Spacers tutorial

We all know the expense of gold and silver findings. After much trial and error,

I have found a way to make gold or silver spacers at a minimal cost. You do not

have to use the gauge of wire I used. Use whatever you feel comfortable with.

MATERIALS NEEDED

6" gold or siver wire(I used 14c, 22 gauge, 1/2 hard gold filled square .

15" 21 gauge 1/2 hard gold filled round.

Wire cutters

Round nose pliers.

Flat nosed pliers

First cut a 6" square gold or silver wire.
Cut a 14" 1/2 round.
Polishing the wire straightens it and also makes it stronger.
Take your 6" piece of wire and mark it in the center (1). Move over to one side about 3mm and wrap the wire around your round nosed pliers to form a loop. (2) This will be your first loop in your spacer. (3) Move pliers about 4mm to one side of your first loop and take the long end of wire and wrap around pliers. Do the same for other side. (4)
With these measurments your spacer will be approximatly 3/4". If you want a larger spacer, then adjust accordenly. You can make as many loops as you need. After you make the loops take the flat nosed pliers and squeeze the loops so they lie flat.

For the next step, take your claw nosed pliers and bend wire upwards along side of the loops. (5)

Try not to have too much of a space between loops and the beginning side of your spacer. (6) To do this use the tip of the pliers, for you do not want the frame to exceed your loops. Bend wire over your loops. Try to keep frame even. Same dimensions on both

sides.

Take the claw nosed pliers and make another (7) bend. This will be the start of your frame. Try to make your frame same size or height as your loops. (8) Bend your wire so now you will have 2 wires running across the
top

Repeat (8), so that now you will have
two wires on the top and the sides. (9)Now take your wire and bend both of them over the unfinished loop side. Including the loops you will have three wires. (10)

Take the 15" 21 gauge 1/2 round 1/2 hard, and you can now start wrapping. Wrap around pulling your wire very tight. If my loops are big enough, I like to put a couple of wraps through the loops. It helps to keep your clasp nice and tight. Keep wrapping till you get to the top of your side wrap. Cut off your two top extending wires. Cut them just a little shorter then your frame. When cutting the wire, cut on angle so the longer angled wire will fit against the other wires. It just makes for a neater wrap. Finish wrapping with 2 wraps in the loops. When I am done I usually take the flat nosed pliers and flatten the spacer.

Finished clasp.

I still need practice, but they are getting better. As the saying goes.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
My next tutorial will be on making a hook for necklaces or bracelets.

Until next time.

Peace be with you and have a wonderful day.