Look at the rustic handmade look of these hoops and they are so easy to make! The cost of materials is less than $2 and the time less than an hour--what a nice gift they would be.
These are made from 12 Gauge Bronze Wire and 22 Gauge Sterling wire. The size of the hoop will determine how much bronze wire to cut. Wrap the wire around something about the right size and cut. When making hoops its good to make several pair at a time so they match in case you lose one! And its more efficient to do several pair at this point.
Hammer both ends of the heavy wire so you can punch a hole on each side. Bend one end up to "catch" the end of the ear hoop.
Drilling a hole in wire can be tough, Hole Punch Pliers make it easier to control the hole placement.
Using the ball peen end of a Chasing Hammer on a Bench Block; hammer out the hoop. This is a great place to add additional texture or even change the planes of the flattened areas.
Cut a piece of the 22 Gauge Sterling wire about 2" or 5 centimeters. Make a loop in one end and bend back with your thumbnail. See photo below for how it should look.
Use your fingers to make a large bend in it and pliers to bend up the end.
Attach through the hole and adjust to fit, then tap the ear wire repeatedly on your block with your chasing hammer to "work harden" the wire. Usually about 20 times. This is "tapping" and shouldn't flatten the wire.
Use a Wire Rounder to smooth the end of the ear wire. This prevents scratching when you put them on.
Viola! You have a very cool pair of hoops. Now the sky is the limit...add your own look and flair to them. Beads or stones can easily be added and wrapped as a quick way to add some color...Take a stone and a head pin and do a quick wrap and add to the bottom of the hoop.
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