How to Create Your Own Costume Jewelry

• 1

  Snip a length of jewelry wire from the roll, using a flexible gauge for beading or wrapping. How much you cut depends on the type of jewelry you want to make. For example, with 9 inches of wire you can create a bracelet; 20 inches or more can fashion a necklace; and shorter lengths of 3 or 4 inches can be made into drop earrings.

• 2

  Tie one end of the wire in a double knot around a jump ring. The jump ring not only serves as a terminal for beading the wire, but it connects to a clasp once your creation is finished.

• 3

  Bead the length of wire in any pattern you choose. Express your creativity by choosing eclectic beads or unorthodox items. For example, slide an assortment of small shirt buttons on the wire for a funky, bohemian costume necklace or bracelet.

• 4

  Secure a clasp to the free end of the beaded wire. Double knot the jewelry wire. Once it is knotted tightly, squeeze a dot of jewelry glue on the knot to secure it.

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• 5

  Snip away any excess wires from your beaded costume jewelry.

Earrings

• 6

  Snip a length of jewelry wire measuring 3 to 4 inches.

• 7

  Tie one end of the wire to the looped end of an earring hook. Double knot the wire at this point, and squeeze a dot of jewelry glue on each knot. Let the glue dry for 10 minutes. This secures the knots.

• 8

  Grasp the end of the wire, allowing the earring hook to dangle. Slide a bead down the length of the wire. Follow up with two or three more beads in any shape, size or texture you like. This creative part is all up to you.

• 9

  Double knot the free end of the wire and then squeeze a dot of glue on it. Let it dry for 10 minutes. Snip away any excess wire fray to smooth the look of your earrings.