DIY Network

Fossil Pendant by Karen Hardy From "Jewelry Making" episode DJMK-509

Did you ever go fossil hunting when you were a kid? Well, you probably won't find this particular fossil in your backyard, but this necklace could make you just as excited. Guest jewelry designer Karen Hardy joins host Jackie Guerra to wire wrap a fossil and turn it into a terrific piece of jewelry that you are sure to dig! She will tell you how to find the perfect fossil, and then she'll teach you trendy wire wrapping techniques to not only ensure the fossil onto the cord, but also to add some style.

Experience Level: Intermediate

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Guest Karen Hardy creates a lovely pendant using a fossil.

Materials --

Orthoceras fossil between 1-1/2" and 2-1/2"
20-gauge dead soft Sterling Silver wire (approximately 20")

Tools --

Round nose pliers
Chain nose pliers
Good quality flush cutters
Large pen (Sharpie marker)
Ruler

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Fossil Pendant

DIY Tip: Check your yellow pages for fossil shops in your area.

1. Cut the wire into two pieces -- about 10" each (the size will vary based on the size of the fossil being used).

2. Place the wires across each other like an "X". Holding the center (where the "X" meets) firmly in your fingers, twist the wire together three times so that now you have an "X" with a twisted center (figure A).

3. Place a pen against this twist and pull the wire around the pen. Make another three twists on the opposite side (figure B). Remove the pen -- you should now have an "X" with a small "O" more or less in the center.

4. Position your fossil so that the pointy end sticks in the hole (figure C). Bring the wires up from the bottom so that the fossil is "sandwiched" in between all the wires. Cross the front wires over each other for a decorative "woven" effect (this will have the added effect of making the wrap more secure). Bring all the wires up to the top of the fossil.

5. Bring the front two wires together and using your round nose pliers, form the bale on top (figure D). Take one of the two back wires and wrap it tightly around the base of the bale one time. Snip off the excess wire from that wire only. Take the other wire from the back and wrap it around the bale in the opposite direction three times. Snip off the excess wire from that wire and two others.

6. Gently tighten down the wrapped portion using your chain nose pliers. Add to cording or chain of choice.

GUESTS :

Karen Hardy
Karen Hardy Designs
E-mail: hardymama@adelphia.net
Website: www.karenhardydesigns.com