The leaves outside are falling, but we're making a Tree of Life Pendant

The Tree of Life symbolizes rebirth and renewal, and to me, fall represents the beginning of this process as nature prepares itself to begin its life cycle again in the spring. Making a Tree of Life Pendant is a way to honor the Circle of Life while sharpening your wire working skills. That's why I chose it for the project for this week's Facebook Live. I picked some of our newer Artistic Wires to feature, and hopefully, you'll be inspired to try some new materials!

Materials:
16 Gauge Hexagonal Wire

24 or 26 Gauge Artistic Wire Twisted

4mm Beads or Gemstone Chips

Tools:

3D Bracelet Jig Sizing Drum (small)

Nylon Jaw Pliers

Wire Cutters

Round Nose Pliers

Flat Nose Pliers

Instructions:

1. Use the Nylon Jaw Pliers to straighten the Hexagonal Wire.
2. Use the small 3D Bracelet Jig Sizer Drum to shape your Wire into a circle. Cross the wires over themselves and make a Wrapped Loop at the Top. Add a large hole bead for a decorative touch if you'd like.
   
   
3. Cut at least 8 x 10 inch lengths of Artistic Wire Twisted.
4. Attach them all to the bottom of your Wire Frame by wrapping them in the middle 3 times each.
   
5. Twist a few of the wires together in a random way about a third of the way into the circle.
   
6. Grasp all of the Wires and wrap them all so that it makes a "trunk" approximately in the middle of the Wire Frame.
7. Spread all of the Wires apart and twist a few together randomly for a few twists.
8. Add beads to the wires and wrap them each around the frame three times to lock them in place.
   
9. Snip off the ends and flatten them down against the Frame.
   
10. Experiment with different kinds of Wires for your Frame and your branches for all kinds of different effects! This Pendant was made using Artistic Wire Square Braid and finished with an Artistic Wire Crimp Tube. I'll attach it to a chain with a Jump Ring.
    

You can catch up on the Facebook Live Video and join in the fun. We'll be running a comment contest during the live broadcast to win some of the materials that we're working with, so don't forget to turn on your live notifications so you can join us!

Happy Beading,

Meredith