Step Component Instructions Denise J. Bonaimo San Diego Visual Artist and Educator

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San Diego, CA Visual Artist & Educator Denise J.

Step Component Instructions


Fig. 1	Fig. 2	Fig. 3	Fig. 4

Fig. 5	Fig. 6	Fig. 7	Fig. 8

Fig. 9	Fig 10	Fig 11	Fig. 12

This wire component makes a wonderful dangle for an earring or pendant. This design is created by using the squared off portion at the base of your round nose pliers. (Not all round nose pliers have this section, some have a cutter instead. Be careful you are not putting your wire in the cutter portion.) If you cannot find the round nose pliers with the squared off area at the base then a flat nose plier will do. Chain nose pliers also do in a pinch.

Tools: Round Nose Pliers (or Flat Nose Pliers) and Side Cutters, Ball Peen Hammer, Steel Block.

Materials: round, dead soft wire. Recommended Gauge- 22- 18 gauge.

1) Turn a simple "P" loop at the end of your wire. Click here for Simple Loop Instructions.

2) Using the flat, square area at the very base of your round nose pliers (below the thickest rounded section); position your wire perpendicular into the jaws. (Fig. 1)

If you are right handed, the loop should be sticking out of the right edge of the jaws.
If you are left handed, the loop should be sticking out of the left edge of the jaws.

3) Holding firmly, use your thumb to push the wire tightly up against the right angle of the square jaw into a 90° angle bend. (Fig. 2)

4) Loosen your grasp; lift the wire and FLIP the wire end (like you are turning a page in a book) so is now on the original side it began.

5) Reposition the wire back into the square bottom of your plier jaws, this time grasping the wire directly past the 90° angle bend you just made.(Fig. 3)

6) Repeat Step 3-5 continuing to build your step component to about 2” length. (Fig. 4- 10)

7) Make a 45 degree bend with the tips of your round nose pliers halfway throught the last step. (Fig. 11 and Fig. 12)

8) Snip about 1/8”- 1/4" from the end of your last complete step. (Not shown)

9) Tape your wire to the steel block. (Not Shown)

10) Use the ball peen hammer to planish (hammer flat) the steps and the straight tail. Do not hammer the loop at the top. (Not Shown)

Denise J. Bonaimo
Jewelry Designer and Instructor
www.bonaimo.com
artdiva@bonaimo.com