Monday, March 22, 2010

Spiral Fibula Pin Tutorial is Finally Here!

I don’t know about you, but I am really drawn to big beads — especially long beads. But how can you really wear them aside from as a pendant? Well, you can make them into pins! Fibula pins are easy and make wonderful statement pieces. They are also great gifts along with a pair of matching earrings.

I’ve designed this fibula pin to include a decorative coil formed into a spiral embellishment at one end of the pin.



This tutorial includes two options for the coil: a straight coil, and a twisted coil. 

This tutorial is divided into three parts, and each on their own is a valuable mini tut: 

• Making the Twisted Wire (Optional)

• Making the Coil

• Making the Spiral Fibula

I encourage you to experiment and use different gauges and shapes of wire for the coil as well as different shapes for the “spiral” such as triangles and organic shapes.



Get your copy now at http://www.etsy.com/shop/LampworkbyLori.


Experience Level: Advanced Beginner or higher.



The .PDF file includes 14 pages of instructions, tips, and images that will be delivered via email within 24 hours of purchase via email. Please include your phone number with your order in case there are problems. My contact number is 317-490-3791.


Recommended Tools & Equipment:

• 8’ or more of 20, 22 or 24 gauge wire (round or stamped twist)

• 18” 16 gauge wire

• Cutters (heavy duty preferable)

• 1” to 2½” of beads that fit on a the 16 gauge wire

• Fine or super-fine steel wool (000# or 0000# grade)

• Flat nose pliers

• Round nose pliers 

• Chain nose pliers

• Nylon jaw pliers

• Jeweler’s file

• Chasing hammer

• Bench block or anvil

• Tumbler with mixed shot

• Dawn® original dishwashing detergen 

• Coiling mandrel (about 1’ of 1/16” or 3/32” stainless steel TIG rod or 14, 12 or 10 gauge wire for mandrel (you can also use any other similar material such as a dowel rod, coiling gizmo, etc.)

• Keyless chuck power drill (recommended)

• Bench vise (optional)

• Cup hook (optional)

• Safety glasses (optional)