Love Code Set

llll intermediate love code set

Designs by Melissa Lee

I am really a bit of a geek at heart. I love the way binary code looks, and I thought it would make a great design element in a piece of jewelry. The fine silver pendant spells out “love” in binary code, with a heart in place of one of the zeroes. The earring charms also contain part of the code for “love,” again with hearts in place of two of the zeroes.

Instructions

Earrings 1) Form a wrapped loop at one end of one 3-inch piece of 24-gauge wire attaching loop to top of a Geek Love charm before wrapping.

2) String one black onyx rondelle, one peridot rondelle and one black onyx rondelle. Form another wrapped loop, attaching loop to ear wire before wrapping. Trim excess wire.

3) String one black onyx teardrop onto center of a 3-inch piece of 24-gauge wire. Bend both wire ends up above top of teardrop; wrap one wire around the other just above bead, securing bead in place. Form a wrapped loop with other wire end, attaching loop to bottom of Geek Love charm before wrapping. Trim excess wire.

4) Repeat steps 1–3 for second earring.

Necklace Project note: When working with epoxy, always work in a well-ventilated area and follow manufacturer’s safety instructions.

1) String a crimp bead 1/2 inch from one end of beading wire; insert short wire tail through one jump ring and back through crimp bead. Use crimp pliers to flatten the crimp bead.

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Copyright © 2009 DRG, 306 East Parr Road, Berne, IN 46711. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2009 DRG, 306 East Parr Road, Berne, IN 46711. All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in part or in whole without written permission from the publisher. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in part or in whole without written permission from the publisher. Materials 2 (1.3mm) sterling silver 10 inches .012-inch-diameter Finished Sizes Geek Love fine silver pendant crimp beads nylon-coated flexible Earrings 2 Geek Love fine silver round 2 (9mm) fine silver end caps beading wire 31/2 inches long charms 2 sterling silver ear wires Round-nose pliers Faceted rondelles: 2 sterling silver lobster-claw Chain-nose pliers Necklace 26 (9 x 4mm) peridot, clasps Crimp pliers 171/4 inches (including clasp) 16 (4 x 2.5mm) black onyx 4 (3-inch) pieces 24-gauge Wire nippers 2 (28 x 10mm) black onyx sterling silver wire Rubber gloves faceted teardrop beads 6 (81/2-inch) pieces 1.5mm Alcohol pad 4 (6mm) 16-gauge sterling black leather cord Toothpicks silver jump rings Epoxy

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3) Insert wire through one side of pendant. String 12 black onyx rondelles. Insert wire through other side of pendant.

4) Repeat step 2.

5) String a crimp bead; insert wire through a jump ring and back through crimp bead and two or three rondelles. Flatten the crimp bead. Trim excess wire. Set beaded wire aside.

6) Wipe down ends of leather cords and insides of end caps with alcohol pad. Allow end caps and cords to dry thoroughly. Note: Do not touch them with your bare hands afterwards, as the oil from your hands will leave a residue and may prevent the epoxy from adhering properly.

7) Wear rubber gloves and mix a small batch of epoxy according to manufacturer’s instructions. Apply a layer of epoxy to interiors of end caps and to ends of leather cords using a toothpick.

8) Insert leather cords into end caps. Allow epoxy to dry according to manufacturer’s instructions.

9) Use jump rings to attach a clasp to each end cap.

10) To complete necklace, attach clasps to jump rings at ends of beaded wire. ●

Sources: Geek Love pendant, charms and end caps from Melissa J. Lee; black onyx rondelles and epoxy from Chelsea’s Beads; black onyx teardrop beads from String A Strand; peridot rondelles, clasps, jump rings, crimp beads, ear wires, 24-gauge wire and beading wire from Fire Mountain Gems and Beads; leather cord from Riverstone Bead Co.

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