Free Video: How to Make Wire Spiders

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The creepiness of Halloween is something that appeals to many and stretches beyond October 31. Black is the new black, always, in my book and dressing it up with sexy and even creepy accessories is fun! Sometimes accessories—like these wire spiders—can go from jewelry to home décor, in a snap.

Join me In the Studio for a quick how-to on these wire spiders:

You can make wire spiders using any wire you like—the examples shown here are made with bare copper and copper coated wire. The sexy in these spiders comes from the components used for the body—Swarovski crystal!

Use any kind of wire you prefer to create spiders like these then wear them or hang them around your home!

Wire Spider Supplies

Shown in the video: NEW 4160—mystic oval, Crystal Astral Pink (18x13mm) and Crystal Luminous Green (14x10mm), 2196/4—oval cabochon, Crystal Satin Tabak and Crystal Satin Moroda; 5841—crystal baroque round pearl, Crystal Cream Pearl, 12mm; 5842—crystal baroque coin pearl, Crystal Irid Tahitian Look Pearl, 14mm. (available at your favorite jewelry supply retailer).

How to Make Wire Spiders

Create loops to suit your component, then vary the size to create a “cage” or bezel.

The wire spiders are a basic construction of five wires with a loop in the center to accommodate the components—whether a bead or cabochon.

There are no rules when it comes to making spiders—have fun creating your own creatures!

Use 24-gauge wire to “bind” the five loop-forms together. Once secure, string a bead on one length then secure at the base of the body. Then wrap the other length of 24-gauge above the bead for a secure finish. Spread the spider legs into order then use the remaining two to create a wrapped loop at the top of the spider.

An example of the finer wire used to “cage” the stone rather than wiring through a drill hole and some cool green patina!

If using a cabochon or undrilled fancy stone, use the finer wire to strategically connect the wire of the body, so the component stays in place. If using bare wire, or after using steel wool on coated wire, your spider can be patinated. Spiders shown here and, in the video, show off JAX Brown-Black and JAX Green patinas.

Have Fun!

Side note—I do make a mistake in the video when stacking the loops—kind of like when I say turn left and I’m pointing right (yes, I do this all the time!). I say the bottom loop is smaller than the top, but you can see and as I said earlier and later in the video, the bottom loop is actually bigger than the top. They are both smaller than all the other loops, though and this is to help support the component from the underside and to help stabilize the component on top.