Flattening the ends of wire into a paddle shape is a versatile technique. It’s an easy way to make headpins for stringing beads, or you can use it as a decorative dangle by itself. It’s also a great way to start a spiral, as the thinned wire curls easily and looks cool when spiraled!

You need very few tools, some of which you might already have in your kitchen tool drawer. You’ll need a steel bench block, a flat-head hammer, and of course, wire cutters. A metal needle file or nail file is also suggested to smooth the tip.

When I’m making headpins, I work right off the spool, that way I can cut whatever length I want after the paddle is made.

Hammer the tip of your wire flat, and then continue hammering just that spot while slightly pulling the hammer toward the end as you strike.

You can flatten the end as much as you want. You can stop after a slight flattening or continue hammering to spread the paddle shape more. If you get a dent in the paddle, just hammer over it again to remove the dent.

If your paddle ends up with any sharp burs, take a nail file and smooth them off.