Metal wire is a centuries-old jewelry making medium that's affordable, versatile, and adaptable to all kinds of design ideas. In honor of Valentine's Day, here's a basic wire wrap heart to use as a jewelry focal point or as an accent detail. The basic wire heart unit can be strung as a pendant, or linked together with jump rings to create a funky chain. Try experimenting with various embellishments and different wire metals, sizes, and lengths.

Supplies List

• About 11 inches of 20 gauge wire per heart. (Colourcraft colored copper wire is shown in the examples.)
• (Optional) 6mm jump rings, beads or charms for embellishing the completed hearts. A silver plate hook bookmark is used in the final example piece.

Tools List

• Nylon jaw pliers
• Round nose pliers
• Flat nose pliers
• Side-cut wire cutters
• Needle file
• Chain nose pliers

Instructions

1. Begin with one length of 20 gauge wire. I recommend pulling it firmly through nylon jaw pliers to both straighten and stiffen it. This is especially useful if you're using copper or colored copper wire (like Colourcraft), which is very soft.

2. Bend the ends slowly toward each other and past each other. Continue slowly in this direction until you've made a small loop in the middle of the wire. This will be the top of the heart. (This will probably take a little practice, as you get accustomed to how the wire behaves.)

3. Hold the small loop gently between your fingers, as shown below. With your other hand, gently bring the ends of the wire together so they cross like an "X." This will be the pointed bottom of the heart.

4. Hold the intersection of the crossed wires together with round nose pliers.

5. While holding the wire firmly with the pliers, wrap one end around the nose of the pliers to form the beginning of a loop.

6. Remove the pliers and reinsert them into the loop so that you're
holding the loop by its side, and continue wrapping to complete the loop. Then,
holding the heart firmly in your fingers, gently wrap the other wire
end around the base of the loop, crossing it over the first wire and wrapping
around. (Make sure it's the other wire end, and not the one you just
used to make the loop - you'll have a lot more leverage.)

7. Bring the wire back around again to complete one full wrap.

8. Hold the end loop gently with flat nose pliers, and wrap both wire ends - one at a time - enough times that they will stay secure.

9. Trim the ends with cutters, and file the ends a little to debur them. Using small chain nose pliers, gently flatten each end down against the wraps.

If you'd like to make a chain of hearts, link them together using 6mm (outside diameter) jump rings. In my Chain of Hearts Bookmark below, I link slightly different sizes of hearts and embellish them with Czech glass beaded drops.

Project copyright notes:
You are free to use these wire wrap hearts in your own original designs, including those you wish to sell. However, the Chain of Hearts Bookmark shown above is copyright 2006, Chris Franchetti, and may not be replicated for sale without written permission.

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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.