Autumn is the perfect season for nature-inspired designs, and this autumn tree of life pendant brings a touch of woodland magic to your accessories. This detailed guide shows you how to wire-wrap a tree inside a ring and bring it to life with Preciosa bicone beads as warm, glowing leaves.
It is an intricate, rewarding wirework project, ideal for makers ready to take their jewellery to the next level. Here is everything you need, then the full method.
Project at a glance
- Difficulty: Intermediate (intricate wirework)
- Time: A couple of hours
- Beads used: Preciosa bicones in emerald, topaz, light Colorado topaz and peridot AB
- Technique: Wire-wrapped tree of life on a chain
Watch the tutorial
See this project come together. Watch the full make below, then scroll down for the kit list and step-by-step instructions.
What you'll need
Quantities make one pendant. Add the beads, wire and chain to your cart from the cards below. The pliers and cutters are reusable across every project, so browse the full range of tools and accessories to build your kit.
- Preciosa Bicone Beads, Emerald 6mmLeaves50
- Preciosa Bicone Beads, Topaz 6mmLeaves25
- Preciosa Bicone Beads, Light Colorado Topaz 6mmLeaves25
- Preciosa Bicone Beads, Peridot AB 6mmLeaves25
- Artistic Wire 24 Gauge, SilverRing frame1
- Artistic Wire 26 Gauge, SilverTrunk and branches1
- Chain Nose PliersTwisting and flattening1
- Side CuttersCutting wire1
- Silver Plated Jump RingsHanging loop1
- Silver Plated Belcher ChainThe necklace chain1
Shop this project
Everything you need for this build. Quantities are a guide, so adjust to your design.
Not sure how many crystals you need? Use our Crystal Calculator to estimate by surface area.
How to make an autumn tree of life pendant
Step 1: Cut your wire
Cut a full circle of 24 gauge wire for the base of the pendant, leaving enough that the ends overlap. Then cut around thirteen lengths of 26 gauge wire, each roughly 30cm long, for the trunk and branches.
Step 2: Bind the ring
Close the 24 gauge wire into a loop. Take a 26 gauge piece, fold it over the overlapping section of the ring, then wrap one end tightly around the ring five or six times. Keep adding pieces this way until the overlap is completely hidden and all your branch wires are attached.
Step 3: Twist the first branches
Using your chain nose pliers, twist two of the loose 26 gauge wires together about halfway down their length. Repeat around the ring, leaving two untwisted wires between each twisted pair. Then turn all the wires so they face into the centre of the loop.
Step 4: Form the roots
Twist and bend the wires to your liking to create the roots, then bring them together towards the centre. Keep the ring's shape as you work, and do not use the full length of the wires, as you still need plenty for the rest of the tree.
Step 5: Twist the trunk
Gather all the wires and twist them together to form the trunk, using your chain nose pliers and taking your time. Again, keep the ring's round shape as you go.
Step 6: Branches and beads
Split the wires into roughly four main branches, twisting and bending them to shape. Once the main branches are formed, thread beads onto the individual sprigs as leaves, adding the colours in any order you like for a natural look.
Step 7: Finish the pendant
Wrap each branch end around the outside of the ring twice, trim the excess with your side cutters, and flatten any sharp ends with your chain nose pliers. Repeat until no loose wire remains. Add a jump ring to the top, then thread your chosen chain through it.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make a wire tree of life pendant?
You start with a wire ring, then bind a bundle of finer wires to it. Those wires are twisted together to form the trunk and roots, split into branches, and threaded with beads as leaves. The branch ends are wrapped back around the ring, and a jump ring and chain finish it.
What is a tree of life pendant?
A tree of life pendant is a wire tree set inside a circular frame, with its roots and branches reaching to the ring. It is a classic, symbolic design; this autumn version uses warm-toned beads as the leaves for a woodland, seasonal feel.
What wire do you need for a tree pendant?
Two gauges: a thicker 24 gauge for the ring frame so it holds its shape, and a finer 26 gauge for the branches, which needs to bend and twist easily. This design uses around thirteen 30cm lengths of the 26 gauge wire for the trunk and branches.
What beads work best as leaves?
Small bicones catch the light like dappled leaves. For autumn, warm greens and golds work beautifully: we used Preciosa bicones in emerald, topaz, light Colorado topaz and peridot AB. You can add them in any order for a natural, scattered look.
Is a tree of life pendant hard to make?
It is an intermediate wirework project. None of the steps are complicated alone, but twisting even branches and keeping the ring's shape takes patience. The bead placement is forgiving, so the trickiest part is the wrapping rather than the leaves.
Can I change the colours or season?
Yes. Swap the autumn palette for fresh greens for spring, or icy tones for winter. We used Czech-made Preciosa bicones here; you can also use premium Swarovski, our own Austrian-made Serinity, or budget Estella in your chosen shades.
Make it your own
Change the palette for a different season, or scale the ring up for a bolder pendant. For more autumn-inspired makes, see our pumpkin bracelet and autumn bead bracelet. You can also explore the full Craft Studio.
