Key to My Heart

by Elizabeth Schultz

Category: Contemporary
Technique(s): Wrapping, Weaving
Skill Level: Beginner

This little cutie can be used as a bracelet charm, a pair of earrings or a dainty pendant. The possibilities are endless!

Materials

18 Gauge Round Half Hard Copper Wire

H11-18H

Lesson Quantity: 8.00 inches
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
Price: $0.81
Gold Club Price: $0.61

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26 Gauge Round Half Hard Copper Wire

H11-26H

Lesson Quantity: 9.00 inches
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
Price: $0.24
Gold Club Price: $0.18

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2mm beads

Lesson Quantity: 7.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 7.00 each

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Tools

WireJewelry - Ultimate Wire-Pliers Jewelry Pliers with Case, Set of 5

G15-20

G15-20
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $170.72
Gold Club Price: $128.04

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Chasing Hammer with Wooden Handle, 1 1/8 Inch Face

G3-27

G3-27
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $13.95
Gold Club Price: $10.46

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Steel and Wood Bench Block 3x3 Inch

G17-25

G17-25
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $14.97
Gold Club Price: $11.23

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Instructions

Step 1

Materials: (8") 18 gauge round wire, (7-9") 26-28 gauge round wire, (x7) 2mm beads - Tools: Chain-nose pliers, round-nose pliers, flush cutters, chasing hammer, anvil and a ruler.

Step 2

Bend the 8" segment of 18 gauge wire in half , (at 4"), and compress tightly with the chain-nose pliers. Careful not to mare the wire!

Step 3

While holding the bend with your chain-nose pliers, gently begin to pull the wires downward on either side to create a heart shape. (You can also use a mandrel, pencil or dowel to help shape the tops of the heart). The right side wire should be on top of the left side wire.

Step 4

After forming the heart, begin twisting the wire. To help you get an even twist, make sure that the two segments of wire are extended to each side and leverage them with your fingers. Also apply slight pressure with your right hand.

Step 5

Complete 5-6 twists.

Step 6

Use your chain-nose pliers to extend the right-side wire downward.

Step 7

Next, bend the wire at about 3/8" from the twist and compress with your chain-nose pliers.

Step 8

Pull the both wires to the left side of the charm. Trim the bottom wire at about 1/2". Trim the top wire about 1/8" shorter than the bottom wire.

Step 9

Grab the round-nose pliers and begin to loop the bottom wire about halfway and the trim with your flush cutters at a diagonal angle. Continue swirling the wire towards the body of the charm.

Step 10

Do the same with the top wire, only swirling in the opposite direction from the other wire.

Step 11

Here's how the key should look thus far.

Step 12

Next, lightly hammer the body, the heart and the swirls of the charm.

Step 13

Here's what it looks like after hammering.

Step 14

(Optional) If you would like to remove hammer marks and tool marks, you can lightly buff them out with 700 grit sandpaper. (ONLY do this step if your wire is NOT coated!)

Step 15

Take your 26 or 28 gauge weaving wire and stick it through the heart from behind and wrap it around the heart 3 times.

Step 16

Next, string on your 2mm bead and then wrap the weaving wire around the heart 2 times.

Step 17

Repeat step 6 until all your beads have been secured to the frame.

Step 18

After wrapping all the beads to the heart, wrap the wire under the last bead one time.

Step 19

Trim the wire and tuck it in between the beads.

Step 20

Trim and tuck the start of the wire behind the heart.

Step 21

Here's the finished key.

Step 22

Next, create a jump ring using the longest piece of wire left over from creating the key. Be sure that the flat side of the flush cutters are facing where you would like the wire to be flush.

Step 23

Use your chain nose pliers to open the jump ring and hang the charm. (Be sure to bend sideways rather than pulling it apart. This will misshape your jump ring.)

Step 24

And here's the finished piece! You could create another charm to create a pair of earrings, use it as a bracelet charm, a key chain or as a simple pendant. The possibilities are endless!

Reviews

Elizabeth Schultz

My name is Elizabeth Schultz and I am the owner and jewelry designer for Ellie's Handcrafted Jewelry. I've been making jewelry for about 16 years and specialize in wire wrapping and wire weaving. More recently, I have begun teaching others how to create their very own works of art through my blog, YouTube channel and in-person jewelry classes. My goal is to help others have a basic understanding of wire work and grow in skill as well as confidence in their craft. You can find links to all my social profiles as well as finished pieces at www.ellieshandcraftedjewelry.com.