Studio 73 Designs

Wire Jewelry Making & Wire Wrapping Techniques

How to make a Celtic Penannular Brooch with copper wire

DISCLAIMER:  This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.  Please read my disclaimer for more info.

Want to Support my Work?

If you are enjoying my content, please consider leaving me a tip in my tip jar :). This helps me to create more AMAZING FREE content to share with you :)

by

Today, I decided to put together a short tutorial on how to make a Celtic Penannular brooch.

The Celtic penannular brooch dates back to the Iron age. The brooch features a pin which is fastened on one end to the ring which allows it to slide freely around the brooch.

Penannular means “incomplete ring” which allows a small space for the pin to move through.

They work great on sweaters, scarves or shawls.

MY PROCESS

This upcycled copper wire penannular brooch is made with roughly 10 & 12 gauge wire. It measures roughly 2″ by 2″.

RECYCLE/UPCYCLE

I make all my copper jewelry with salvaged electrical wire which I get at my local salvage yard. I believe in reusing materials that are readily available.❤️

This tutorial is step by step as you can see below but I’ve also included the video version.

Penannular Brooch Tutorial

Part One – The Frame

Step 1 – With a pair of sheers, cut a 6″ piece of wire.

How to Make a Celtic Penannular brooch

Step 2 – Heat the wire with a torch. This is the process of annealing the wire (it makes it easier to work with).

Step 3 – After quenching, place in pickle pot. This removes the firescale from the wire and cleans it.

Step 4 – Place in water and baking soda to neutralize.

Step 5 – Wrap wire around a mandrel. I use an old baseball bat (works great!)

Step 6 – Hammer each side of brooch as evenly as possible. Both ends need to be hammered repeatedly so they spread out.

Step 7 – File the ends until smooth.

Part Two – The Needle

Step 8 – Cut a scrap piece of wire (10-12 gauge) about 3-4″ long.

Step 9 – Hammer end of needle.

Step 10 – Using a pair of 6-step barrel pliers, roll one of the ends in.

Step 11 – Hook end of needle onto frame.

Step 12 – With a pair of pliers, squeeze the loop shut around the frame.

Step 13 – Cut the needle so it sticks out by at least 1/4″.

Step 14 – Hammer end of needle.

Step 15 – Snip the end with shears.

Step 16 – File end of needle to smooth it out.

Final Product – After tumbling and polishing:

See my really short video on how to use a Celtic Penannular brooch right here => How to Use a Celtic Penannular Brooch