Wire Wrap Rings – Tutorial
by Rena Klingenberg.
Wire wrap rings - I have sold a ton of these at art and craft shows!
This wire wrap rings tutorial is a very fast and easy project. You can quickly make a ton of these from bits of wire left over from other projects, or from a pile of new wire pieces you cut to size.
They’re comfortable and adjustable – and, as you’ll see at the end of this tutorial, there are endless creative ways you can embellish this basic design.
This is another great jewelry-making project for teenagers or pre-teens.
They would especially enjoy fancying these up with some of the variations I list at the end of this tutorial!
And these rings are very cheap to make – using copper or brass you can make them for less than 5 cents each – or about 20 of them for $1.
If you sell them, I’ve found that $3 per ring is a price that’s very profitable for me, and my customers feel that it’s a good value for them.
I’ve sold loads of these little wire rings at craft shows and other events where I’ve displayed them in a charming little wooden box.
I originally intended them to be an impulse-purchase item for little girls (which has been a very successful strategy) – but I soon discovered that teens and adults were also drawn to them, especially to wear as pinkie or toe rings.
So if you’re making these to sell, you may want to also make some larger ones to fit adults.
Supplies
Wire Tip:
If you don’t have suitable scrap wire on hand, I found these super-cheap yellow packages of 16- and 18-gauge copper and brass wire in the picture-hanging supplies at Lowe’s (home improvement store).
Or you can find small, affordable rolls of brass wire (such as the little 4-oz. spool shown above) inexpensively at craft / bead stores and jewelry suppliers.
Here’s what you’ll need
to make 1 ring:
- Soft or half-hard round wire, in 16-, 18- or 20-gauge. You’ll need a piece that’s somewhere between 3″ (7.6 cm) and 5″ (12.7 cm) long, depending on how big you’d like to make your ring, and how fancy you plan to get with the two ends of it.
For the basic ring I made in this tutorial, I used a 3″ (7.6 cm) piece of 18-gauge copper wire; the finished ring fits up to size 4.5 in the U.S. (U.K. size I, Europe size 7.97).
- Flush cutter / side cutter for cutting your wire.
- Round nose pliers.
- Ring mandrel, dowel, or other item you can wrap the wire around to form it into a ring.
How to Make Wire Wrap Rings
Start out with the piece of wire you’ve cut to somewhere between 3″ (7.6 cm) and 5″ (12.7 cm) long:
Then use your round-nose pliers to turn a small loop at each end of the wire:
The two loops should be facing in opposite directions:
Then wrap your wire piece around your mandrel or dowel. The wire loops you made should overlap slightly, so the finished ring can adjust slightly to a larger size while still completely circling the wearer’s finger:
And that’s all there is to it, for creating the basic wire wrap rings.
You may want to run them through your tumbler if you have one, to harden and polish them up a bit.
Or you may want to move on to doing something fancier with this basic project:
Ideas for Variations
- Instead of shaping your wire ends into simple loops, make them in to big spirals or other geometric shapes.
- Give your wire wrap rings a hammered texture.
- Use twisted square wire instead of round.
- Oxidize or patina the finished ring.
- Use colorful Artistic Wire instead of copper, brass, or silver. Consider twisting two or more colors together.
- Add a bead or two to the design.
- Dangle a tiny charm or stamped tag from one of the ring’s loops.
- Make one of the end loops fairly large, and use a piece of 24-gauge wire to wire-wrap a bead into it.
Ready for the next level of
wire ring making?
Don’t miss my free Easy Folded Wire Ring Tutorial – you’ll learn how to create wire rings like these:
Easy Folded Wire Ring Tutorial by Rena Klingenberg
Want to Learn the Basics of
Designing Your Own Wire Jewelry?
In my Design and Make Artistic Jewelry Components video class, you’ll learn how to get great ideas for wire jewelry designs – and then follow my easy system for turning those ideas into successful pieces of jewelry.
By the end of this online video class, you’ll be designing and making your own artistic earwires, clasps, connectors, and pendant bails.
You’ll also learn my tips for making wire jewelry more easily, with more professional looking results.
Comments:
Wonderful
by: Iris
Nice idea to have $3 items like these at your booth. I like the simplicity of these, but I would never have thought to wear them on my toes! I know a lot of people probably would, though. Thank you for another good idea.
wire wrap rings
by: Rena
Thank you Iris! I know, my toes don’t like wearing rings, but many people’s toes do! :o)
I forgot to mention that inside the lid of the little box where I display these rings, I have a sign saying “Handmade Adjustable Rings – $3”.
Most people are happy to find a nice, well-made jewelry item they can purchase for their little girl (or themselves) for only $3!
Wire Wrap Rings
by: Bev Carlson
What a great idea. Simple but somewhat elegant. And adjustable. Perfect.
great idea!
by: Joan
I love this idea and will probably use it at a big craft show I have coming up in a couple months. Thanks Rena!
P.S. I’ve used your treasure chest idea at the last couple shows and it really works!
Great little rings idea
by: zoraida
These quick and easy rings are a great idea for craft shows. Most people will not hesitate to buy one at $3 especially for young girls.
I can visualize many ways to embellish them – maybe coil around it, make 2 rows and weave them together?
I think I’ll make some for my next crafts show.
Thanks!
wire rings
by: Christa
I have made similar rings in the past, but I have been using 20g soft sterling silver and 14K Gold-filled square wire.
Thanks, Rena!
by: Lynda
Another great idea, Rena. This will be a great addition to the file of ideas for a teen workshop. Or for anyone for that matter!
Thanks
by: Anonymous
Thank you so much! In my small jewelry business the only thing that I sell used to be earrings, but now these rings seem easy to make! (I’m only 11!)
Wire Wrap Rings
by: Sonja and Janae
Thanks Rena! I love your idea ( all for that matter). Simple, quick to make and a great item to get our customers shopping. Again thanks! We have a big event next month that we can make some for.
You ROCK, RENA!
by: Anonymous
This is such a neat idea. I think I’ll add a gemstone or Turquoise chip. I just love getting your newsletters. Even if I am in the middle of 17 different things, I read them.
Elizabeth
Be careful…
by: Angie S
I have used that brand of wire before, and it hase some sort of coating on it which caused issues when I went to oxidize it. This was many years ago, but when buying wire for jewelry from a hardware store, it’s something to keep in mind…
Wire wrap
by: WillieMae
I like this idear, it is easy, inexpensive, quick, and leaves you room to be creative.
Thank you. I’m going to run out and get me some copper wire right now.
Thank you for shareing your skills with us.
Wrap Rings
by: Dorothy Hubbard
Just love the idea of the single wrap, I usually do a double wrap which means more money to charge. Thanks Rena and I do too love your newsletter.
Wire Ring ” I Want That ”
by: Mermaids Purse
These simple wire rings are a great quick “fix” for those who need a to buy but don’t have a lot of cash. Thanks for the post. Happy Creating!!
Fair Winds and Calm Seas,
Deborah Leon
www.mermaidspureseaglass.com
LOVE THIS!
by: Lisa at Wild Gift Designs
I never knew what to do with all those wire scraps. Excellent and easy tutorial. Thanks!
A Winner!
by: Doug Kelly
Rena – took one look at this and had no doubt about it being a winner! Lately I have been giving away small beaded bracelets to the little ladies who have been coming by so they would feel special. Now Mommy can afford to get them a little something special.
I’ve just finished making 7 of them out of 16 ga. Pho Bronze, each one different. Apply a little elbow grease to give them a lustre shine and Whoas baby!
Doug Kelly
JD Kelly Jewelry
www.JDKellyJewelry.com
Wonderful Idea
by: Martha Wertz
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful Idea. I will use it to give away for all my repeat costumers.
Thanks again!
WRAP RINGS
by: LESTYN
Hi,
I used to make wire-wrapped bracelets, etc., but you’ve given me a great idea with rings. Easy and attractive. Thanks for your ideas and tutorial.
Lestyn
Perfect Low Cost Impulse Buy/Giveaway!
by: Pam
Love the idea for a quickie impulse buy! I do our little town spring and fall street fests, and many people are not really there to buy, but this could absolultely be a “must have” for the many teens that come by! I also love the idea as a giveaway gift for repeat customers! (Thinking tie one to my biz card! 😀
Pam
PearTreeJewelry.com
thanks for sharing on Craft Schooling Sunday
by: Anonymous
Great project and tutorial! Nice to “meet” you and thanks so much for sharing on Craft Schooling Sunday!
Lovely!
by: PC
Your tutorial is so beautiful and love the ring – so friendly to make and proud to have one!
http://decortoadore.blogspot.com
by: Laura Ingalls Gunn
What an adorable DIY project! Thank you so much for sharing.
Happy Monday!
‘
Cool!
by: Just Jaime
What a cool idea. These look great for stacking rings!
Fabulous!
by: Laura
This is such a great tutorial. I was just looking at some similar rings for a ridiculous price! I’m so excited to try this. Please stop by www.laughloveandcraft.com and link up to my Share the Wealth Wednesday Link Party!
Easy Beginner Project!
by: Julie Ann
What a wonderful easy ring to make. Think of the possible things one could do with these! Embellish them, or using craft wire, and making them bigger, they would make elegant napkin rings. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing!
by: June Scott
I love the simplicity of these, Rena… and yet so elegant!
Great Post
by: BeColorful
What a great post. A tempting project with a simple and exact tutorial that we can all follow. Thanks so much for linking this up to Motivated Monday at BeColorful. I know everybody will enjoy reading it.
Pam
Hooray! 😉
by: Lamb
Thank you for linking up to Not “Baaad” Sundays with LambAround. You’ve been nominated for the Best in Show award this week! Be sure to vote and GOOD LUCK! 🙂
http://lambaround.blogspot.com
I love your rings!
by: gail
I am so in love with the simplicity of your rings! 🙂
gail
ps catching you this week.
Love it!
by: Anita
These are a great simple project for a beginner. Thanks so much for linking up at Doggone Dirty Craftin with Rhinestone Beagle! Can’t wait to see what you’ve got for this week.
Thank you for the tutorial and link-up
by: Jenn Erickson/Rook No. 17
Rena, it is such a pleasure to have you link up to “A Little Birdie Told Me…” at Rook No. 17! What a wonderful tutorial. I’m featuring your post over on my Facebook page. These rings would be a perfect activity and favor for my daughter’s upcoming birthday party too!
Jenn
Cute
by: Leasa
Cute and easy. I love them.
Thanks!
by: Creative Flow Jewels
Thanks for the tip with the wire wrap rings! It seems that it is very easy to do and I will be working on this over the weekend. This will be great for the Valentine’s Day sales.
Love this idea!! Simple, easy, and pretty. I love working with metal, this will add to the collection. I also like the ideas about adding it as a free appreciation gift to a new customer or a repeat customer.
I happened upon this last Thursday night, when it was getting quite late. I showed it to Jenny (my wife) and she simply had to have a go! She’s not stopped since! LOL
So glad to hear how helpful you’re all finding this idea! Thanks for letting me know! 🙂
Rena, I’ve made this ring thanks for the tutorial. I also made them as toe rings. The toe rings look so cute on, I made them in pink black and copper.
I do these in sterling and copper, and yes, they are quick-sellers – but never thought about brass! I like the idea of super-inexpensive ones for the teens!
Never thought of toe rings though – great idea! Rena, or if anyone else knows – For a toe ring sizing, what would be a good mandrel? I’m thinking a ring mandrel may be too large, would something like a Sharpie work or still be too large? I’m a middle aged big girl, so my own toes would not be a good example to go by! Any ideas for getting a typical sizing for toes?
But for finger rings, thanks for the reminder – I need to stock up! Mine have a few more rounds on the loops, but are still very quick and easy to make -I hammer them just a tad, and sell my copper ones for $10 and sterling for $12, but for the kids, I think $3-5 would be perfect, and pre-teens or young teens are not going to care if they are sterling or not. I bought a little ring tray, somewhere around 5×6, which doesn’t take up much room. Oh, light-bulb just went off – this would be a great way to try out the new sterling filled wire – I’ve been wanting to try it but not sure I wanted to label it as “sterling” – but for a couple of bucks price tag it might be perfect!
This is a great idea. I usually have a basket of 5.00 earrings that sell real well. I think I’m going to add this cute ring to my basket. Thank you so much for the idea.
I love making rings like these. The possibilities are endless! Thanks for sharing more ideas, Rena. 🙂
Greetings from Poland!
These are awesome! I’ve also set the price at $3, and 60-70% of my customers end up buying one. They seem especially popular with the 6-18 demographic: at last night’s show, I had 2 girls around my age (I’m 17) come by. One of them bought one, and then brought 3 friends by, and one of THEM bought one! I make adult and kid sizes, and I add beads to some of them. Folks love that I can whip a custom made ring up while they’re shopping the produce stalls at the farmer’s market!
Thanks so much to all for your fab feedback on these little wire rings! I’m so glad to hear how well it’s working out for you! 🙂
And Maddy, so inspiring to hear how well you’re doing with your jewelry as a teen jewelry artist! I wish you much continued success, and keep up the great work! 🙂
Love these too!!
*hugs*deb
Rena, I love the wire rings especially the one with the angular ends. I make rings that are similar and my best seller is the thumb ring made with 12ga or 14ga wire. I just flatten the ends of the wire, polish off any rough spots then form around the ring mandrel and make a generous overlap so they are adjustable.
These rings really highlight that there is beauty in simplicity. They are just beautiful and you did an awesome job! Thank you so much!
Great Idea!!! Only wish I’d known about this 2 weeks ago. Had 2 shows that these rings would have been a big hit. But the idea is going into my notebook of ideas for next Christmas and future shows. Thanks for all your ideas and advice, Rena! Luv ya!!!
Well these are very sweet. Cant wait to go home and make them. What a great stocking stuffer idea.!!! Thanks for all the sharing.
Thanks for the super easy design… also the info on how to price them.
These are adorable Rena! Thanks for the tut.
Thanks so much for the lesson and the ideas. I’m just learning to wire wrap and have been trying these with scraps just now. Practice makes perfect and I do a great deal of practice. 😉
What kind of profit do you receive for selling your pretty rings at 3.00 a piece? Is there a profit at all with the price of your supplies and how long they take you to make and the equipment cost, etc: just something to think about.
I’m so glad to hear how well this ring project is working for you!
Hi Samantha, thanks for asking about the profitability of these little rings. I make them from my leftover wire scraps, and I can make 20 to 30 of them in an hour because the design is so simple. So for me it’s been a nice little impulse-purchase item to add to my booth. And often the purchase of one of these little rings has led to bigger sales, either at the same time or down the road.
I made a bunch of these but they are so flimsy that I wouldn’t feel right selling them for $3.00! If you snag them on something, they bend completely out of shape. Did you do something special to make them sturdier? I used 16 and 18 gauge wires. Tried with 20 gauge at first but that was even worse.
Hi Melissa, what kind of wire are you using? I have had no trouble with flimsiness or bending. You aren’t using craft wire / Artistic wire for these, right? That type of wire could be flimsy for these rings.
But if you’re using brass, copper, sterling silver, or other usual jewelry wires and your rings feel flimsy, you could always slip your rings onto a ring mandrel and hammer-harden them with a nylon or plastic hammer. You might also put a batch of your rings in a tumbler to harden them.
I hope this helps! 🙂
Hi Rena:
Thanks so much for this wonderful tutorial. Just made a bunch of these little pinky rings for Christmas presents to include with beaded bracelets I also made. I made them with 18 gauge non-tarnish craft wire then I hamered them on the mandrel. The results were perfectly beautiful sturdy little rings. I love them, and I know my family is going to love them too. Again thank you so much!!! Have a great Christmas!!!
Rena – Thank you so much! It is a great tutorial for making these beautiful attractive simple rings, I believe sales should be wonderful. Thanks again for a great ideas.
Thank you so much for sharing all your tips. I love these Question, They appear to be somewhat adjustable, what average size(s) do you make them in?
Just a thought on how they might “catch” on things. When I make rings, I try them on and run my finger (other hand :D) over them in all directions, to be sure that all edges are sort of leaning into the finger worn on. Sometimes this takes some tweaking to make sure there are not edges, either ends or curved edges, that are sticking out. Those CAN catch on things, so you need to be sure they are as flush as possible with fingers. I try them on in both directions just to be sure. They almost always take a little adjustment to fit nice and flat to the finger. I use 16 gauge wire and always tumble for half hour or so. That shines them up beautifully and also work hardens. Then on the ones that get oxidized, the process of polishing off the excess with steel wool will further work harden them. (If I’m wanting to hammer for texture, this also gets them harder. Between hammering, tumbling and oxidize/polishing, they end up pretty stable and don’t bend easily after all that! I’m wondering about sizing though – what sizes are most common? I am a big girl and made mine up in 8’s, with the idea that the can be sized down, but also, I want to be sure that my more well-uphostered customers (like myself) can find rings to fit.
Just subscribed to your newsletter!! I love these simple rings and can’t wait to learn more!
Thanks for a great idea. My mom has arthritis and can no longer wear rings. I might be able to make her one of these adjustable ones! If it can open big enough to get over her nuckle, it will work perfectly. She will be thrilled.
Hello! Would it be all right if I posted the link to this tutorial on my blog? Thanks!
Dot
ZzzonkOwl.blogspot.com
Hi Dorothy! Yes, it would be lovely if you wanted to post the link to this tute on your blog. Thanks so much for asking! 🙂
Wow I like that I want to make that….
You taught me how to make these some time ago. I keep at least 20 on display and a sign that says free with purchase….people seem to appreciate the gift, and enjoy picking out their ring. This gives them something to do while I fancy wrap their purchase. Everybody’s happy.
That’s so awesome to hear, Janet! Thanks for letting me know how well these rings have worked out for you! 🙂
WOW! These rings are beyond my expectations. I’m not a big fan of wire jewelry but I made some of these in nu gold ( brass) wire and they are ABSOLUTELY STUNNING! They are also much sturdier than I expected after hammering with a rawhide mallet. I may tumble them to to see what happens. I also tried one using artistic wire which, after hammering, was plenty sturdy. These are ingenious because they’re adjustable but don’t look it, and they’re also safer to wear, especially for children, because if caught, they will deform and come off without injury. They look just beautiful on, and I can’t wait to make them in sterling silver. As a graphic artist, to me these are like doodling in metal! I can also make them while watching TV, less intensive than my bench work. I am thrilled to find such a quick,creative, successful, design. I can’t thank you enough for this little idea.?
Thank you for your kind comment, Julie! And while you’re making these, you’ll probably enjoy making different shapes on the ends of the wire (besides the basic loops I showed in the tutorial). And I agree, I love having jewelry items that can be made while watching a movie! 🙂
Oh, I immediately went beyond basic loops and into fabulous ” sguiggles”, both angles and loops. That is one of the really FUN things about these, is the serendipitous designs that magically develop. I cut the wire in various lengths and ” fold” in uneven lengths for the most interesting outcomes.
Great ideas, Julie – I think these rings are especially appealing to people when each ring has unique touches. And me too, my favorite way to wirework is to let the designs magically develop without a set outcome in mind!
Love, love, love this idea. I will definitely use this as thank you “freebies” for my customers. Also a great idea to attach to gifts at Christmas, bdays, etc. This is BIG on my list to follow through with. Can’t wait to get started!
Awesome idea, so doable. Thanks
What’s really nice about making these as toe rings is that because they lay flat on the toe, there is no pinching. When I wear a toe ring with an open back, it always pinches. I ‘ve been making these rings for years and have completely sold out many times.
Helen, thanks for mentioning that comfort feature when making these for toe rings! I know how uncomfortable that pinching can be under the toe – it gets worse with every step! 🙂
I will make these simple and fast “fun” rings and give them away to young girls and sometimes teenagers. they love them. they dont make me any money, i use my leftover wires, and usually their parents are with them. The parents sometimes try to give me money, but i refuse and tell them that i love doing it and it makes me happy. they love that and sometimes will come back to buy. But, my whole purpose is to make the young girls happy and sometimes it’s the only thing that they get at the shows.
I also make them as a free gift when someone buys a pc of my other jewelry. they really like that and it surprises the buyer.
I like these little easy rings to make when I’m bored and they are that easy it takes less than 5 minutes
Thanks, Amber! 🙂
Melissa,
Try putting the finished ring on a ring mandrel or another type of rod where it will fit snugly and then gently hammer the ring all the way around with a nylon or leather hammer. Give special attention to the ends that will be exposed. This will “work harden” the wire without leaving marks, and the ring will be less fragile.
If you straighten the wire before you start by pulling it through nylon jaw pliers, this will also work harden the wire somewhat, but it will be a bit more difficult to shape. I do a little hardening before I start then pound the finished item until it’s firm.
Just remember: Nylon or leather hammer! A metal hammer will mark up the wire and mar the surface of plated or coated wires.