Tutorial - How to make a Festive Fairy Nest!

Sometimes when you are working away on your wire projects, you'll end up with some scrap wire.
Although there will be nothing wrong with the wire in itself, it will be so bent out of shape you just can't possibly use it for a project... or can you?

Here is an easy little project which uses up those scraps to make some cute earrings!

To make your Fairy Nest Earrings:

(You will also need some jump rings to attach the earhooks - I forgot to put them in the picture!)

This wire I used was left over from prototypes for my Holly Sea Glass necklace. 
They already had wrapped loops in them from which I could hang the earring hooks, but if your scraps are not yet joined, you will need to make a wrapped loop in one part, and twist any pieces of wire that you are using together.  Your wire lengths will need to be at least 2" (5cm) to work, and you will need a longer piece for the final step.

 Step1:  If you are working from a wrap, use your wire cutters to open them.  You will need at least one piece of long wire with an open end.
If you are working from lengths, create a wrapped loop halfway along the longest piece of wire.  Attach your other pieces under the loop using twists - don't worry if they slide a little, we'll fix that in the next step!

Step 2:  Leaving your long piece of wire (in which the loop is formed) to one side, use your round nosed pliers to start to twist the other pieces up into a round bundle.
You may also find it helps you use your fingers to do this, but be careful of any sharp ends!
 Don't bundle the wire too tightly, but this is where you can work loops over each other to hold the wire scraps securely.
Tips:  Try not to bend the wire backwards and forwards too much if you are using pieces that have already been bent before, as this can weaken it.
Make sure you tuck any cut ends into the centre of your bundle so you end up with a smooth ball.

Step 3:  Now for the fun part!  Thread some seed beads onto your last length of wire.  (These are the Fairies that will be flying around the nest!)

Step 4:  Using your round nose pliers wrap the final piece of wire around the outside of your bundle, spacing the beads as you go.

Step 5:  Repeat with another set of wire - or two if you want to make a matching pendent!  It is entirely up to you, and how much scrap wire you want to use up!  Be careful to check when you make your bundle that it is of an even size to your first nest.

Step 6:  Using your jump rings, attach your earring hooks to the loops.... and you're done!

Tips:  The size of the earrings will depend on how much wire you use and how tightly you wrap it.  Why not try different amounts to make a bigger Fairy Nest?
I chose to use some multicoloured glass beads for my fairies, as they contrasted nicely with the dark green of the wire, and lent it a festive air, however your Fair Nest can be whatever colour you want it to be.  Perhaps try out some silver beads with gold wire for an elegant look... experiment with whatever you have! :)

I hope you've enjoyed this tutorial, and look out for more coming in the new year!