L is for Lovely Loop

Club Creative Studio shared a mini-lesson on how I like to make a double hook on April 8th.  Today we continue the wire project by creating a double loop.  You may want to add to the supply list a ruler and the hook that you made in the prior lesson.

For the hook and loop project, use these tools: chain-nose pliers, flush cutters, stepped forming pliers, round-nose-pliers, wire.

There are a few reasons why artists create their own hybrid jewelry findings like a hook and loop closure.  These hand-made elements add to the over-all design and beauty, originality, and cost effectiveness of the piece. They are also fun to make, can be made to fit a specific design, and adding to the fact that it can be hand-made and not dependant on a manufacturer for its supply.

Enjoy creating your own double hook and loops and experiment with the different sizes and finishes as you develop your skills.

Refer back to the April post to refresh or review the steps to creating the double hook.  This loop will match in design.  Good luck!

Making a lovely loop to go with your hook

STEP ONE:  Gather your materials begin with step two.

Gather all of the tools and materials needed first.

STEP TWO:  To begin you will need to know that you will be working directly from the spool of wire.  Flush cut the end and then measure out about three inches or so of wire from the largest step on the stepped forming pliers.  This amount of wire should give you plenty to wrap around the largest jaw step twice as shown in the photo below.

STEP TWO

STEP THREE:  As you bend both of the straight wires, you’ll want to finally cut the wire from the spool. Trim about one-fourth inch from the loop that you just made. Grasping the long wire with the chain-nose pliers, make a 90 degree bend and continue to make a loop. Holding that loop with the flat-nose pliers, wrap the wire around with the aid of the chain-nose pliers. When the core wires are wrapped (covered) and secure you can trim the extra wire.

STEP THREE

STEP FOUR: Finished wrapped loop.

Related articles

• H is for How to Make a Hook (clubcreativestudio.wordpress.com)

H is for How to Make a Hook

Club Creative Studio blog has a focus on creativity and as a blog challenge participant with the A to Z blog challenge, I also have a focus on a letter. Today’s letter focus is H. The letter H stands for How.  I would like to share HOW I make a Hook.

Are you inspired to create a hook and loop with wire?

To Begin: These are the tools that are needed to create a hand-made wire hook and loop set.

As in the above photo, I suggest that you gather your tools first.  Have on hand silver wire, non-tarnish wire or craft wire.  I used 18-gauge wire in this sample. Also, the hand-held tools are named from top to bottom, chain-nose pliers, flush cutters,stepped forming pliers, round-nose pliers, and not pictured but you will need a ruler, and marker or pen.

Step One:

Cut five inches of wire and flush cut each end.  I measured from one end, one and one half inches and created a shape like a hairpin.  To make that shape I used the round-nose pliers.

Pinched hairpin shape.

Step Two:

As you hold the “U” shape to the bottom, place the short wire to the left and the longer wire to the right. This photo was taken as I twisted so it is seen in reverse. Make a 90 degree bend opposite the short wire. I used the chain-nose pliers for this move. Switch to the round nose pliers to begin your wrapping around for a snug loop and wrap. Trim all excess wires once the shape is formed.

Forming the shape with a pen.

 Step Four:

Holding the wire against a pen or marker, bend from where the wrap starts, bending over the pen to make the hook shape.  At the tip, I used the chain-nose pliers to form a small bend at the tip at about a forty-five degree angle.

Club Creative Studio hand-made wire hook.

The hook is now finished!

Check back on this blog to learn how to make the loop of this HOOK and LOOP lesson. It will be presented on April 12, 2012.