Belated Maker's Monday: Wise Owl Earrings

I'm starting a new series for  blog called "Maker's Monday" where I share with you the how-to details of recreating the things I make. Mostly it will be jewelry project instructions but I might throw in some recipes and other crafty projects. Yesterday's project was delayed due to technical difficulties, but here it is now!

First up is a pair of Wise Owl Earrings perfect for the jewelry novice. For this pair, I used sterling silver jewelry findings and the small owl charms are brass with an antique silver finish. If you cannot find the charms or want something else, feel free to substitute.

Wise Owl Earrings

Supplies:
2 fishhook ear wires
2 scroll components
6 3mm open jump rings
6 small owl charms 11mm x 4 mm (It appears my supplier no longer carries them...)

Tools and Supplies

Tools:
Jeweler's pliers (one or two pairs, depending on your preference)

Instructions:

1.  Open all of your jump rings. You can either use just your fingers, a pair of pliers or two pairs of pliers. At the split of the jump ring, gently push the left side away from you while gently pulling the right side toward you. Be careful not to open the jump ring too wide - it can distort the shape and weaken the metal. You also want to make sure you don't open the jump ring but pulling the two sides out to the side because that will weaken the metal as well.

Opening the jump rings with care...

2.  Work one jump ring through the hole of each owl charm.

3.  Slip the open jump ring with charm onto a hole of the scroll component and close the jump ring once you've added it to the scroll, making sure the owls all face "front." You'll close the jump rings by reversing how you opened the jump ring - pull the left toward you and push the right away from you until both sides meet. You should hear a tiny click if they are lined up perfectly. Repeat for each hole.

Adding the charms to the scroll...

4.  Repeat for the other scroll component.

One scroll complete...

5.  Open the loop of your fishhook ear wire by clasping it in the pliers with one hand and holding the high arch of the ear wire firmly between your thumb and index finger of your other hand. Gently twist the pliers away from you and the ring should open. Don't open too far so you don't damage the metal.

Opening the ear wire loop with care...

6.  Slip the top loop of your scroll onto the open loop, making sure the owls are facing front. Close the loop by reversing the opening motion - gently twisting the pliers toward you.



7.  Repeat these steps for the second ear wire.

Hope you enjoyed this simple project idea!

I hope this sweet pair of earrings gives you inspiration! I've also made these earrings with top-drilled Swarovski bicones (6mm) and it turned out very cute. Did you try another variation other than owls?