In this intermediate-level wire work project, we use a wire jig to create a simple Celtic knot pendant or charm. If you have any questions about this project - or if you'd like to share your own tips and tricks - please click here to post a message in the forum.

Tools and Supplies List

• wire jig (I used the Deluxe Thing-a-Ma-Jig by Beadalon) with 9 3mm pegs and one slightly larger peg
• about 1 foot of 18 gauge wire per charm (I used solid copper wire)
• about 16 inches of 24 gauge wire per charm (I used solid copper wire)
• wire cutters for jewelry making
• smooth flat-nose pliers for jewelry making
• smooth chain nose pliers for jewelry making

Instructions

1. Align the 3mm pegs in a diamond pattern, right next to each other in the jig base, as shown below. Insert the slightly larger peg at the top of the diamond.

2. Starting at the top of the diamond, but below the larger peg, gently wrap the 18 gauge wire down and around the first two rows of pegs and out the other end. Leave 4 or 5 inches of wire as a tail at the top as you do this. (We'll use it to create the bail later on.) Then gently bring the wire up and around two more pegs, and back out the other side of the diamond, creating a loop around four pegs.

Note: Since I'm right-handed, I'm beginning wrapping from the right-hand side of the jig. If you're left-handed, try starting on the left side, as a mirror image to the photos.

3. Now bring the wire down around the very bottom of the diamond and back up and over two rows of pegs, as you did for the first loop. You'll now have a second loop, this one around the four bottom pegs.

4. Repeat this procedure to create your third loop around the four pegs on the other side of the diamond (the left side, if you're working the right-handed method as shown in the photos.) For this final wrap, the wire might get a little wavy as it passes up and over, which you can see in my image below. This happens because the jig is very full of wire at this point. You can use flat nose pliers later to straighten it and make it less noticeable - but for now, concentrate on finishing the jig work.

5. Carefully shimmy the wire off of the jig. It should look something like this:

6. Notice how the top wires cross each other. Use your fingers to align that cross-point as close the center of the loop as possible. (You can see that I'm a little off in the photo below, but the charm still came out pretty well.) Once centered, slowly twist the two wires together like you are securing a wire tie onto a garbage bag. (Grab the two top wires and turn them like a key in a door lock.) Create two twists.

7. Place the round nose pliers over one of the two wires, right up against the top of the twist. Use your other hand to pull the wire up and over the round nose pliers to create a loop, with the wire now pointing downward. (You may need to stop in the middle of this to change the position of the pliers to complete the loop.)

8. Use the flat nose pliers to hold the loop, and use your other hand to wrap the end of the wire around the twists two or three times. When the wrap seems secure, use the cutters to trim off the excess, and squeeze the end down gently using the chain nose pliers.

9. Now create a second loop with the other wire. Place the round nose pliers through the first loop, and use your other hand to pull the second wire around the pliers to create a second loop next to the first. Continue holding both loops in the pliers, and use your other hand to wrap the second wire around the base, as you did with the first wire in Step 8. When it's secure, trim the excess and flatten the end.

Note: If you need to change the direction of your bail, use the flat nose pliers to gently turn the two loops.

10. It's now time to secure the loops using 24 gauge wire. Cut the 24 gauge wire into four lengths of about 3 or 4 inches each. (When you're just starting out, you may want them on the long side; as you become more skilled, you may find that shorter lengths are easier to wrap.) Use the flat nose pliers to bend the wires at their centers, as shown:

11. Use your fingers to pull a folded wire over the crossing-point of two of the loops.

12. Gently pull both ends back around the crossing point, and continue wrapping until the joint feels secure. Trim the excess and flatten the ends.

Note: If you have trouble threading the 24 gauge wire through the design to make the wraps, try using chain nose pliers to hold that end and poke the wire through the design.

13. Wrap the three remaining outside crossing-points to complete your charm.

You may also be interested in:

Making Wire Jewelry: 60 Easy Projects in Silver, Copper & Brass - Amazon.com

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Chris Franchetti Michaels is a writer and jewelry artisan specializing in beaded designs, wire work, and metal fabrication. She is the author of the books Teach Yourself Visually: Jewelry Making and Beading, Beading Quick Tips, and Wire Jewelry Quick Tips. Visit her website BeadJewelry.net for more jewelry-making help and inspiration.