Tutorial 040: Charms & Extensions

Level: Intermediate

Size: 920 kb, 13 pages, 29 steps

One of the easiest ways to add interest to a wire-wrapped piece is to attach small decorative charms.

In the examples shown in this page, small sterling silver charms were added using coiled extensions, created from a coiled bezel frame. This technique allows you to place the charms in the precise location desired.

Although the tutorial and materials describe how to make the pendant, charms & extensions can be applied to a variety of different designs.

Materials for pendant:

• 5 inches of 24 ga wire (half hard or soft)
• 6 feet of 28 or 26 ga wire (soft)
• 1x3/4" oval fat stone bead (hole needs to be large enough to fit 24 ga twice)
• 2 small charms (1/2" high)
• 2 small silver beads (2 to 3mm each)

Optional Drilling Tools:

• Small dremel drill with #60 or #65 drill bit (1 to 2mm thick).
• Center punch
• Hammer
• Wooden block
• Hardwood ring clamp

Note: these tools are only necessary for charms which do not have natural perforations. By selecting your charms carefully, you can avoid the need to drill. 

These instructions do not cover the necklace portion of the design, which is simple stringing.

Price: US$ 7.00

040charms