Spiral Paper Clips Tutorial

Here's a really fun little project that I do fairly often. It uses up spare bits of wire because you need relatively little wire in order to make each one. Paper clips are a really fun project that everyone has a use for, and it can be modified in so many ways. For gifts, try mixing it up using color coated wire in thematic colors, for instance! These are just a lot of fun!!!!

Another great thing about this project is that it can be accomplished with almost any gauge, color, and temper of wire - I would suggest using at least 22g or thicker, for sturdiness.

For the sake of visibility, I'm using 16g copper wire for this tutorial

1) Cut a piece of wire approximately 4" long

2) Using your round-nose pliers or rosary pliers, make a loose spiral on one end of the wire

3) Make a similar loose spiral at the other end of the wire, facing in the same direction. Leave about 3/4" of space between the two spirals

At this point, if you're using thinner or dead soft wire, it can't hurt to hammer the spirals a bit for strength. Don't hammer the space between the spirals; you want to keep that somewhat flexible for the next step.

4) Gently push the two spirals toward each other until one overlaps the other

You now have a cute, decorative little paperclip. Simply clip two beautiful pieces of paper together with it!

Now that you've mastered these little guys, mix it up a little. Try making really large spirals, hammering a texture into them, or try making leaf or heart shapes for the front part of the paperclip. The possibilities are endless, and these take only a minute or so apiece to make. Have fun!!!!!