This tutorial will not only show you how to make the ever-popular Wire-Wrapped Bird's Nest Necklace, but will also show how to add other components for the different looks shown below!!
Supplies
3 Yards of 24g wire
3-4 Pearls or beads
Jewelry pliers
Jump-ring(s)
Step 1: FORM NEST BASE
Thread your pearls or beads onto your wire.
Slide them about 8 inches down the wire.
Form a circle so the wire crosses as shown above.
Using the 8 inches of wire on the end, form the base of the nest by wrapping the wire up the edge of one pearl/bead and under the next, up the edge, and under, up, under, etc. until you've used the entire 8 inches of wire.
Step 2: WRAP NEST
Wrap the longer length of wire around the nest repeatedly until you have about 1 yard of wire remaining.
Notes:
I actually prefer to not look at the nest when doing this step because it's easier and the nest turns out more random and natural looking.
Don't wrap your wire tightly around the beads because you'll want the extra "slack" to add kinks later. Plus it makes for a fuller looking nest.
Add a few coils under the nest and then go back to wrapping the outside.
Continue wrapping the outside of the pearls/beads until you have about 2 feet of wire left.
Step 3: SECURE WIRES
Thread the wire between two pearls/beads going from the inside toward the outside of the nest.
Wrap the wire around this part of the nest 3-5 times to hold the wires in place.
If you prefer to only have one "loop section" you can skip to Step 4.
Go between the next two pearls/beads and make another "loop section".
Make "loop sections" for the remaining spaces between the pearls/beads.
Step 4: BURY WIRE ENDS
Thread the remaining wire around the nest, making sure to go through the wire "loop sections" and not around them.
Tuck the end deep inside the nest so they won't poke anyone.
Step 5: ADD TEXTURE TO NEST
Using round-nose pliers, grip individual wires and add kinks in random directions.
This will give the nest a more natural look.
Note: If you're having a hard time getting a grip on particular wires, use a pair of tweezers to wedge it so you can grip it with your pliers.
Continue adding kinks around the entire necklace until you're satisfied with it's appearance.
Step 6: ADD JUMP RING & RIBBON
Add a jump-ring around one of your "looped sections".
Note: I added a second jump-ring so the necklace wouldn't twist.
Thread a 30 inch length of organza ribbon through the jump-ring and you're...
FINISHED!!
Version 1: BIRD CHARM
Just add a bird charm to your necklace ribbon so it dangles near the nest.
Version 2: CHAIN & CHARMS
Put the nest on the end of a 1-2 inch chain.
Add a bird charm and bead charms to chain and necklace ribbon.
Version 3: CONNECTORS & CHARM
Using beads on eye pins and decorative connectors, allow your nest to hang about 2 inches below your necklace ribbon where you can add a bird charm.
Version 4: CONNECTORS, CHAIN, & RIBBON
Add jump-rings to 2 "loop sections".
One one side add a bird connector and on the other add 2 smaller connectors.
Add equal lengths of chain to both sides.
If your chain is shorter than you want the necklace to be, add ribbon to each end for added length.
Thanks for reading!! Until next time...
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What a WONDERFUL tutorial! I love it! I pinned it and plan on making one soon! When I do, I'll be sure to link back to you from my blog again!! You really do have great tutorials!
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great tutorial Lisa. I adore these darling nests with the very last one being my absolute favorite! I'm off to rummage through my craft supplies for some pearls and wire. I have got to try making one of these now. Warm Hugs,
ReplyDeleteI really like this nest with bead /eggs and the bird charm is the perfect touch. Ill have to try to do one soon
ReplyDelete-KAT -
Чудесные украшения! Я в восторге!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa, gorgeous necklaces and great tutorial! My Mum follows your blog and forwarded this to me as I've just started jewellery making, will definitely be attempting version 1, love it.
ReplyDeleteTake a look at my first creations here and follow me too! - http://what-vanessa-does.blogspot.com/
Looking forward to the next jewellery tutorial and loving your blog!
I have a weakness for all bird crafts - and this one rocks!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great tutorial, and what a sweet project!
ReplyDeleteThese are so beautiful and sweet!!! Excellent directions. Thanks so much for sharing these beauties at the Kiss & Tell linky party over at my place! I'm Pinning!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is soo cute going to make one today!!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing tutorial! I think even "all-thumbs" me could follow along.
ReplyDeleteSo glad that you decided to join Pin'Inspiration Thursday this week :-)
Wow, they look amazing! Love :)
ReplyDeleteThese are so cute. If you get the chance I'd love for you to link this (and anything else you would like) at my month long link party. http://acraftycook.blogspot.com/2012/01/1-month-of-fun-january-link-up.html
ReplyDeleteWow, these are so precious!! Think I may be making one in the very near future!! Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteLisa, I just HAD to feature this on my Facebook page today. I'm in love with this necklace and tutorial <3 Thanks for linking it up to Kiss & Tell!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Igottacreate/100573240032625?sk=wall
Really clear tutorial. Thanks for sharing at Shine on Fridays!
ReplyDeleteThese are so pretty!! Thanks for linking up to my party. I can't wait to see what you have next week!
ReplyDeleteLisa, your wrapped birds nests are beautiful and the tutorial is fabulous! I'm pinning your project and spotlighting you on my Facebook page today.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your creativity on "A Little Birdie Told Me..." Tuesday at Rook No. 17.
Jenn
Where did you get the bird connectors? I'm going to make this for a friend for her birthday it's so cute!
ReplyDeletesuper super cute! I love the couple of nests that you added the little birds to but they are all just great! I am glad you shared the "how to" part!
ReplyDeletejaime from crafty scrappy happy
{and thank you so much for linking up}
Beautiful and great tutorial too! :)
ReplyDeleteThese are really lovely and elegant. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGreat Post...very usefulll....
ReplyDeletethanks...
from one beader/crafter to another great tutorial! You made it very easy. Thank you and I am gonna try it:)
ReplyDeleteMight have to try your way is totally different from mine
ReplyDeleteAll necklaces are so good.I think this is the best designing..
ReplyDeletehow nice! dear try to share some big images,so the post will look more good..
ReplyDeleteAll the best!
It looks simple but effective.. and it can be very elegant! Great tutorial :)
ReplyDeleteperfect your tutoriaj!!
ReplyDeleteThese designs are adorable. I was always passionate for Silver jewellry.The jewelry designs looks so pretty. I would feel like a Spanish lady because of the color . Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love these little nest necklaces, I have made four of them. Everyone loved getting them for Easter. Great tutorial..
ReplyDeleteHello, Your blog is great. Simple design and very useful, keep update your blog, I will frequently visit your blog.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, visit my blog too http://hiallnew.wordpress.com/category/crafts/, may be there are articles or video that could be useful for you, do not forget to leave your comment, oke :)
Regards,
Hello World
Hello Lisa I am so glad I found your blog I have always wanted to know how to make the bird nest pendants. Thank you so much. By the way I am hosting a BOOK GIVEAWAY on my blog, FIDDLEDEEDEE JEWELRY. This give away is sponsor by LARK CRAFTS.
ReplyDeleteThe name of the book is, "MAKING WIRE AND BEAD JEWELRY". Written by, JANICE BERKEBILE & TRACY STANLEY. Just go to the link below and follow instructions to become eligible for this giveaway.
http://jaacquelinesjewels.blogspot.com/2012/05/thats-right-this-book-is-up-for-grabs.html
Handmade jewelries are my fashion. And I'm glad i found this blogs because I got some inspiration.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post. I had been looking for something related and found your web site in the process.. I will definitely be back for more.
ReplyDeleteVery Detailed Tutorial - am gonna make one right now!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this wonderful tutorial! Just in time for spring gifting to friends - some birds nest necklaces coming your way!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this wonderful and detailed tutorial!
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog and I am so excited to try this bird's nest!! Your tutorials are great, especially for a "newbie" at wire bending. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise and time with all of us. God's blessings to you and your day! 8)
ReplyDeleteIts so beautiful! I love this tutorial and it looks easy to make. I have to pin this for the future :)
ReplyDelete