Copper Wire Chandelier Pendant with a Row of Faux Raku Beads
"Some of the prettiest things I've done were because it wasn't turning out as planned." ~Arlene
This copper wire and faux raku bead pendant started out as an idea for chandelier earrings but since I used heavy copper wire (14 gauge) the size became too big for ears and it ended up as a funky chandelier pendant instead.
I love the movement this pendant has when you wear it. The smooth faux raku beads dangle and swing, showing all their iridescent sides.
Using the exact same technique in a smaller size copper wire (20 or 24 gauge), you could easily make a set of earrings to match.
Other Related Article Resources:
- Polymer Clay Tutorial | Faux Raku Smooth Surface Technique
- Wire Bezel Polymer Clay Pendant | Handmade Copper Findings
- Polymer Clay Tutorial | Hammered Copper Findings | Clasps
- Hammered Copper Beaded Bookmark with Focal Beads
- Making a Bracelet Using Polymer Clay Disc Beads + Copper Wire
Does anyone else have a story about how one of you projects ended up switching directions after you got started. Please do share in the comments below.
Filed Under: 11: Bead Projects by Comment. 
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Comments on Copper Wire Chandelier Pendant with a Row of Faux Raku Beads
5:42 am
That is cool!! Looks like it is fun to make and wear!
9:04 am
That's a beautiful pendant! I like how you used a mistake and turned it into something wonderful!
11:32 am
That's a really cool pendant! That's so fantastic to be able to use a mistake and turn it around into something beautiful.
8:53 pm
Did you make the "waves" by hand or use a wire jig?
4:33 am
I really like the pendant and could also see the same technique used with smaller gauge wire for earrings. It turned out very lovely.
5:04 am
The combination of raku beads and pounded copper in this piece are beautiful! Wonder if you added some chimes or bells to the bottom of the beads if you couldn't market it as a gorgeous windchime.
That beautiful polymer clay finish would sparkle and change color in the light.
9:00 am
Thank you everyone for the compliments! I will be making this in a smaller gauge for earrings like the original plan, just need to pick up some more wire.
@Ken: I made the wave with a pair of round nose pliers by hand. Not with a wig jig. I don't have a wig jig yet and for this style, it's probably easier with the pliers anyways.
@Jocelyn: Bells would be totally fun. If you used those tiny brass bells, you could get a Bollywood look with the jewelry. Could make music as you walk!
9:44 am
Thanks, I have one but haven't used it yet. I guess it's a little obvious I like the tools (bead rollers,Wire Jig etc.). :)
3:29 pm
Really like the style but I think I'm the opposite of Ken, I like to make everything by hand (extruder excepted).
7:33 pm
@ Polyanya
To me the wig jig is a tool, just like the round nose pliers that Cindy used. They're still hand made as opposed to mechanically made. While I can bend a pair of French ear wires with the pliers at the same time, I would assume that the wig jig will allow the process to be done faster and with more accuracy.
3:59 am
Fair point Ken, specially if it saves time.