Monday, April 6, 2015

Simple Headpin on Headpin Earrings

It's no secret that I love headpins, they are just so versatile and come in so many diffrent shapes and sizes. This is one of my go to desgins for a simple but beautiful pair of earrings using two pairs of headpins.

Pair of Headpins
Here I used a pair of lampwork headpins (from Creeky Beads on Etsy) and a pair of sterling silver 'fancy' headpins that I made, Click here for a tutorial on how to make these.

Bent into Earwires
First bend the fancy headpins on something round to form earwires, I use the handle of a small paintbrush but a sharpie pen or wooden spoon work just as well.

Forming earwires
Then using flat nose pliers slightly bend the end of the wires outwards, this adds a nice little detail and makes it easier to put them in your ears.

Hammer
Next useing a hammer and anvil, lightly tap the wires at the top of bend you just formed and at the bends at the end of the wire. You want to work harden the metal so it keeps it shape and makes it stronger, you could use a tumbler to do this if you have one. Then file the ends so that they are nice and rounded, this can be done with either a file or a cup burr.

Add Lampwork Pins
Using round nose pliers make a small hoop at the top of the lampwork headpins and then thread them onto your earwires, continue to wrap the wires around the lampwork headpins and tuck the ends in neatly using a pair of pliers.

Almost completed
When this is done I give them a quick dip in a LOS solution to darken the metal and then I give them a really good buff with some polishing papers.

Finished Earrings
And there you have it simple but beautiful earrings from two pairs of headpins.

12 comments :

  1. Ohhhh! Two tutorials in one!

    I have a pair of the circle headpins that you included in an order. I know what I will be making tonight!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lovely earrings and the headpins are fabulous, especially the pair that were handcrafted by you. Went and read through your tutorial, it was wonderfully photographed and the written directions were very clear and easy to understand and follow. Thank You !

    ReplyDelete
  3. Niky, I love that top pair of headpins. They are so simple but add such a classy look to a pair of earrings! I'm going to try some of these. Thank you so much for this idea.

    ReplyDelete
  4. How clever you are! And how generous to share the idea here! Thanks very much!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm glad you liked it, and look forward to seeing your creations x

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a beautiful pair of earrings. I love the way you turned the headpins into ear wires. Thank you for the ideas.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh these are absolutely fabulous! Thanks so much for sharing.

    ReplyDelete

We would love to hear what you have to say, please leave a comment.