Eye pins make it easy to create quick jewelry designs. In this Beading Lesson, you'll learn how to make your own colorful eye pins and get some ideas for fun, linked necklaces and bracelets.

The idea behind eye pins is the same as an assembly line – since part of the work is already done, it's more efficient when you begin putting all of the pieces together.

20-gauge wire is a good choice for eye pins. The wire is sturdy enough that the simple loops will hold their shape but it's thin enough to work well with most beads. Of course, you could use wire that is slightly thinner or thicker, depending on your bead size.

To determine what length pins you need to make, make a loop on one end of a 2" piece of wire. String a bead onto the wire and then make another loop. Cut off the excess and measure it. Subtract that amount from 2" and you'll know what size wires to cut.

You can also use a Wire Crinkler to make decorative eye pins. To use a Wire Crinkler, feed 22- or 20-gauge Artistic Wire through the hole on the front of the tool. Hold the left gear down with thumb as you turn the handle on the right gear. Once it's crinkled, remove it from the tool. Use round nose pliers to make a loop on each end of the wire.

Links:
German-style Wire http://www.beadalon.com/GermanStylePlatedWire.asp