Tutorial - Tree of Life Pendant

Since I have been working with gem trees it would be only natural that I would create a gem tree pendant. There are several jewelry designers out there that create wonderful pendants that are similar. Here is my take on this popular pendant. If you would prefer this in a downloadable .pdf please visit my Wrapped Up site HERE.

Supplies Needed:

• 12” of 14 or 16 gauge wire (14 works best for me)
• 48” of 26 gauge wire
• Gemstone chips or other small beads
• Flat nose pliers
• Round nose pliers
• Wire cutters
• Ruler (not pictured)
• Bracelet mandrel or pill bottle to make the round frame (not pictured)

Instructions:

1. Gather supplies as noted above.
2. Wrap your 14 or 16 gauge wire around a bracelet mandrel or other round object such as a pill bottle for the shape of your wire frame and twist 3 times. Leave one end shorter than the other.
3. Cut the shortest wire off at the twists.
4. Straighten the long wire.
5. Wrap the long wire around your round nose pliers to create a loop. This will be your bail.
6. Continue wrapping the wire around the previous twists to secure.
7. Cut the wire at the twists and flatten the sharp edge with your flat nose pliers tight against the other twists.
8. Cut 8 pieces of 26 gauge wire at 6”.
9. Separate the wires into two groups of 4 and twist them together leaving about an inch or more (mine was about an inch and a half) at the bottom.

10.      Measure your twisted wire against your frame to determine how high you want your tree trunk to be and adjust as necessary.

11.      Wrap the bottom wires around the frame at the bottom center about 3 or 4 times. Cut them at the back and tighten them against the frame.

12.      Spread your top branch wires and starting on one side add your beads.

13.      When the wire has been filled with beads, wrap it around the frame to secure. Keep this wire nice and tight. Cut the wire at the back (see picture 16) and flatten it against the frame with your flat nose pliers.

14.      Continue adding beads to your wires. As you can see I have twisted some of my wire branches together for a little added interest.

15.      Close up of wrapping the wire around the frame.

16.      Close up of cutting the wire at the back of the frame.

17.      Finished pendant.

18.      Arrange your branches to your satisfaction and your done.

There are so many other variations but I found this one to be simple for beginners.

These instructions are for your personal use, please do not distribute but you can link back to me.

Since I didn't have time last month for a tutorial, I'll write another one up later this month. Cheers and enjoy.