You would be amazed by how much you can do with wire! It is manna from heaven when it comes to jewelry making not only because you can create so much from it but also because it can step in when you need instant bails, earwires, wrapped loops, pretty much anything. We all fell in love with the Tree of Life design that Mig Lamire recently taught in the shop. We so much fun wrapping, looping, bending and twisting (the wire I mean!) that we almost didn't realize what we had created until it was done.
The great thing about this project was that even though there were about 9 of us all making the our trees of life, every single one of them came out unique. The tree of life pendant can be hung high on a choker length satin cord or on a long chain and no matter how many trees of life there are out there, each expresses the unique style of its wearer.
So, a little about wire: we usually recommend using craft wire for practicing and learning wrapping. It is a silver, gold or copper colored base metal that sells on spools and it’s cheap. After you have a feel for wire, you can move up to half hard sterling silver. Although, for many projects that require constant manipulation of the wire, like wire crochet for example, it is still best to stick with craft wire because unlike silver, it doesn't get brittle and break as quickly.
Another factor to think about with wire is the gauge that you will need for your project. Gauge is a measurement of the thickness of the wire. Contrary to instinct, the higher the gauge number, the thinner the wire. Most wire wrapping projects call for 22-26 gauge. Many people also like 24 gauge for headpins because it is much easier for making wrapped loops on earrings. If your project requires a form, like the ring upon which the tree of life is wrapped, then you'll need a thicker wire such as an 18 gauge to create a solid form.
As for projects using wire wrapping? We make wire wrapped rings, wire wrapped pendants, beaded hair combs, hair pins, wire crochet, hammered spirals, wire twist bracelets...oh my gosh, the sky is the limit!
Recent Comments