So, I am crazy excited to share today’s jewelry tutorial with you. These earrings are my go to piece for several reasons. They are beautiful, unique and go with all kinds of outfits. I got the idea when flattening wine bottles in my kiln. I remembered the tiny bottles, or vials that people fill with mica powder and little notes and thought it would be so cool to flatten them. I wasn’t sure what I would do with them flat, but as soon as the kiln cooled and I laid eyes on them, I knew I wanted to wire wrap and wear them!
MATERIALS
7 Gypsies Amber Apothecary Bottles
10 coordinating seed beads
TUTORIAL
Fuse your bottles, one at a time in your microwave kiln. I showed you how to use that here: DIY Wine Bottle Earrings. You can also use a regular kiln if you have that. Let them cool to room temperature before continuing.
Cut 7 inches of wire and string 5 beads onto it.
Place beads in front and situate wire at neck of fused bottle as shown.
Bring the left side wire around the bottle neck and back to the front as shown.
Wrap both wire ends around the neck a few times, ending with 2 wire tails in the back as shown.
Wrap the two ends as shown so that they are vertical.
Coil one end around the other as shown.
Trim the end of the wire you just coiled.
Use the flat nose pliers to bend the remaining tail to form a 90 degree angle.
With the round nose pliers, form a loop as shown.
Thread the ear wire onto the loop, then trim the excess tail.
I love them! I can’t wait to make more. Next I will use clear vials and color them with alcohol ink. Exciting stuff!
I love your tutorials, thank you. Have you had any issues with the recycled glass, any glass I should stay away from? I did not think you could use non “fusing” glass. Now I am so excited!!!!!
Hi Brandie. So glad you like my work. As far as recycled glass goes, it is unpredictable. Fusing glass is consistent and tested for great results every time. Recycled glass is random, so you just have to try and hope it turns out well. I have had great luck. The good thing is that if your project doesn’t turn out, you aren’t out any cash. Have fun experimenting!