Simple Briolettes

Learn this simple approach and then let your imagination run wild with this easy craft from The Bead Studio!

Materials:

• Briolette or teardrop beads
• 24g Half hard sterling wire
• chain (optional)
• Wirecutter
• Round-nose Pliers
• Chain-nose Pliers

Steps:

1. Cut 4" of wire for each briolette.
   
   
    
2. Thread bead onto wire so that 1/2" is on one side and the 3 1/2" on the other side.
   
   
    
3. Bend both wires up to form a triangle.
   
   
    
4. Be sure bead is centered, pinch wires with the chain nose plier so both wires are pointed straight up from the pointed tip of the bead.
   
   
   
    
5. With the chain-nose plier bend the long wire to a right angle about 1/8" over the bead.
   
   
   
    
6. Use the wire cutters to trim the short wire to the point where the long wire bends over.
   
   
   
    
7. Use the round nose plier to create a loop above the bead, to do this place the round nose plier so the jaw is above the wire and use your thumb to bend the wire up and around the plier until you bring the wire back to a right angle. Be sure to rotate the plier 1/4 turn while forming the loop to create a perfectly rounded loop. Remember the tool is merely the form you are using to shape the wire. you control it with your fingers in a push and pull motion.
   
   
   
    
8. Add chain if desired and close loop by wrapping the long wire over the two wires starting at the base of the loop and working toward the tip of the bead.
   
   
    
9. Trim excess wire and carefully tuck the tip of the wire down.