Simple Wire Wrapped Starfish Tutorial
By Dawn Blair, Dawn Blair Jewelry
Tools and Supplies
art glass starfish
20 gauge “Artistic Wire” or silver, brass, or copper
24 or 26 gauge wire (optional)
4 mm or smaller beads of your choice (optional)
chain nose pliers
flat nose pliers
sharp wire cutters
nylon jaw pliers (optional)
blue painter's tape (optional)
Instructions
Cut three pieces of 20 gauge wire to a (suggested) length of 12-14 inches.
Flatten wires by drawing wire through nylon jaw pliers or your fingers.
(Optional step) Line up wires side by side and tape together one inch to either side of the center to stabilize and hold wires flat and in place.
Using 24 gauge wire (preferred), wrap the wires together, flattening them with the flat nose pliers as you go. Wrap about one centimeter to be sufficient. Keeping the wires flat will aid in creating a better fit and cleaner design, and make less likely the possibility of the wires on the back of your pendant catching on clothing.
Holding the wrapped wires flat against the back of the pendant, begin folding the wires around to the front of the pendant. The only consideration here is that the wires must be anchored on the starfish. So, choosing 3 or more different grooves to bring the wire to the front is best.
Once you have the starfish securely anchored in place, you may cut the wires to any desired lengths, add beads, and embellish any way you like. Bend, loop, wave and spiral the wire how ever the mood strikes you to make your own unique piece of summer wearable art.
