximately $15-20 as shown.

These earrings are wonderfully fun, swingy and eye-catching.  Make these using any lampwork glass bead and either silver or gold.  I wanted to showcase some red and gold lapwork beads, so I chose to make this pair of earrings using 14kt gold-filled wire and components.

Want to make these earrings, or a variation for yourself?  Let's get started!

Step 1

Gather your supplies

• Two lampwork beads of your choice.  Here I am using medium sized round red lampwork beads
• Two earring components of your choice.  I am using leverbacks, but you can use french hooks or posts if you prefer. TIP: I use leverbacks on heavier or longer designs because they are more secure.  If you use hooks, attach a rubber backer to them to keep from sliding forward out of ears!
• Gold-filled or Sterling silver wire for wrapping "wiggles"
• 2 headpins
• 2 daisy spacer beads

Need Supplies?  Check my Jewelry Supply pages to find what you need!

Step 2

Create lampwork bead components

Slide a daisy spacer and your lampwork glass beads onto a headpin, and make a basic loop.  If you are not familiar with this technique, read How to Wire Wrap a Basic Loop.

Step 3

Make wire wiggle components

Take a 5-6 inch length of your wire and straighten it with nylon jaw pliers.  Make a wire wrapped loop on one end, and attach the lampwork bead component on that loop.  Using your round nose pliers, begin to wrap the wire back and forth in a fun squiggle design.  Make this as long, short, and wide as you like as a matter of design preference.  My wiggles are about 1 inch long.  At the other end, create a right angle bend with flat nose pliers, and create another wire wrapped loop.  Squeeze the finished wiggle component gently with nylon jaw pliers to "harden" the wire a bit.  While this isn't absolutely necessary, it makes the wire stiffer and stronger to hold the shape. 

Repeat this for the second earring piece.

Step 4

Attach to earrings

Now, use your flat nose pliers to attach the finished components to your earrings.  That's it!