Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant, Classic Wire Jewelry. Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry. Many of us do not have access to a bead store where we can hand pick our supplies, we order them and hope for the best.

Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant

by Judy Larson
  • Category: Classic
  • Technique(s): Wrapping
  • Skill Level: Beginner
Many of us do not have access to a bead store where we can hand pick our supplies, we order them and hope for the best. Every once in a while the items we order do not live up to our expectations. Case in point - the cabochon used here. It is a green crazy lace agate that has lace elements only on the very edge. To use the cabochon, the large plain area needed to be covered and the best part left visible. A cross-hatching of wire over the lower and center part of the pale green area was the solution.

Materials

21 Gauge Square Half Hard .925 Sterling Silver Wire
H8-21SQH
  • Lesson Quantity: 40.00 inches
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 5FT
  • Price: $16.07
  • Gold Club Price: $12.05
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21 Gauge Half Round Half Hard .925 Sterling Silver Wire
H8-21HRH
  • Lesson Quantity: 26.00 inches
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 5FT
  • Price: $6.44
  • Gold Club Price: $4.83
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30x22MM Assorted Oval Cabochon Mix PK20
E1-367
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $26.00
  • Gold Club Price: $19.50
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Tools

C.H.P Milano Italian Flush Cutter, 5 1/2 Inches
PLR-487.00
  • PLR-487.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $16.97
  • Gold Club Price: $12.73
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3 Step Wire Wrapping Pliers - Pack of 1
G2-19
  • G2-19
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $13.95
  • Gold Club Price: $10.46
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painters tape
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
5 Piece Steel Mandrel Set
G7-5
  • G7-5
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $12.95
  • Gold Club Price: $9.71
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Instructions
Step 1
Straighten and cut five 8½" long pieces of 21 gauge square wires.
Step 2
Bundle the 5 wires together, taping the wires together 2" in from the ends to stabilize the unit. Use a Sharpie to mark the center of what will be the back side of the wire bundle.
Step 3
If not using a calibrated 30x22mm cabochon but one of a similar size, prepare a Cabochon Circumference Template. Measure the circumference of your cabochon: Wrap the outer edge of your cabochon with a narrow strip of painters tape. Cut the tape off where it overlaps.
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Step 4
Remove the tape from the cabochon and place it on a piece of paper. Transfer the measurements in the photo to the paper and tape. The first mark out either side of center is 7/8" away from center. The outer line on either side of center, ¾" out from the 7/8" line, denotes the full circumference of the cabochon, in this case 3.25" and is approximately where the bail wires will be bent.
Place the center line on the wire bundle back on the center mark of the template. Transfer the markings to the wire bundle with a Sharpie.
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Step 5
Using 21 gauge half round wire, make 4 wraps to show (meaning there will be 4 full wraps showing on the outside of the wire bundle and 5 wires showing on the inside) over the center line on the wire bundle. Trim the excess wrap wire off so it covers at least half the back side of the square wire bundle. Place the wire bundle back on the template to make sure that the wire wrap is centered over the center mark. Make needed adjustments and then snug the wrap into place with flat nose pliers.
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Step 6
Beginners: Center the wrap on the center line on one end of the polymer clay cabochon mandrel-first photo. Hold the wrap in place while forming the wires into a crossed "U" as shown-second photo. More advanced: Shape the wire bundle around the lower half of the cabochon in the same manner.
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Step 7
Remove the tape from the wires (save to reuse). Gently separate two wires from the bundle on either side of center. Tape these two wires together 2" in from the ends.
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Step 8
With the taped wires facing down, place the unit on a flat surface. Place the cabochon in the "U" shape. Secure the cabochon to the taped wires as shown. Make sure that the tape is close to the top end of the cabochon so it will not be in the way of the design wires but also making sure the cabochon cannot easily slip out.
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Step 9
Center a 5/16" mandrel on the center wrap. Shape the top wires on either side of center around the mandrel, crossing the ends left over right, on top of the cabochon. Pull the wire ends out to the side and under the two loose wires-first photo. Each of the two shaped wires should cross over a 7/8" marked line on the lower two taped wires-second photo.
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Step 10
Bend the next wire, the second wire down, around and over the previous one, crossing the ends left over right, on top of the cabochon. The distance between the wires is about 1/16". Pull the wire ends out to the side and under the one remaining wire.
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Step 11
Bend the last wire, the third wire down, around and over the previous ones, again crossing the ends left over right, on top of the cabochon. The distance between the wires is about 1/16".
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Step 12
Adjust the design wires. Pull the wires down over the sides of the cabochon. Mark the lower design wire (from Step 9) where it crosses over the 7/8" marked line on the two taped together wires. Mark the other design wires where they cross the lower two taped together wires.
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Step 13
Remove the tape and cabochon. Holding the flat nose pliers just inside the mark, bend the lower design wire (from Step 9) on each side to conform to the shape of the lower two taped together wires.
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Step 14
Note: Adjustments may be needed in the position of the design wire bends so they are even with each other. It may be helpful to position the cabochon under the design after each bend and wrap. Using 21 gauge half round wire and working from the spool, start at the bend and make three wraps to show going toward the top of the unit. Trim the beginning wrap tail if needed. Do not cut the wrap wire. Make the bend on the mark on the next wire.
Make three wraps to show from this bend toward the top of the unit. Make the bend on the mark on the next wire. Continue to wrap all five wires together until the outer mark on the lower two wires is reached. Cut the wrap wire off, leaving a 2-2½" tail. Repeat with the other side, but DO NOT cut the wrap wire off at the end.
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Step 15
Secure the five wires between the flat nose plier jaws, covering the outer line just a hair. Using your fingers, bend the wires at a 90° angle AWAY from the wrong side of the bundle, TOWARD the outside (right side) of the wire bundle.
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Step 16
Check the fit of the cabochon or the polymer clay cabochon mandrel. Because the half round wire added thickness when it was wrapped more than halfway around the bezel, the bezel will need to be made a bit larger to fit the cabochon. Carefully flatten the wires and bend them a bit further out. Check the fit again. Repeat the process until the cabochon fits and the wire wrapped bezel sides visually match in length. Wire wrap up to the bend in the frame. DO NOT cut the wrap wires off.
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Step 17
Using the wrap wire attached to the spool, make three very tight wraps connecting both sets of 5 wires that will be used to make the bail. Push the wraps as close to the base of the wire bundle as possible.
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Step 18
If needed, wrap the short wrap wire around the bezel to fill in empty space, ending on the back side-first photo. Push the wrap wire into the center of the bezel and pull toward the front. Trim the wire tail close to the front of the bezel-second photo.
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Step 19
Tape the cabochon in place. Use round nose pliers to bend the back bezel wire on either side of center bottom to create a table for the cab to sit on.
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Step 20
Remove the tape from the wires. Pull the back four wires, two on either side of center, slightly away from the bundle. Using the largest section of a 3-step pliers, grasp the two separated wires about ½" up from the last wrap. Bend the wires around the plier barrel as shown until they touch the back of the cabochon. Note: The wires in the photo are longer than yours will be-first photo. Make a 30° bend in the bail wires about 1/8" up from the last wrap. You will need to hold the assembly up and "eyeball" where to place your pliers for the bend-second photo.
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Step 21
Hold the bail wires tightly against the back of the cabochon. Using the long wrap wire, tightly wrap going down around the bail wires and previously wrapped section, securing the bail wires tightly to the assembly. Tap/snug down the half round wire after each wrap. Try not to overlap the wraps but to have them nestle tightly side by side. End on the back. Trim the wrap wire tail to 1½". Slip the wrap wire tail between the cabochon and bezel just under the last wrap. Pull the wire tightly to the front. Trim the wire even with the bezel wires.
Pro Tip: If desired, a very small flat screwdriver such as one found in eyeglass repair sets can push the wire tip up between the bail wires.
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Step 22
Trim the back bail wires to 3/8" long below the last wrap. Use round nose pliers to create a small loop in the end of each. Press the loops flat against the cabochon. These will hold the top of the cabochon in place. Separate the bail wires if desired.
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Step 23
Spread the remaining wires apart, three on each side. Trim the wires to a scant ¼" in length. Using the smallest step of three step pliers, curve the wires down towards the bail wrap wires. Use chain nose pliers to finish tucking the wires in place.
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Step 24
Make any adjustments necessary. Your pendant is finished!
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon
Judy Larson's Art Deco Wire Wrapped Pendant - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, wire wrapped cabochon