Make Your Own Wirework Findings

Overview — Course No. 40360

Take your jewelry-making passion to the next level by learning to craft beautiful, custom findings for your bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. Award-winning artist Lisa Niven Kelly will guide you through the essentials of creating your own wirework components, from ear wires and head pins to ornate hooks, clasps, and toggles. Discover how to make coils, spirals, and flower designs to add artistry and intricacy to your jewelry. Work confidently with various gauges and metals as you create unique pieces that are both functional and artistic.

Video Lessons

01: Introduction

Meet your instructor, Lisa Niven Kelly, and discover the five essential tools needed to create stunning wirework findings.

Duration: 4 min

02: Wire Working Basics

Master the core wirework skills: making loops, wire-wrapped loops, standard spirals, and open spirals.

Duration: 47 min

03: Coiling and Jump Rings

Learn techniques for coiling wire and producing multiple jump rings efficiently—by hand, with a drill, or using pliers.

Duration: 24 min

04: Head Pins

Create essential and decorative head pins including spiral, diamond, flower, and cluster designs. The lesson closes with tips for designing dangling earrings.

Duration: 31 min

05: Ear Wires

Begin with the basic Shepherd’s Hook, then learn hardening/softening techniques and how to add embellishments such as spirals, beads, and coils.

Duration: 37 min

06: Hook Clasps

Make secure bracelet and necklace clasps, from simple singles to a double-wrapped loop hook-and-eye clasp.

Duration: 31 min

07: Toggle Clasps

Create classic toggle clasps that are both functional and beautiful, serving as closures or statement focal points.

Duration: 22 min

08: Sculptural Wire Toggles

Elevate your toggles to eye-catching features with advanced wire-wrapping techniques.

Duration: 16 min

09: Oxidizing & Polishing

Add character to your findings with oxidation (using HCl solution or liver of sulfur) and finish with polishing methods for a brilliant shine.

Duration: 20 min