Shiney Lounge

Cocoon Pendant Tutorial

Easy to make and require only minimal tools and materials

Materials and tools needed

· Snipe nose (chain nose) pliers
· Wire cutters
· A selection of beads or crystals

Step 2
Wrap the end you began with around all 3 wires, 4/5 times to secure the frame. Trim excess wire from the short end and squash with your snip nose pliers around the frame to avoid any protruding edges. The size of the frame should be approx. 5/6 cms diameter.

Step 3
Now form the frame into the desired shape using your hands.

Step 4
Take the long end of wire and thread across the shape. Anchor the wire to the other side of the frame by holding it tightly to the edge with your thumb and finger. Use your other hand to feed the wire through the centre of the frame in a sewing motion, pulling the wire tight to the edge without distorting the shape. Wrap it around so the wire is facing the other side.

Time saver tip – Take care not to tangle the wire. Use Nylon jaw pliers to straighten the wire as you work.


Step 5
When you have secured the first weave, turn the frame over and repeat, anchoring at another point on the edge of the frame in the same way as before.



Step 6
Continue repeating steps 4 and 5 until you begin to cover the frame with a lattice of wire.

Style tip – You can make a flat or puffed shape by the way you wrap each piece of wire across the frame. To make a puffed design, slightly loosen each weave on one side, allowing each wrap to rise out from the frame. Don’t make it too loopy, as you want the effect to happen gradually with each wrap. Be careful not to flatten the puffed side as you work.


Step 7
Continue until you have approx. 75cms of wire remaining. Thread 1 or more beads onto the wire and embellish both sides of the cocoon. Do this by continuing to weave across the frame, simply adding a few beads to the wire as you weave across both sides.

Step 8
When you have finished adding your beads, secure the end of the wire by wrapping it tightly 2/3 times around the edge of the frame. Snip the wire, and squash the sharp edge around the frame with your snipe nose pliers.

Add ribbon or thread to one edge to turn them into Christmas tree decorations.
For a necklace, add a jump ring to the edge and thread through some cord, leather or ribbon. Finish with folding cord ends a jump ring on each side an a clasp.



Techniques tip – If you run out of wire, simply cut a new length and wrap it around the edge of the frame snipping any sharp ends and squashing them with your snip nose pliers.

On a budget -You can embellish these decorations with odd beads left over from previous projects or recycle old jewellery to create fabulous new items.

The designs displayed in the ‘Shiney Lounge’ are for personal use only. Any use for commercial purposes i.e. teaching others, is not permitted without the prior permission of Shiney Company.