This project comes from Michelle's LiveWired series — a double leaf earring made entirely from wire. If you caught her original leaf component demo, this builds directly on that technique, doubling it up into a pair of earrings that look like they took hours but really don't.
What You're Making
Each earring is two wire-formed leaf shapes connected together, creating a layered, organic look. The leaves are made by shaping wire around your pliers and fingers — no beads required, just wire and technique. It's one of those projects where the finished piece looks far more complex than the process actually is.
The Technique
The basic leaf component is a wire shape formed with round nose pliers — you create a central spine, then wrap the wire around it to build the leaf outline. For the double leaf version, you make two leaf components and connect them so they hang together with a little movement between them.
This is pure wire work. The skills you'll practice here — consistent loops, clean wraps, symmetrical shaping — transfer to everything else you'll make with wire. If you're looking to build your wire wrapping confidence, this is a great project to work through.
Resources
Michelle put together a step-by-step PDF tutorial that walks you through the entire project. You can download it here: Double Leaf Earrings PDF
And if you want to watch the original leaf component demo first, start here: Leaf Component LiveWired Demo
What You'll Need
- 20 or 21 gauge wire (dead soft) — sterling silver or copper to practice
- Round nose pliers
- Chain nose pliers
- Flat nose pliers
- Wire cutters
- Ear wires (or make your own from the same wire)
If you're new to wire shaping, try copper first. It's forgiving, inexpensive, and lets you practice without worrying about wasting precious metal.
We carry all the wire and tools you need for this project in the store. If you get stuck on any of the steps, bring your work in and we'll help you through it.