How to Wrap a Donut Bead

Materials:

• 8″ 20 gauge round wire
• 7′ 26 or 28 gauge round wire
• 25mm donut bead

Tools:

• Wire Cutters
• Round Nose Pliers
• Bent Nose or Flat Nose Pliers

Step 1

Using the 26g wire, coil a section of the 20g wire approximately 3″ long.

This will leave room for a 1/4″ wide bail. For a thinner bail, coil a 3 1/8″ section.

Slide coil to the center of the 20g wire.

Do NOT cut the wrapping wire. You will use this for the bail in step 5.

Step 2

Bend the ends of the 20g wire on both sides of the coil. Bends should be right at the ends of the coil.

Step 3

Shape the coiled section of wire into a circle.

An old pill bottle or something else round works well for this.

Step 4

Put the donut bead on a flat surface. Place the wire circle around the donut and check to see that the circle is not too big or too small around the donut.

If it is too big, un-coil some of the wire, then reposition the bend.

If it is too small, un-bend one side of the wire and coil a little bit more. Bend the wire again at the end of the coil.

When making adjustments, be careful not to overwork the wire as this will cause it to break.

Step 5

Begin weaving the wire around the ends of the 20g wire in a figure “8” as shown below.

Step 6

Continue until this section is about 3/4″ long.

Step 7

Coil the remaining 26g wire up one of the 20g wires. If there is not enough to coil it completely, press the end of the wire flat against the 20g wire and add another piece. Continue to the end of the 20g wire.

Step 8

Wrap the other 20g wire completely with another piece of 26g wire.

Step 9

Bend the woven section in half, with the coiled ends towards the back of the frame.

Step 10

Bring the ends of the 20g wire up through the center of the donut.

Step 11

Making sure the donut is centered in the coiled ring; bring the 20g wires up flat against the front of the donut.

Step 12

Bend the ends of the 20g wire to the back of the pendant, one on each side of the bail.

Step 13

Bend the wires down against the back of the donut to help shape them.

Step 14

Cut the wires about 3/8″ past the edge of the donut. You may have to uncoil about 1/4″ of the 26g wire on each side.

Step 15

Bend the wires around the bottom of the bail. Press them tight using your pliers.

You can also add beads to the wrapping wires, create loops to hang other beads or charms from, or anything else you want to do. Use your imagination to create gorgeous, one of a kind pieces easily.