If you've ever wanted to learn how to make your very own amateurish Shawl Pin/Hair Thing, then you've hit the right spot.
Hiya! I was looking through the #crochet tag when I came across this beautiful creation – How to wire wrap seaglass by @aloha-creations. It's a lovely tutorial and easy to follow.
Anyway, this tutorial inspired me to dig out my beads and wires. I wasn't sure what I'd make but I was certain it would be amateurish. If you'd also like to know how to make an amateurish shawl pin or hair thing, read on for more.
Here are some of the tools, bits and bobs.
I selected a gold-coloured wire (probs around 14 or 16 gauge – don't quote me – it might have been 18 gauge). Whatever, it was sturdy but pliable. The beautiful greenish-blue abalone shell beads were calling to me so I selected 3 for this piece, checking to make sure the holes were big enough and could be thread onto the wire.
Then I didn't know what to do :P
Ok, I decided to smooth out the little kinks in the wire with the nylon nosed pliers. I can't remember why but I remember seeing this in some tutorial in the distant past.
Then I bashed the 'pin' end with the hammer on the rubber block. I wasn't satisfied so I hit it some more on the little anvil.
It's early Sunday morning and I like my neighbours so I kept this to a minimum. The reason you smack it up a bit is to harden the metal. It's important not to overdo this step or you'll destroy the wire.
Then it was time to get creative!
There was lots of turning and bending with the round-nosed pliers and pinching with the flat-headed pliers. Luckily, there was no crying. All the materials are cheap so it didn't matter if I messed up :P
I put a bead on the wire and secured it with more wire bending. Let's just say this was an organic process. Bending, turning, securing, adding a bead.
One of the bends is used as a stopper for the pin. I turned the back to create a loop/hook so that it doesn't fall out of the garment or hair that's wearing it.
I had loads of fun making this and will no doubt be back with more amateurish tutorials on how to make stuff with wire and beads.
I hope you'll add links to your proper tutorials in the comments below so that I can learn how to do this properly.
Thanks for reading.
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