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Attaching charms and dangles can be an important thing to learn, since they can make simple chains into works of art. It isn't hard though, in fact it is one of the more simple things to learn.

JUMP RINGS
The first technique that can be used it a simple jump ring. Jump rings come in all different sizes so you can choose how large you want your ring to be. However, be careful and make sure you have jump rings instead of split rings. Split rings have several coils of tight wire and aren't easy to slip anything onto by opening them up and closing is near impossible (trust me this was one of the earlier mistakes that I made). Though they can be worked with (easily I am told) if you purchase a pair of split ring pliers. On the other hand a jump ring is just a ring that is one loop of wire that has been closed.

You can open the jump ring by pulling the two sides apart or giving them a small twist using flat or needle nose pliers. I prefer twisting because it is easier to match the ends up tight again. Slip your charm on and your chain and close (either by retwisting, or by squeezing).

It can be as simple as that.

EYE PINS
Eye pins are a pin (non-pokey) that has been made with a loop on the bottom to take charms and other additional dangles. The advantage to using an eye pin to add a charm or dangle to a chain is that you can add beads of your choice as well.

Open the bottom of the eye pin (in the same way you would a jump ring) and add the charm. Close the eye pin back up. Add your desired beads, make sure there is room to bend the top of the eye pin over to form a loop. If there is too much room then snip the top of the eye pin off using wire cutters leaving about 1/4" to 3/8" so that you can bend the top into a loop. Using needle nose pliers grip the top and slowly wrap the wire around the pliers. Before completing the loop slip chain into your partially finished circle. Close the circle and your done!

This can add more color and style to your charms!

HEAD PINS
Head pins are pins that have a "head" or stopper on them. They come in a wide variety of styles and designs. You can get them with gemstones, fancy beaded heads, paddle shaped heads, and the most inexpensive flat head variety. Your choice can add more design. Or you can simply take the flat head variety and add beads of your choice. They are attached to the chain in the same way as eye pins! This can make a dangle without a charm, which can be as lovely and of a completely different style as "charmed" versions.

Most importantly, have fun, get creative, and enjoy what you do!

Learn more about this author, Danelle Karth.
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