Scarf Pin/Brooch Tutorial
This tutorial is suitable for a novice jewellery maker with some experience in the use of wire jewellery. Previous knowledge is assumed in the use of all tools used in the tutorial, the ability to create simple loops and wrapping of wire. Before you get started please read the tutorial from start to finish. You will be better prepared and have a clearer understanding of the steps needed to create each component. I suggest you try the tutorial with the materials recommended first before trying to adapt the measurements.
Materials
Tools
17� 1mm wire 6 x 4mm copper beads 5 x 6mm beads
Round nose pliers Side cutters A metal file Sand paper or fine wire wool Small nylon or rubber hammer Steel block A tumbler is an optional extra
Creating the pin and spring 1. Cut a 17” length of 1mm wire (Prepare your wire in the normal way). 2. Measure and mark approximately 4” from one end of the wire, do not cut.
3. Using the narrow part of your round nose pliers, create a triple loop at the 4” mark. This will act as a spring for your pin. Take care at this stage, try to end the spiral with both ends slightly wider than parallel to each other and try not to kink either length of wire at this stage.
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4. Leave the spring mounted on your pliers and using your nylon hammer, tap the outside of the spring. You will need to do this a number of times to harden the spring. (Use an old pair of pliers for this or an old knitting needle. Tapping your pliers may disturb the plier alignment over a period of time).
5. Harden the shortest length of wire, with a nylon hammer and metal block.
6. Add the beads of your choice to the longer end.
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Creating the claw clasp 7. At the point where the beads finish bend the wire upwards at a 45o angle in the direction of the pin.
8. Using round nose pliers clasp the end of the wire approximately 1� from the bend you have just created and rotate the pliers anti clockwise until the wire has made an 180o turn back in the direction it came from. The length of the claw will shorten after this action. (1� creates a large easy to use claw receiver, reduce the measurement for a discreet claw).
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9. With your flat nose pliers, gently squeeze the tip of the claw to close the wire together. Do not force this, steady and slow produces a cleaner finish. (If you are not used to this technique I would advise practicing this on a piece of scrap wire before the tutorial).
10. Create another 45o bend directly opposite the first bend.
11. Using the tip of your round nose pliers, clasp the end of the claw and turn end upwards slightly towards you.
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12. Clasp the base of the claw with the widest part of your round nose pliers and role the claw back away from you and down around the pliers.
Creating the loops 13. Clasp the wire at the base of your working wire and gently curve the wire up to position the start of the loop centrally.
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14. Then create a simple ring and swirl by pulling the wire in an anticlockwise direction. Do not force this step, smoother lines are created by easing the wire around rather than forcing it into position.
15. Pull the wire around and up and over the piece to about a 3rd of the way across the front of the beads.
16. Hold the wire at this position with your thumb so that the loop stays in place and tightly bring the wire around the back of the beads in a down and slightly angled motion.
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17. Repeat step 14, 2/3rds of a way across the front of the beads.
18. Finally wrap the wire around before the last bead, around the back and up after the last bead. Complete the loop.
19. Using side cutters, cut the wire, file and finish with wire wool until smooth
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20. Ensure the end is tucked away and encased within the wrap loop.
Finishing the pin 21. If you have work hardened the pin enough at the start of the tutorial it should have a strong spring and not easily bend. If it is still soft, clasp the spring in your left hand and the very end of the pin wire with flat nose pliers.
Twist and release a number of times until the wire is hard. Test the pin in the receiver.
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22. Cut the wire the same length as the design.
23. Remove from the receiver and use a metal file to create a rounded tip. File in an outward motion and rotating the wire as you file.
24. Use fine grade sandpaper or fine grade wire wool until it is completely smooth. Treat and finish your wire in the usual way. Tumbling this piece will help harden the wire further and finish it with a polish. Tumbling is optional, but if you choose not to tumble, spend extra time at 4 and 5 to ensure the structure of the pin is fully work hardened and has a strong spring action. Congratulations, you now have a beautiful brooch to wear and share. Please mention this tutorial to others and feel free to use for personal use only. I hope you enjoyed the tutorial, please respect it’s copyrights. Visit our website: Follow us on Facebook: Visit our Folksy shop:
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