Make Your Own Spiral Head Pins

re: Make Your Own Spiral Head Pins

Gail — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:21:36 GMT

Thanks for the tip. I did almost the same for some ear wires. I I just turned up the curl and slipped on the earring.

re: Make Your Own Spiral Head Pins

AnneM — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:08:22 GMT

Thanks for the help Jean. It worked! Nina

re: Make Your Own Spiral Head Pins

JeanC — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:12:26 GMT

Nina- Be sure that you've changed the round-nose pliers' jaws so the top jaw is in the loop. Then just pull the wire over the top of the jaws. This will create a little circle that you can grab onto with your chain-nose pliers. Next you'll be wrapping the wire so the revolutions sit side-by-side. Does that help? Jean

re: Make Your Own Spiral Head Pins

AnneM — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:21:08 GMT

Hi Jean, I am new to wireworking. I have tired to make the decorative head pins but get lost between steps 5 and 6! Mine came out like a big knot. What am I doing wrong? Thanks Nina

re: Make Your Own Spiral Head Pins

Beadazzled — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:19:45 GMT

Great idea for a decorative headpin, Jean. I usually just fold the end of my wire against the main wire and trim it to be about 1/8" long and then slide the beads on. Your idea is more decorative! 2 good recommendations to help out: 1. When twisting wire, try using NYLON JAW PLIERS instead of metal pliers. They won't scratch the wire. Use your round nose pliers to start the spiral ring and then use the NYLON JAW pliers to twist the wire around the ring. 2. I love the copper wire available from Artistic Wire (the Natural Copper finsih) or Darice, since they don't tarnish. (With the Artistic Wire, the Natural finish stays shiny, while the Bare Copper finish will darken with use.)

re: Make Your Own Spiral Head Pins

Deb — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:42:17 GMT

Jean, Sure looked like teeth to me! Do you think you can find someplace (like and LBS) to get some new ones? ::stirring:: The bride came in yesterday afternoon and I showed her the spiral headpin to use to make a drop dangle for her necklaces. SHE WAS THRILLED - such a simple touch made the world of difference! We BOTH thank you for this one!!

re: Make Your Own Spiral Head Pins

Julia S — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:13:42 GMT

Love this idea!! I love Sharilyn's stuff also. I have made most of her stuff out of copper and the annealed steel wire from the hardware. I love the earthy feel of it compared to the brilliance of silver. Another idea for headpins is to actually tie a knot in the wire and trim it close to the knot on one end and leave the other side for the pin. I then file the burr off the ends of the wire to smooth it out for use. Each one ends up a little different and you have to pull hard to get the knot to tighten, but it never does tighten like string unless it's the 26 gauge or smaller. Try it, you might be suprised at what you get!!

re: Make Your Own Spiral Head Pins

marcosangels — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:32:24 GMT

Those are wonderful and so easy, cant wait for more tips.

re: Make Your Own Spiral Head Pins

susan — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:42:17 GMT

Great idea - I am going to try them tonight!!! Love the look of copper. I enjoyed the review of Sharilyn's book - I have a couple of her DVD's and "Bead on a Wire" and she is an awesome teacher. Thanks.

re: Make Your Own Spiral Head Pins

JeanC — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:22:43 GMT

Deb-Don't worry, those are jeweler's chain-nose pliers--just pretty beat up as the edges are all bent up. I guess it's time to get some new tools!

re: Make Your Own Spiral Head Pins

Diana — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:10:04 GMT

Thanks for the great idea! I'm heading out to my shop now to try it.. and by the way, we must have the same hairdressor lol Love copper and turquoise!

re: Make Your Own Spiral Head Pins

Deb — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:56:03 GMT

VERY NICE, JEAN!!! I have a bride coming in soon to make jewelry sets for her bridesmaids and we've been trying to think of ways to make headpins a little fancier than hammering the end of the wire to make a "paddle". These can be just about any size to accommodate the bead and are very simple to make. Just one comment - do you REALLY use those chain nose pliers instead of the "jeweler's" variety - you know, the ones with no teeth to scratch the wire? I think I'd use the nylon jawed chain nose pliers - especially if I was using a color coated or plated wire. THANKS for the inspiration - I know the bride will thank you, too! Deb - AZ Bead Depot

re: Make Your Own Spiral Head Pins

Dig — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:40:48 GMT

Thank you very much for showing this one Ms. Jean! I thought that we could make our own headpins, I just wasn't as clever as you to figure out how! Now I know and my mind is reeling with ideas of how to make others! How about one made like a rosette ring? I made some earrings with a little rosette, I'm pretty sure it would work as a headpin too! Here's where I got the idea for the earrings... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnVtnqh0vHU Cool, eh? <3 Dig :D XOXOX

re: Make Your Own Spiral Head Pins

kittykins — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:45:09 GMT

I love this idea and can't wait to try it. the coil would stay tight to the bead and be decorative too. And the best thing is that you don't have to take out the torch! Thanks Jean!

re: Make Your Own Spiral Head Pins

kmeador — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:28:33 GMT

I am so pleased to see this method. I've been trying to make these, but using the wrong end of the spiral as the pin. My method makes the spiral sit ascrew on the bead - your's actually works. Thanks! Karen, Dreamcatcher Designs