I love hoop earrings and I also love memory wire. I’ve been experimenting with using memory wire in a different way rather than just a bracelet or necklace. The result was two pairs of earrings using 4cm memory wire.
If you’ve never used memory wire before, it’s made from tempered steel which is very hard. This means it holds its shape which is perfect for making these earrings.
To make the Shell drop earrings you will need:
To make the Chain Hoop Earrings you will need:
The tools I used to make these earrings are:
Watch the video or read the instructions below:
Memory wire is made from tempered steel which means it’s very hard. Never to use your standard flush cutters to cut memory wire or it will damage the blades.
Cut two pieces of memory wire so that the loops cross over by approximately 2cm. They need to be the same size so measure the first cut loop against the second piece so that they match.
Using the round nose pliers, make a loop in one end of the wire. If you haven’t made loops before, please watch this video about making a basic loop.
If you need to give it a squeeze with your chain nose pliers to ensure that it’s closed and sitting flat.
Next, thread on the beads in the following order:
Using the round nose pliers, make another loop in the other end of the memory wire.
Open the loop of the earhook and thread on the two loops of the memory wire. It helps to squeeze the memory wire together so that the loops are aligned before you try to thread the earhook on. You also want to make sure that the earhook is facing the right way so that you see the front of the teardrop. If you don’t get this right, you can always twist the earhook around like I did in the video. Close the earhook.
Repeat for the other earring.
Cut two pieces of memory wire so that the loops cross over by approximately 2cm. They need to be the same size so measure the first cut loop against the second piece so that they match.
The best way to cut the chain is to count the links, rather than measuring it. This is more accurate. Cut four pieces of chain 11 links long.
To make the peach beaded dangle cut a piece of chain 3 links long. Thread the 4mm silver filigree bead onto the head pin, then one of the peach beads. Make a loop in the top of the wire. If you need help with this, watch this video all about making loops.
Open the loop and thread on the end of the 3 link piece of chain. Put aside for now.
To make the heart dangle, cut a piece of wire 2 links long. Open a 4mm jump ring and thread on the end of the chain and the heart charm. Set aside for later.
Make a P loop in the end of one piece of memory wire, facing towards the centre of the circle.
Thread on the beads and chain as follows:
Make another loop in the other end of the memory wire. This loop should sit on top of the first loop you made but if it doesn’t you will be able to manipulate it into place. You may need to adjust both loops with your chain nose pliers to ensure they are sitting flat.
Open the loop on the ear hook. Push the two loops of the memory wire on top of each other and thread them onto the ear hook loop. Close the loop.
Open the4mm jump ring and thread on the end of link of the heart dangle. Thread the 4mm through the two loops of memory wire and close the jump ring.
Repeat for the other earring.
Here’s the tutorial for the heart necklace I was wearing in the video.
The earrings I’m wearing are made using one of the dangles from this necklace.
You could go really crazy with this technique and make all kinds of hoop earrings.
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August 11, 2022
Hi, my name is Carol Karl. I live in little old New Zealand. My family and I strive to live the most ‘real’ life we can – by that I mean that we eat real food, we live real lives and just generally be our most authentic selves.
