How to Make Hoop Earrings in Different Shapes

by Francesca Stone

What You'll Be Creating

Making your own hooped earrings is so much easier than most people think. Once you've mastered a simple wire loop, you will be able to make a variety of shapes, ranging from on-trend geometric forms to romantic hearts.

Supplies

• 1mm wire
• Flat nose pliers
• Round nose pliers
• Nail file or cup burr
• Ring mandrel (or cylindrical object in your desired hoop size)
• Hammer

1. Circle Hoop Earring

Step 1

After deciding your hoop size, wrap your wire around a ring mandrel (or cylindrical object the correct size) a couple of times at the appropriate point.

Step 2

Cut the wire so it has an overlap of around 2cm.

Step 3

Use your round nose pliers to turn a loop in one end of the wire. Hold the end of the wire in between the two plier points (around the middle) and turn a loop 90 degrees to the side of the wire.

Step 4

Using your flat nose pliers, hold the other end of the wire at the same point as the loop and bend the wire 45 degrees upwards.

Step 5

Slot the straight end into the loop and trim the end to roughly around 5mm.

2. Heptagon Hooped Earring

Step 1

Draw out the shape you would like to create. I've gone for a seven sided, teardrop heptagon shape.

Step 2

Warm up a long piece of wire by running your fingers down the length four to five times. This will make it more malleable. Trace the shape with a long piece of wire, overlapping the first and last side.

Step 3

Trim the ong end at the point it meets the first bend in the shape.

Step 4

Turn a loop in this end the same way we did for the circle hooped earring.

Step 5

Thread the longer end into the loop.

3. Heart Shaped Earrings

Step 1

Cut a section of wire around 4 to 5 inches. There's no need to straighten it as the natural curve will help to create a heart shape.

Step 2

Using your flat nose pliers, bend one end around 80 degrees upwards.

Step 3

Now turn your pliers around and use the curve of the handle to bend the wire around to give an even arc to the left half of the heart.

Step 4

Turn the pliers back around and create a sharp point for the bottom of the heart.

Step 5

Complete the heart by wrapping the other end around your pliers' handle, just as you did with the first curve.

Step 6

Cut the longer end so that it is around 1cm from the middle of the heart and turn a loop, like you did for the circle hooped earring.

Step 7

Slip the other end into the loop and trim to around 5mm.

4. Add the Finishing Touches

Now that you have made the earring shapes, it's time to finish them to a professional standard.

Step 1

Hammer the wires gently. A few taps will strengthen them a little, but you might want to flatten the wire slightly to give a stronger, more lasting finish. Take care not to hammer the part that goes through your ear or the loop (or your fingers!)

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Step 2

File the ends of the wire to create a rounded smooth edge. Cup burrs are perfect for this job, but you can also use a nail file to get rid of any sharp edges.

Customise and Wear

One of the best things about making your own hooped earrings is that you can customise. Create different shapes and words or add beads and tassels. All you need is wire and a little imagination and you can whip up individual pieces that reflect your style and personality in no time!