The Design Gallery
Follow along with step-by-step beading projects and share your designs with beaders around the world—it’s quick & easy!
Chatter
on “Dancing Loops”:“Very cool. I've got to try chain maille…” read »
on “Boho Silken Tassel”:“Gorgeous necklace Deb, I love the colour combination…” read »
on “Lovely Impression”:“love it…” read »
on “Violets”:“Ah! I finally found the lavender/peridot beads. They're lovely, and I can see some interesting pieces…” read »
on “Ice Ice Druzy”:“This is great. The druzy always puts a piece over the top.…” read »
on “Southwest coral and turquoise”:“Thank you Peggy and Laud for the wonderful comments. Yes they are Laud, or peanut shaped.…” read »
- on “Southwest coral and turquoise”:
“Stunning! To me the design looks more Indian (as in India) because it has such richness.…” read »
- on “Recycled Coral Flower RIng”:
“Wonderful design. I'm very fond of the elements, too, especially carnelian. Great job!…” read »
on “Leftovers”:“These colors are very rich. I love the matte finish on those black beads. That gives…” read »
- on “ORANGE BRACELET”:
“You definitely have a way with the sari silk. I'm trying to figure out how that…” read »
- on “Recycled Coral Flower RIng”:
“I am so glad you started sharing your work. This is amazing.…” read »
- on “Recycled Coral Flower RIng”:
“Gorgeous. Welcome to the gallery…” read »
- on “Southwest coral and turquoise”:
“Great design Who doesn't love turquoise
…” read » - on “Recycled Coral Flower RIng”:
“This is extremely cool! I love the look of asymetrical flower necklaces.and this one is a…” read »
- on “Recycled Coral Flower RIng”:
“Spectacular! Wanda you out did your self. A choice peace of art.…” read »
on “Plum Orchard”:“Fabulous design - - and I loved the description of your inspiration and the details of…” read »
- on “Southwest coral and turquoise”:
“Thank you all for the lovely comments.
…” read » 
on “Recycled Coral Flower RIng”:“Omigosh Wanda.... I do not have the words to adequately express just how awesome this peace…” read »
on “Violets”:“Maybe this will work. http://fusionbeadsblog.com/2013/05/02/announcing-all-new-swarovski-elements-crystal-color-blends/…” read »
- on “Amazon Blues”:
“Very pretty and organic look here. I like the light/dark pattern,and the little splash of bright…” read »
- on “ORANGE BRACELET”:
“Just beautiful. What a great mix of materials. those chunky Carnelian are nice and juicy.
…” read » - on “Southwest coral and turquoise”:
“Yes..I agree with Granny. Professional is the perfect word. It has such nice balance.So many different…” read »
- on “Ocean Fantasy”:
“Your bracelet is just so absolutely awesome. I would love to learn how to do…” read »
- on “Pearl and Crystal Cluster”:
“Beadinggma, Start with a nice chain. Each link in this is 6mmx5mm. Wire wrap three to…” read »
- on “Plum Orchard”:
“I am speechless. How lovely in every respect.…” read »
- on “Southwest coral and turquoise”:
“You've done an exquisite job on this - like already said, the colors, the bead mix,…” read »
- on “Leftovers”:
“This is gorgeous. Sometimes using leftovers can give you the best pieces!…” read »
- on “Southwest coral and turquoise”:
“Love this combination. Very nice looking piece.…” read »
- on “Violets”:
“Y'know, I went looking for that Swarovski color combo and couldn't find it. Anyone have a…” read »
- on “Ocean Fantasy”:
“Thanks for adding that pic. I love the pink and green sea glass. What an awesome…” read »
- on “Violets”:
“Just exquisite. I agree with Rootware about the color combo. I've also seen the new Swarovski…” read »
- on “Pearl and Crystal Cluster”:
“All I can say is wow!! That is a lot of work. It's just stunning!…” read »
- on “Ocean Fantasy”:
“Hi Deb I have just added the other side…” read »
on “Dragonfly for Kathy”:“I'm brand new to this sight and this is the first "eye candy" that really caught…” read »
- on “Southwest coral and turquoise”:
“Love that pendant! Great design altogether.…” read »
Omega Made Pretty
About this design:
I love working with copper. I have seen the Omega design in many pieces and I wanted to dress it up a bit because it is a rather masculine design. So what better than to add pearls and crystals. I love this piece because of the feminine flare I added.
Components:
14g copper wire, silver jump rings, 22g silver wire, 4mm Amethyst AB rondelle crystals, 8mm fresh water pearls.Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Step 1: Cut 8 3 inch pieces of copper wire for the bracelet and 2 2 1/2 pieces of copper wire for the earrings. Curl each end of the copper wire. Shape the 'U' of the omega by using anything you have handy that give you the desired roundness. I have used a dowel, sharpie pen, kitchen utensil... but for this project I used the pointed end of my anvil and a hammer because the wire is very thick and difficult to bend. Use your ball-peen hammer to slightly flatten and then add hammered texture using the ball of the hammer. Once have established the size of the omega copper wire pieces, cut a piece of copper wire to make a toggle bar to fit. Hammer as you did previously. |
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Step 2: To add patina to the copper, I use a torch and slowly heat the copper, as it heats up it will begin to change colors. Be careful not to torch too long or you will end up with a very dark burnt patina which is nice but not for this project. I hand polish each piece of copper using 'rouge' that I have for my machine buffer. Do not machine buff or you will lose the patina. |
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Step 3: Choose 4 pearls which are about the same size. I re-drill each pearl to make the hole larger so I can use a larger gauge wire. 24&26 gauge wires are too delicate. wire wrap using 22g silver wire a crystal, pearl, crystal to 2 omega pieces being careful to make them the exact same length. |
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Step 4: Connect the remaining omega pieces using 2 jump rings appropriately sized for ease of movement at each connection. I use 2 jump rings for strength and it looks nicer. Fashion the toggle bar to one end by looping it around the last omega piece. You may need to re-adjust the length by clipping and re-curling the ends. |
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Step 5: To make the earrings, wire wrap a few loops of the silver wire around the u of the omega piece, slide on a crystal,pearl,crystal and then wire around the other side. Clip ends so you have enough to press the wire tail just inside of the omega piece to prevent anything from getting caught. I used some small silver chain to link between each loop of the omega piece and then wire wrapped a crystal to the chain center and ended with a loop to attach to an ear wire. **TIP** if your copper is too flexible after you patina it with a torch just re hammer it a little and it will stiffen back up. |
Read the comments (or add your own)
Add your thoughts!
On Mar 03, 2012 at 1:33 am #
olive penguin says:Wonderful design! It is beautiful, clever, and creative. Great job! I love it! Thanks for post the instructions to make it, I appreciate the insight into different techniques.
On Mar 03, 2012 at 9:46 am #
Eeka Mouse says:Excellent! I love the omega shape, and admire how you’ve dressed it up in these pieces. Thanks for the detailed instructions,too.
On Mar 03, 2012 at 1:15 pm #
Boston Lady says:Absolutely love, love, love this design. And I can’t thank you enough for including the instructions. I saw a similar piece at a bead show I recently went too a couple of weeks ago and when asked, the woman wouldn’t give out even a hint on how she made her necklace. Your designs, both bracelet and earrings, are exquisite and I know that when you wear them, you will get tons of compliments. You did a fantastic job on them both. Good luck to you and again, thank you for sharing your ideas today.
On Mar 03, 2012 at 1:19 pm #
Quute Jewelry says:Thank you all for the very nice comments!
On Mar 03, 2012 at 6:55 pm #
Fresh Baked says:I too love the omega design and really admire how you’ve given it a ‘posh’ look with the pearls and crystals, with touches of silver. Thanks for the tutorial as well.
On Mar 04, 2012 at 8:10 am #
Judith Ann Boyer says:Gorgeous pieces! And beautiful work, love the patina and the pearls are the perfect touch!
Very pretty….
On Mar 04, 2012 at 9:21 am #
Luna Chick aka Coral says:Wow. This is stunning. Thanks for the instructions.
On Mar 04, 2012 at 12:23 pm #
NY Bella says:Beautiful design! Thanks for the instructions!!
On Mar 04, 2012 at 3:31 pm #
Chicky Zee aka Alice says:Great design!
On Mar 04, 2012 at 7:39 pm #
Gemme Designs says:AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME!! is all I can say
On Mar 06, 2012 at 3:11 pm #
gembeans says:I too love the patina and the touch of pearls. Thanks so much for the tutorial–you and your jewels are lovely.
On Mar 20, 2012 at 4:27 pm #
Mustard Seed Beads says:Thank you for sharing~gorgeous!
On Apr 05, 2012 at 5:43 am #
PamRoss10 says:I’m not sure what to say—STUNNING comes to mind…as does beatiful, gorgeous, and WOW!
On Apr 13, 2012 at 2:01 pm #
Little Round Chick says:Love the design! Thanks for sharing. I just may give this idea a try.
On Apr 21, 2012 at 11:53 pm #
Timber says:This is great, love the way you made rustic look romantic! 8^D
On Apr 25, 2012 at 2:17 pm #
ScarletBegonias says:I am convinced there is a higher power at work in jewelry making!!!! I have a pattern for the omega in a necklace, earrings and ring. I’m going… “Where the he** is the bracelet???
Well, now I know!!!! I wasn’t actively looking for one as well put together and beautiful as yours, but hey, when the Creator drops a gift in your lap you don’t exactly dump it at Goodwill!!!
Thank you SO much for providing ALL the info needed to make this beauty! Mine even has amethyst.
Cosmic I tell you!
On Apr 06, 2013 at 2:00 pm #
A beer says:I love this ALOT I am going to try it this weekend with my own little twist. Thanks for the inspiration.