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- From the Editor: Editorial introducing versatile uses of wire in various projects and setting the theme of the publication.
- Basics: Discusses essential tools, wire types, and techniques fundamental to wirework crafting.
- Wire: Your Most Important Tool: Explores the importance of wire quality and selection for crafting, offering insights into different wire varieties.
- What's Change Got to Do with It?: Discusses the significance of creativity, change, and innovation in wirework projects.
- Spiral Posts & Teardrop Hoops: Provides a step-by-step guide to creating spiral posts and teardrop hoop earrings, detailing materials and techniques used.
- Wild Heart Necklace: Illustrates the crafting process for a necklace with a heart pendant, focusing on both design and execution details.
- Flower Pendant: Instructions for crafting a flower-shaped pendant from wrought-iron designs with wire weaving techniques.
- Multistrand Chain Mail Necklace: Detailing the method of constructing a chain mail necklace with multiple strands and color variations.
- Strip Wire & Faux Bone Cuffs: Guide to making cuffs using strip wire and faux bone materials, focusing on personal customization techniques.
- Speedy Dragonscale Set: Instructions for creating a bracelet and earring set using dragonscale weaving with vibrant colors.
- Spiral This Earrings: Combines spiral and crystal design elements to craft eye-catching earrings.
- Freeform Woven Swirls Pendant: Creates a complex pendant with woven swirls using layered wires and asymmetrical construction methods.
- Butterfly Wing Earrings: Instructions for crafting butterfly-shaped earrings using jump rings and chain patterns.
- Loopy Copper Cuff: Creates cuffs with intricate loop structures, focusing on style and bead selection.
- Brilliant Bracelet: Guide to creating sparkling bracelets using cubic zirconia and silver settings.
- Woven Rose Window Pendant: Crafts a stained glass effect pendant using seed beads, combining color and structure efficiently.
- Viper Basket Necklace: Uses chain mail techniques to create a necklace with unique textures using contrasting metals.
- Lacy Butterfly Lariat: Instructions for making a lariat using crochet hooks to form delicate butterfly shapes.
- Queen's Link Bracelet: Details crafting a box chain bracelet that combines affordability with elegance.
- Wired Bead Mail Bracelet: Creates a fashionable bracelet by integrating beads and wire in a classic chain mail design.
- Wire-Woven Toggle: Crafting a toggle clasp using wire weaving to finish jewelry pieces elegantly.
- Wrapped & Wrapped Again Necklace: Explains creating a necklace with a wrapped style for added texture and visual interest.
- Brass Flower Ring: Instructions to make a ring with brass flower designs, accentuated with sea glass or stones.
Learn néw
techniques _
© Chain Mail
© Cold Connections
© Coiling and Wrapping
AND MORE!
| ween these :
-minute
)¥& earrings p.2 100s of
j step-by-step
Usa Liddy showcases: i” ss photos
hammered wire and bead
‘ocal element on a hand
copper chain, p18
HOW TO
Make custom clasps
Design handmade ear wires
Hammer, stamp, texture wireThere’ a lot to WUB!
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Forming & Hammering Ferming &Hemmering
16102
Shop Online & Save
800.772.3456
510.832.0355
[Link]
[Q] Otto Frei
Coy ew Wns Figs ice 198
* Basic jewelers skills & tools for polishing & soldering required.
See our site for a complete tool list.Inside
Wirework Spring 2012
Projects
18 | Wild heart necklace
DDapped wire dsks and squiggly copper
vie create a bold fnish fora borosilicate
heart bead.
by Usa Lily
21 | Flower pendant
Make alower-shaped web with multiple spas and
‘aweb-lke center weave,
by Lisa nven Key
25 | Multistrand chain mail necklace
Lear Full Persian weave to tum diferent size rings
into an elegant colarstyie chain highlighting two
diferent metals.
by Saider
28 | Strip wire & Faux Bone cuffs
Learn howto color and bend a net marian
{se a mveting to or fast and-ensy cok connec:
tone. Samped stp whe personalize aunque cut
by ilasa Gabe
32 | Speedy dragonscale set
Use aluminum and erameled copper jump rings to
weave afeatervelght bracelet and earinge.
by Theresa Abela
34 | Spiral THIS earrings
Heawy wire, bras tubing, crystals, and seed beads
transform a heavy spiral ho fun earings
by Tray Siniy
37 | Freeform woven swirls pendant
Liam fo bocéer wrap and eaplue acabochon, then
shapo a lal sviring pendant embolished with
woven wire
by Dorm Spector
42 | Butterfly wing earrings
‘Assemble a pair of quck-and-easy chain mal
csaringe that fitter wah oryeta buttery dangles.
by Con Maner
44 | Loopy copper cuff
‘Shape, hammer, then add beads to a retro-styled,
heavy-gauge wire cu bracelet.
by Hava Tero
48 | Brilliant bracelet
Shap cube 2reaia into string settings ading
bol focal eemerts to an eagy onan vith Nghe
end spark.
by Bats Suzer
‘50 | Woven rose window pendant
‘Weave 2 four-saction focal pendant using colorful
fine-gauge wire and seed beads.
by Joan Babcock
‘54 | Viper basket necklace
Lea a Canacian-bom weave with @ supple
‘rape and sleek mixed-metal construct,
by Kathleen Bergsron
56 | Lacy butterfly lariat
Try alenterochet hybrid creat ths iy,
feminine st
by iso Koh
62 | Queen’s link bracelet
‘Weave siver- plated, large jump rings into astinky,
sinuous chain bracelet,
by Diane Mer64 | Wired bead mail bracelet
Beads and wire are wrapped into large closed beaded
‘ings and then assembled into a bracelet using a4-in-t
‘chain mal weave.
‘by Per Jackson
68 | Wire-woven toggle
An catrng nding creates base fo a toggle that looks
70 | Wrapped & wrapped again necklace
\Wrap a beachrch chain to enhance a bead pendant or
‘other avon focal pce
‘by Nora Lynn Hotes
73 | Brass flower ring
Make a cockta ing extadrdnare using @ vite seting for
sea glass or other found objects.
bby Brandl Schweder
SPECIAL FEATURES
6 | From the Editor
8 | Basics
‘Aguide 10 wirworktectniques and supplies.
12| Tooling Around:
Wire: Your most important too!
by isa Niven Kay
14 | Creative Minds: What's change got to
16 | Quick Ease: Spiral posts (& teardrop hoops)
by Sara Maina & Samartha Sister
82/ It's a Wrap: Wire sculptures by
Elizabeth Berrien
enn ng 04 ole mes annyFrom the Editor
While | looked over the table of contents for this
issue, | couldn't help but notice the variety of wire
types used in the designs. Straight from the cover,
the "Wild heart necklace,” p. 18, showcases the
beauty of copper, and it joined by seven more designs made
primarily or exclusively with copper wire.
More wire and findings have become availabe in metals other than
stering siver. Wire expert Lisa Niven Kely explains in "Tooling Around,”
12, a few options you've probably seen in your local bead store or
favorite supply catalog. Brenda Schweder helns you embrace change in
your creative universe, p. 14, which might change more than just the
type of wire used to make your next clasp.
Stverlled and siver-plated jump rings give chain mail a classic look
ata more affordable price. Try plated rings to make the "Queen's ink
bracelet,” p. 62, of weave the Viper basket necklace,” p. 54, made with
siverfiled and rose-gold rings. Combine rich bronze and playful niobium
in the elegant “Multstrand chain mail necklace,” p. 25.
‘Nong with a wide variety of wire types, you'll discover a broad selection
of prdiects using seed beads, crystals, gemstones, handmade glass
beads or even sea glass. Choose from six different bracelet desgns, two
different rings, eight pendants or necklaces, four different earrings and
two styles of ear wires. Satisfy your urge to bend, hammer, weave,
crochet, loop and wrap wire.
Please contact me at beadswitzer@[Link] with any suggestions or
input on projects or materials you would like to see in upcoming issues.
And, as always, bend it ike you mean it!
8 Wirework Spring 2012
Wirework
Conebutig Esto Santa Lipo
Senor At restr Li A. Bergman
Photographers 2 Zick en Fos
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Plater nds Kast
Prosdent Gold Bootohor
Execute Vice President Chane A Croft
ee Proce Etats Ken Kee
ee Pesce, Aavetsing Seo Stsbery
ee Prose. Narang ae 7 Lance
(orprate ft owacor Mure Serer
Production Nongar Helene Tiss
Prodition oondnator Amie Guo
Cerprat Croton Dror Miche! Barbee
Group Creston Menage Cater Osils
Ccovaton Secale Valeri Lane
(reson Coetnstr Brn Cushman
Siri Copy Sale Desir Jeny Susie
Group Aaartsng Manager nn E Sn
averting Sass De Joston, Caw Bech
‘Lon Sonor
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dozens of other
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erent etBasics
TOOLBOXES
Chain mail
+ Ad, pin, oF sotive
‘+ Bead mat or work aurfoce
"= Nosale fs
+ Pliers @ pais: bentnose, chainnose,
or fatnose
‘+ Readina/magnitying gasses
‘+ Tumbler ste! sho, burnishing
‘compound
Wirework
“= Banch block or and
‘+ Cup bur or wie rounder
‘Cutters: side, end, or fish
‘+ Hammer: chasing, ball peen,
‘ross peen
+ Malet: rawhide or plastic
“* Mandrake or dowels
+ Nesaie fle.
+ Piers: cheimnose, latnose,
roundnose, paral, rvion jaw
+ Polishing cith
‘+ Sandpeper: various gits
‘+ Tumbler, st! sho, burrishing
‘compound,
WIRE TYPES,
Todays home-based jewelry maker has
an amazing array of materials and tools
to choose from compared to days past.
‘Awide varaty of wire is avaiable in bead
slores, craft and hobby shops, as well
as on the Internet. One can find different
metals and styles of wie, including
round, half-round, square, twisted, pat-
temed, and more. Listed here is
2 brial description of some of the mast
popular wire types on the market.
Itis generally acceptae to mix metals
in your projects. One caveat — f you're
seling your pieces, i's imperative that
you disclose the materials you've used.
‘Aigo, you need to consider tamish rates.
‘While i's not going to harm the metals
[Link] them together, they will oxidize
at different rates, and a year after you've
made your piece, it might not ook the
same as the day you made it.
8 Wirework Spring 2012
Silver
‘tering siver's ar alloy containing 92.5%
silver with the balance usually being
copper or nickel. Stering tarnishes rather
easly, but oxidation can be controled
somewhat by keeping it stored in an
airtight sealable bag,
Fie-siber wire is 99,99 sliver and is
softer than storing siver wire. Itis best
sed for wrapping or weaving. It will iso,
tarnish over time, though not as rapidly
as sleting.
‘Argent siveris an alloy that
Contains germanium, which gives the
metal some tarnish resistance. It wil
tarnish somewhat over tme, however.
Gold-filled
‘The term got-ledis misleading
‘because instead of having a core of
(gold, as the name suggests, it actually
has a core of base metal that is covered
with a layer of 10% or higher gald. Goid
‘must account for at least '/a: the weight
to be called "gold-fled.” Gold-fled wire
's relatively expensive, but it maintains
its color and shine without tarnishing;
although, over time, the gold can wear
off, especially in areas thet encounter @
lot of fiction.
Copper
‘as copper wire is soid copper without
any coating, Because itis relatively
inexpensive and easy to find, copper is
often used as practice wire before mov-
ing on to precious metals. Patina can be
_2dded to copper to darken i or tun it
blue or green. To maintain color, seal the
wire with lacquer or miccoaryetaline wax.
German javey wire consists of a
copper core pated with another metal,
Lsualysiver or gold, and is an economi-
cal option to precious metals. Athough
the plating will eventually wear ofthis
‘ost ikely would take several years
‘Costes copce, 2s the name suggests, Is
copper that is coated with one of num
ber of possiie coatings, often a
Ccolortl ving or plastic. Some coated wire
is touted as “permanently colored,” but
the coating could scratch off, so handle t
Careful oF coat tools with tape ora
‘When you see this symbol (®), head over to [Link]/WireworkMagazine,
go to the Notes tab, and you'll find links to the videos demonstrating the techniques.
rubberized tool dip. Its sometimes also
called craft mie or enameled wire. Some of
these wires are tamish resistant and
maintain their shine well over time,
Aluminum.
‘Aluminum wire is a lightweight wire that
usually comes anodized, or coated to
briliant ary of colors. The color may
scratch off, 60 handle the wie carefully or
coat tools with tape or rubberized too! dio.
Brass
Brass wire is an aloy of copper and zinc.
Diferent manufacturers offer alloys wih
varying percentages of these metas.
Many people tke brass as a low-cost
substitute for gold because thas a
similar color and luster when shiny. Brass
tarnishes rathor easily but can be sealed
with lacquer or microcrystaline wax. Jew
ers braze is a popular brass alloy (ts,
indeed, copper and zinc, not bronze,
which isan alloy of copper an tn
WIRE GAUGES
Gauge is the measure of a wirels diame
ter or thickness. There are two afferent
gauge systems that are used for wire:
The American Wire Gauge (AIG, also
known as Brown & Sharpe) is usualy
sed for nonferrous metals such as siver
‘and gold the Standard Wire Gauge
{SWG, aso known as British Standard or
Imperial Standard is used for base met-
als, The diameters ofthe gauges are not
the samo, 50 it's mportant to know
‘which system is being used to describe
the wire you're using. Below is a chart
showing the differences between the
gauges fora sampling of wie diameters.
orWIRE TECHNIQUES:
Coiling
‘Wire can be wrapped around a mandrel
oF other core to make @ coil, which may
be decorative, functional, or both. Wire
colling tools tke the Coiling Gizmo make
the job fast and easy, but for small jobs
or when you're coiling directly onto a
Wire thet you'l use in your project, you
can do it by hand,
To make a coll, hold
the coiing wire
perpendicular to
the core or man
drel. Wrap the wire
around the core
until the coilis the
desired length, Keep the wraps close to
each other to prevent gans in the col.
Twisting square wire
Twisting square wire gives ta pretty,
orate look. You can twest wire with
an eectric dil or with a pin vise.
You'll get the most consistent results
if you twist reiatively short lengths of
wire (10 in/25.5 om or less) at a time,
To twist wire, insart one end into the
chuck of a pin vise or electric cil. Hold
ing the other end of the wire firmly with
flatnose pliers, rotate the pin vise or
press the trigger of the electric dill to
tum it on, Continue until the twist is
consistent along the length of the wire,
—
ul
—
‘Another option is to run the wire
through a pair of nylon-jaw pliers. This
will also straighten the wire, so you would
do this before shaping or bending it.
© Forming spirals
1 Grasp the end of a wire with the tips:
of apr of roundnose piers, and rotate
the pers to form a smal foo.
2 Grasp across the loop with chainnose
or flatnose piers, and use your fingers
to guide tho wire tail around the loop.
Continue rotating unt the spiralis the
desired size.
3 Leaving a bit of
space between the
rotations will give
you an open spiral
(eft; leaving no
‘space will give you
a tight spiral right).
@® )
LOOPS AND WRAPS
® Plain loop
1 Trim the wre % in. 9.5 mm above
the top bead. Meke a right-angle bend
close to the bead.
2 Grab the wires tip with roundnoss
pliers. Roll the wire to form a half circle,
Rolease the wire,
Hardening wire
It you're going to use wire in @ structural
way, its often beneficial to harden it
There are a few ways to db this.
ne option is to form the wire into the
desired shave and then hammer it.
It you also want to fatten it somewhat,
Use a chasing hammer or a ball-peen
hammer. Ifyou want to harden it
without flattaning it, use a plastic
or rawhide male,
3 Reposition the pliers in the loop and
continue roling, forming a centered
circle above the bead.
A Tris isthe finished loop.
© wrapped loop
1 Make sure there is at least 1% in,
(82 mm] of wire above the bead. With the
tip of your chainnose pliers, grasp the
wire directly above the bead, Bend the
Wire above the piers into a right angle.
2 Position the jaws of your roundnase
plers in the bend. Brng the wire over
the top jaw of the pliers.
my
3 Reposition the pliers’ lower jaw snugly
in the curved wire. Wrap the wire down
and eround the bottom of the piers.
This isthe frst half of a wrapped loop.
[Link] the loop with chainnose piers.
eo
o
5 Wrap the wire tal
‘around the stem,
covering the stem
between the loop
and the top bead.
Tim the excess:
wrapping wire, and
press the end close to the wraps,
Using chainnose or crimping piers.© Set of wraps above
a top-drilled bead
1 Center a top-drilled bead on 3 in.
(76 mm) of wire. Bend each end of the
wire upnard, crossing the ends into an
Xabove the bead.
2 Using chainnose pliers, make a small
bbend in each wire go the ends form a
right angle
)
1 2
3 Wrap the hori-
zontal wire around
the vertical stem as ~
in a wrapped loop.
Tim the excess:
wrapping wire. To
attach this unit to
Prepare a ver of sulfur solution
according to the manufacturer's instruc:
tions. Dip the metal in the solution for a
{few seconds, then rinse the metal in coo!
water to stop the chemical reaction.
For a darker patina, continue to dip
land rinse the metal. Use a brass brush
with soapy water to remove or modify
the patina, By using different tempera-
{ures and amounts of water to make the
solution, you can achieve different
colors of patina; experiment to find
the result you prefer.
MAKING AND USING
JUMP RINGS
Make the coil by hand
Select a wooden dowel or mandrel with
2 diameter that matches the inside
diameter of the jump rings you want to
make. Drill a hole through one end of the
dowel. Insert the end of the wire into the
hole to anchor it to the dowel. Wrap the
‘wire around the mandrel or dowel, Keep:
ing the cols tight against one another.
another component,
make a wrapped joop
with the wire stem.
FINISHING
© Tumble-polishing
Pace steel shot into the tumbler’ barel
‘Athough you can use any shape of steel
shot, a combination of shapes works
best the various shapes polish crevices
and contours differant, arsuring en
even polish,
Pour in water to cover the shot, then
add a pinch of burishing compound,
race your jowely in the tumbler, and
seal the barrel. Turn on the tumble, and
lett run for 2 hours or more. Pour the
Contents of the tumbler into a sieve over
snk, and rinse, Remove your jawelry,
and dry it. Dy the shot before storing it
© Patinate (darken metal)
with liver of sulfur
Posh your piece before patnating.
{i'you tumble-polsh your piece after
patinting, reserve the used shot for
future patinted pieces; the iner of
sulfur residue wil contaminate other
piaoes,) Ol and dit on the piece can
affect the patina; clean the metal wit
degroasing soap before patinating,
10 Wirowork Spring 2012
(Cut the wire that anchors the coll
I you willbe using wire cutters or a flex
shatt and jump ring maker to cut the coil
into jump rings, remove the col from the
dowel. If you wil be using a jeweler's
‘sam, slide the coil to the opposite end
‘of the dowel or mandrel
Cut jump rings using cutters
Using the flush-cut edge of your
cutters ata right angle to the coll, tim
the straight wire tal rom each end of
the coll
2 Sightly separate the first ring from the
coll With your cutters ata right angle
and using the fish side, cut where the
wire completes the fst rng.
Ifyou use diagonal wire cutters, one end
‘of your cut will bo fush and the other
‘end wil be pointed. To fush cut the
pointed end, flip your cutters over to the
flush-cut side, and cut again so that both
‘cuts are flush. Then, flush cut the end of
the col to start the next rng. There willbe
some wire waste, 60 make a few extra
‘ols to make up for the waste,
© Cut jump rings using a saw
‘Secure the dowel against the Vinotch in
your bench pin, and use a jewelers saw
with a 2/0 blade to cut a shallow, vertical
slot at the end of the dowel to guide
your blade as you cut the cal
Hold the coll
and dowel with
your nondomi-
nant hand. Saw
through the top
of the col, feed-
ingit toward the
slot in the dowel.
Be careful not to
‘out the jump
rings in half
© Make the coil and cut
jump rings using a flex shaft
and jump ring maker
1 If you rave a jump-ring maker or other
100), folow the manufacturer's instruc-
tions to make your coil2 Folowing the manufacturer's
instructions, secure the ool i the
holding device.
3 Cut tho jump rings, folowing the
manufacturer's instrtions.
® Opening and closing
a jump ring
1 Hold the jump ring with two pairs of
chainnose pila. To open the jump ring,
bring one pair of plers toward you and
push the other pair away from you. Do
‘not pul the jump ring open sideways.
[Link] close the jump ring, reverse the
direction of the pliers to bring the ends
of the jump ring back together. Because
jump rings, especially those used in
chain mai, tond to spring back, you may
find it hefful to bring the tips ofthe ring
a bt past the closed positon and then
bring them back together
Jump ring sizes
The inside ciameter of aiumo ring is
measured by the size of the mandrel
Used to make it. Some jump-ting
manufacturers use mandrets thal are
‘measured in fractional inches (ike Yin},
while others use mandrels measured in
rmilimeters, which come in quarter-
rmilireter increments. When choosing
jump rings to make a project, this can
be confusing. For instance, if the project
you're working on calls for '¥61in. jump
rings and the vendor you're buying from
sells them in fractional inches, you're
{good to go. But what ifthe anes you're
purchasing are measured in milimeters?
How do you know what milimeter size
rings to buy?
This issue comes up primariy in
cchain mail projects in which the inside
diameter of the jump rings used atten
makes the difference between the
project working or not. So, in the
materials lists of the chain mail projects
in this issue, we have listed the jump
rings by the size used by the artist.
Hf, when you go to buy or make jump
rings, you fing that the measurement
system is not the same as what the
project designer used, consult the
folowing charts,
The first chert starts with the fractional
inch measurements followed by the
actual milimeter equivalent. The next
column shows the closest milimeter ring
size that you will be able to purchase.
‘The second chart starts with
millimeter measurements with decimal
inch equivalents. The next colurnn
shows the closest fractional inch ring
size that you'll be able to purchase
‘long with the decimal inch equivalent.
Sfonin. 2.4 men)
‘fein. 2mm [3.25 mm
focin. (6 rmm)_[35 mm *
Shain amm) | 47smm=
“fin. 8mm) [6.5 mm"
*/ecin.(6.0mm)_ [60mm
Vein 7mm) [875mm
%in.05mm__ [9.5mm
en. 8orm) [180mm
Cen
ed sie
2.5 mm (0.0064 in) | ¥6in, (0.00376 in}
SmmOti6im) | Yin, 0.126in)
3.26 mmm (0.180 in} | Yin. (0.425 in} *
BSmm(0.1B8in] | Yan. (0A1405in)
4Omm{(0.157 In} _| Hin, (0.15626 in)
Eee OTH)
SO mMO256i1
B7EmmeasM n)
ssmmopsran) [in Gs76h)
Sse siete ARDS
“Ifthe substituted siza is smaller than the
‘exact equivalent, you might run into space
Contains if the design is snug to begin with
Pawacrrer|
‘ein. (084375in)
(Mc tars to Scr of Sittin ety
7d bers Moja of ve Butte Scutque
formar nop in eating jump-g ses)
QTHER TECHNIQUE
®© crimping
Use crimp beads to secure flexible
beading wire. Side the crimp bead
into place, and squeeze it frmiy with
cchainnose plies to flatten it, For a more
fished look, use crimping piers
11 Position the crimp bead in the hole
that is closest to the handle of the
crimping pliers
2 Holding the wires
apart, squeeze the
pliers to compress
the crimp bead,
making sure one
‘wire is on each side
of the dent
3 Place the crimp bad in the front
hole of the pliers, and position it so
the dent is facing the tips of the plies.
‘Squaeze the pliers to fold the crimp in
half. Tug on the wires to ensure that
the crimp is secure, ®
1"Tooling Around
his column is called, “Tooling
Around,” and yes, wo usually
talk about tools, These days
even too! junkies are spending
most of our time talking about metals,
because what good are tools without
the right wire to fend and shape?
‘The precious metals market has hit
record highs recently, and my favorite
metal, staring sive, has gotten quite
expensive. For the first 12 years of my
Jewelry making career, the spot price of
sterling sat steady between $4 anc $7
‘an ounce (yes, | said FOUR DOLLARS}
| remember my total shock wihen it hit
{$8 in 2004 and full panic when it nit
$14 in 2006. The prices have continued
to cimb from there. The market peaked
in late April 2011 when steriing weighed
in at just over $48 an ounce. Before.
another panic, | began looking at other
wires to replace my old favorit.
12 Wirework Spring 2012
Wire: Your most
important
by Lisa Niven Kelly
No matter what the market does from
here, it has everyone looking at metals
a bit differently, The climbing spot
prices and a shift in fashion and acces-
sory trends has resulted in more jewelry
made of not only elternative metals,
but of fabric, leather and found objects,
‘You see it in magazines, on the
runways and in stores; mixed-media
and mixed-metal jewelry is al the rage.
‘These days, | find myself, and most of
my students, working more with alter-
Trative metals, especialy in wire, Mainly,
[am reaching out to alternative metals
out of necessity. My old standbys, ster-
ling silver and goid-flled, are no longer
as affordable. The rising metals market
affects all businesses, including market
traders, manufacturers, bead stores
and designers, right down to the cus-
‘tomer. It has designers reconsidering
their metals of choice. Where sterling
tool
and gold-filed have been the industry-
leading metals for decades, designers
have started reaching out, looking for
alternative metals,
‘There are a lol of metals available that
‘won't break the bank but wil stil
provide the look and quality you want.
‘Some appear the same as stering,
others create a different look.
Let's not forget our ald frends copper,
brass, and bronze. Even though they
have taken a backseat to their siblings
sterling and gold-filed for decades,
pethaps now itis their time to shine,
Al three metals are easy to work with
and are widely available, but they
sometimes discolor the skin. Look for a
non-tarnish option (often with a clear
coating). Use a spray lacquer or
Renaissance Wax to prevent tarnishing
land skin discoloration,Try visiting your local hardware store to
explore its wire choices, Steel, alumi
hum, and copper wire come to mind,
Some of these wie types take some
getting used to, as the temper can be
very hard or very soft. Get to know how
they behave, and they will make a great
addition to mixed-media jewelry.
How about color? Why should beads
have all the fun? Wire can be colorful
too! There are many manufacturers of
permanently colored wire. This wire is
often a copper base with an enamel
colored coating and itis considered
dead ofl, Ihave used these wires a lot
and they wrap, twist, coll, weave and
even flatten amazingly well
| know what you are thinking, “Yeah all
these other wires are cool and all, but |
Just really love sterling silver.” Well never
fear, because silver-iled is here! This
metal isn’t new, but it has become very
popular and widely manufactured.
Stverfiled has a layer of .925 sterling
silver mechanically bonded to a brass
core, Siver-filed sheet metal or shaped
blanks typically have a copper core,
Silver-filed and silver-plated are not
the same thing, Silver-plated wire and
findings have a very thin layer of siver.
‘The bonded layer of siver on siver-filed
is hundreds of times thicker than silver:
plated, typically constituting 10% of
the total metals weight. Now that folks
trust siver filed as much as they trust
gold-filed, manufacturers are increas-
ing the products available to include
wire, sheet, blanks, and findings like
clasps, earring wires, and jump rings.
Just lke sterting sheet or wire, sive
filed can be cut, formed, coiled,
stamped, textured, oxidized, and
polished. Itis not a good candidate for
fling or soldering. Fling exposes the
brass or copper core, Although the
exposed second metal can result in
some pratty cool design surprises, it
you had something specific, shiny and
silver in mind, unexpected results may
be disappointing,
It your customers ask about the high
rice of stering or gold-fled jewelry,
take the time to educate them about
the matals market. Take the opportunity
to introduce them to some new
industry standards and trusted alterna-
tive metals.
‘And remember, changing the quality of
the wire you use doesn't mean sacriic-
ing the craftsmanship and boauty of
your jewelry, No matter what metal you
‘choose, skill and good design are the
basis for all strong well-built jewelry
Resources
[Link] for current metal prices,
historical charts, news, and data,
42Creative Minds
by Brenda Schweder
hat’s change got to do
‘with creativity and innova-
tion? What's it got to do
with you and your jewelry
designs work? Further, how open are
you to change?
Well let me tell you! Ths issue of Wire-
work is all about change. Many wire
workers design in steriing siver—and for
{good reason! /As wire goes, it bends ike
butter and it's shiny, bright and pretty.
It’s beautiful alone or as a fall for the
myriad of beads and embelishments we
can add to it,
But today, 2s | send this column off for
iting, the cost of siver is $32.18 an
‘ounce, Thal’s down from a high of more
than $48 last Apri, but far higher than in
the early 2000s—where the per-ounce
‘cost hovered around the $5 to $6 mark.
‘Change is sometimes thrust upon us.
‘You might say, "But | ust want to make
things and sell them." And there's the
rub: saliing your fished jewelry.
Other creators will exclaim, “just want
{to make things to feed my soul.” 'm
your gi when it comes to creating for
its own sake. But even the soul knows if
you're in a rut. The challenge of chang-
ing i up every once in awhile keeps us.
vibrant and fulfled! When we quit this
kind of invention, we quit ourselves.
(On a bigger note, I'm going to go out on
allimo and challenge your ideas of art
and craft and trend. I'm going to moti-
vate you to pay attention to the changes
‘around you, because innovation —or
‘creativity —cannot be achieved without
14 Wirowork Spring 2012
the addition of some thing (two words
(on purpose) new. | hope to get us think-
ing about how we can get a lag up on
the next rung of our personel creativity
ladders. Here goes:
Now, I can fesl some of you getting ner-
‘vous out there, Embracing change
doesn't involve adding more pressure to
being creative. As a matter of fact, it
seems to me that creatvity is pretty dam
‘overwhelming to many of us all by itso,
sa let me explain
First, creativity is defined as “the aboity
{o transcend tracftional ideas, rules, pat-
tems, relationships and to create mean-
ingful new ideas,” Pay close attention to
the words: transcend, traditional, mean-
ingtul, and new,
‘Second, innovation is defined as *some-
thing newly introduced." Pay attention to
the word naw—disguised as newiy |
submit that creativity is taking from the
traditional—or at least the known—and
‘adding “your own new twist.”
You've heard the adage, “There's noth-
ing new under the sun?" That’s both
{rue and untrue. To be original is almost
Impossible, Howard Aiken famously
said: “Don't worry about people stealing
an idea: i it's orginal, you'll have to
shove it down their throats.”
We're pretty good at assessing what's
‘going on around us, and we find securi-
{yin having things stay the same. So,
where do we get all this new stuff to fil
‘our design bag-o'tricks? From the new
‘and novel, that's where!
_ What’s change
got to do with it?
Creativity. Innovation. Change.
Walch for developing trends. Look for
(and embrace) quirky behaviors, odd
fashion, fresh technology, mixed-media,
and even the Pantone colors of the year.
Challenge yourselt. Adapt a new wire
technique. Loosen ar tighten up your
style. Work in ifferent metals. Add in a
new material. Or ry another craft or
hobby altogether to shake things up!
How about playing the acoustic guitar,
learning French, or mastering the art of
lace making? Wha knows where a ite
‘oping and tatting can take you?
Above all get in the habit of changing it
up, my frends! If this seems a litte
daunting, start with something small at
first and ease into territories unknown;
butt you're game, bite off a big chun!
Itmay make you a ite uneasy at fst,
but those butterfies you fee! will turn
into a futtery exhilaration that will boost
you and your work skyward!
What's change got to do with it? What
doesn't it have to do with i?
Brenda Schweder is the author of Steel
Wire Jewelry (Lark Crafts), Vintage
Redux and Junk to Jewelry (Kalmbach
Publishing Co,). Between her jewelry
designs and Fashion Forecasts,
‘Schweder has been published more
than 100 times. See Brenda's Brass
flower ring project on p.73 to see how
she stretches her creative muscles.a make tt Qe for yOu
~ to Me medley
4Spiral posts & teardrop hoops
by Samantha Slater and Sara Molina
materials for spiral posts
Earring post ‘ox Vie in. (11 x 8mm)
+ 6in,(152.0m) 22-aauge (0.8 mm)
slering siver,halthard wire
+25 mmsteting siber, 20-g0uge
{0.8 mm) jump rings:
+ Storing ever earing backs
tools & supplies
+ Wirowork toobbox 8)
+ Ring mandrel
+ Wire rounder or ne fe
stepbystep
Spiral posts
11 Flush cut both ends of two 3-in.
(69 mm) pieces of 22-gauge (0.6 mm)
wire. Using chainnase pliers, make a 90°
bend ¥ in. (13 mm) from the end of the
wire ¢.
2 Using roundnase piers, grasp the wire
at the bend. Pul the long end of the wire
around the jaw untlit is almast pointing
directly down. Without removing the
pliers from the loop, open the jaws, and
pivot the pliers so the bottom jaw is on
the top. Continue pulling the wire around
the tip of the plers to complete ¢ round
loop @.
3 Bend the short end of the wire at @
90° angle to the loop (3). This wire wil
be the earring post.
4 Grasp the loop using chainnose pliers
60 that the base loop is visi. Push the
wire up, forming it against the bese loop
(9. Continue to form a spiral, making
about four or five rotations.
5 To canter the spiral on the wite, grasp
the base of the spiral using chainnose
plers. Pinch the spiral with your fingers.
Gently push the spiral back until itis,
centered on the wire. Use roundnose
16 Wirowork Spring 2012
‘6 mm olivine crystal baroque
pendant, § mm Inner dlameter (0)
20.5-gauge ump ring
pliers to grasp the wire at the base of
the spiral. Pull the wire down and
«ground the piers unti it touches the
spiral (s). Continue puling the wire until a
complete loop is formed. Flush cut the
wire next to the spiral
6 Place the tip of the wire rounder over
the post and rotate it several times (I
you don't have @ rounder, use a fle or
rail board.
7 Repeat steps 1-6 to complete a
second ear post.
3x5 mm fuchsia fre-polish
rondelle, 14 10 mm purple
Ins frepolsh teardrop bead,
2agauge sterling ster 2-0
‘head pln with 1.5 mm ball
8 Add a dangle to the small loop or
aftach a pendant bead using a jump
‘ing, Or make @ headpin dangle with
beads of your chotce and altach the
‘wire wrapped loop to the ear postLearn to make original earring wires to add style to any pair A
of earrings. Both pairs are versatile and the perfect way
to finish your next pair of completely handmade earrings.
td
HHements wet: 16
sum alive enamel
‘mal sectioned get,
191mm ight mustard
Bead os darko coral 4m od enameled medion
crystal, 6 mm dak no crystal bien, elosed gen, 26 mm
6 mm ime erystaleube, 8mm crystal sain stramarne ue
round crystal, 96mm Siam crystal ron, enamel large closed
6mm dark ree rsa pear, sear (-K000 Beads)
‘4mm sunitowe bone
materials for teardrop hoops
Ear hoop 1% x 1 in. (42 x 25.5 mm)
© 20-gauge (0.8 mm} sterling silver,
hal-hard wire, 12 in, 20.5 om)
‘Teardrop hoops
1 Bend a 6-in. (12.7 om) piece of
20-gauge (0.8 mm wire around a ring
mandrel at the size 10 measurement, or
round an object with a $4-in. (19 mm)
diameter (1)
2 Measure 1% in. (4.4 om) from the
bottom of the teardrop and bend
down one side of the wire using
roundnose piers @).
‘3 Measure % in, (13 mm) from the bend
of the wire crested in step 8, Use chain-
nose pliers to bend 2 45° ange away
{rom the canter of the teardrop (3) Trim
excess wite go that Yin. 6.5 mm) of
Wire extends from the bend.
4 Use chainnose pliers to make @ 90°
bend where the other end of the wire
meets the bend made in step 9 above,
50 that the two bands sit parallel to one
another (@).
5 Use roundnose pliers to bend the long
Wire ond into a hook wah. Cutoff the
excess wire where the end of the hook
lines up with the start of the hook. The
upper wire wl ft into this hook to close
the i209 Gy.
6 Repeat stops 8-12 to make a second
ear wire hoop.
Finished earrings opti
7 Use a Gin. (15.2 cm) piece of
24-gauge (0.5 mm) wire to wrap beads
along the inside of the ear wire. Side 2
1S
a
stack of enameled washers and spacers.
onto the ear wire, See examples of both
styles of finished earrings at the top of
7Wild heart
necklace @
metal circles nest into a copper squiggle.
A handmade link chain and matching
clasp complete a necklace with
heavy-duty handmade appeal.
Pretty
18. Wirework Spring 2012supplies
'* Copper wire, round, dead soft
“in, (20.5 cm) 12-gaugo 2.1 mm
5 ft, 1.5 m) 18-gauge (1.5 mm)
4 ft. (1m) 24-gauge (0.6mm)
+ 40x50 mm lampworked lass heart
© 2 Sen, (13 mm) etched copper disks:
+ 2"/rin (16 mn) etched copper ssh
+ 2:10mm copper jump rings
+ Capper toggle
Tools
+ Wrewerk toolbox, 9.8
'* Hole punch pliers
+ Dsoping bio and punches
stepbystep
1 Using large rouncnase piers, make a
loop on one fush-cut end of 2 144i,
{85.8 om) piece of 12-gauge 2.1 mm)
wire (1a). Continue shaping to fit the
template using your fingers and large
wrap-and-tap or bail-making pers. Tim
off any extra wire, if needed. Finish the
her end with a simple loop (ab)
2 When satisfied with the shape, use a
bench block and chasing hammer to
flatten and texture the wire @,
Attaching the etched disks
3 If your disks are already dapped, pro:
ceed to step 4. For fat etched disks,
Use a dapping block and punches to
shape the circles into a cup shape @).
Position the etching on the concave side
of the dome.
1
[Link] @ serew-dowm hole punch or
hole-punch plars, make two holes inthe
disk, 180° from each other (4a). Position
the ounched disks onthe focal wire to
check ther location, posting the
holes in the @- and 9-0'ctock postions.
Ii needed, adust the shape ofthe wire
squiggle to accommodate the cs (4)
5 Cut 6in, (15.2 om) of 24-gauge (0.5
mm) wire and attach one side of a
‘domed disk to the focal wire with one or
‘wo wraps through the hole and around,
the squiggle. Continue wrapping around
the squiggle fie or six times on either
side ofthe hole, and tuck the ends into
the wrapping. Repeat on the other side
of the disk €).
16 Repeat step 5 for the other domed
disks, attaching them into the remeining
loops in a design you find pleasing (6)20
Wirework Spring 2012
n n
Leave an empty curva on the squiggle
where the focal bead will be attached.
Make the chain
‘7 Measure and flush cut both ends of
48 pieces of TY-in, (82 mm) 16-gauge
(1.3 mm) wire. Using round nose piers,
make a simple round loop (Basics, p. 8)
working where the plier jaws are Yin.
(3 mm) in diameter (7). Using chainnose
pilers, grasp the loop near the base
and make a 90° bend in the wire (7).
Position the wire 50 you're looking
through the loop and make a second
simple foap on the ather end of the wire,
Using chainnose pers, make a 90°
‘bend at the base of the second loop,
‘The loops wil sit perpendicular to one
another. Repeat for a total of 48 wire
links, Set the links aside.
Assemble the necklace
8 Using two pairs of chainnose pliers,
open a 10 mm jump ring and slide it
through the hole inthe focal bead and
round a curve atthe bottom of the
quigge. Close the jump ring (@. Tho
‘bead can be attached underneath a disk
‘on one of the bottom squiggles if you
opt to fill the curves wath disks.
9 Using chainnose piirs, open the loop
Con one lnk of chain and slide it to the
bottom loop on the squiggle. Ciose the
ling. Repeat with another chain ink on
the other side of the squiggle. Continue
_20ding links by opening one to0p of one
Chain lnk, edcing another chainlink and
losing the loop
10 Using two pairs of chainnose plers,
‘open the end links of the chain and slide
€an open & mm jump ring through the
oop half of the toggle. Repeat to attach
the other end of the chain to the clasp
hook (10). Adjust the length as needed
‘by adding or removing links.
11 Add a patina and polish with a brass
‘brush or fine steel woo! to highiight the
shapes and enhance the contrast of the
finished necklace. &
Lisa Liddy has been
‘making jewelry for
several years.
‘She particularly
enjoys designing
Jewelty that high-
lights art-glass beads
and metal findings. Lisa sells etched
‘metal bead caps, clasps and find-
ings through her Etsy site,
www MetalMe This [Link].
You can contact Lisa by e-mail at
Joolebylisa@ [Link].Flower pendant
SireUcienuieWel-ccien cele nieces
design into a modern and wearable
flower pendant. Fine tune your.
spirals and weave them together
to form a sturdy, beautiful structure.
OTe uLc Dy
Py)materials
Pendant 1% x 1% in. (8 x:88 mm)
+ Sioring slvr fled, deed sot, round
2 (1 crn) 18-gauge (1.0 mm)
5. (1.61), 28-gauge (32 mn)
= Tjump ring, 18-gauge (1.0 men), 4 mm
inner iameter(D)
tools & supplies
Wireworktooibox, p. 8
stepbystep
1 Cut three 7-in. (17.8 cm) pieces of
18-gauge (1.0 mm] wire. Cut a3 ft
(1.4 cm) piece of 28-gauge (0.32 mm)
wire, Hold the first 2 in, (61 mm) of
28-gauge (0.82 mm) in your non-domi-
nant hand. Wrap four times very tightly
around the center of the 18-gauge wires
to bind the 18-gauge (1.0 mm) wires
Into a tienguiar bundle (1), Do not cut
away the 28-gauge wie at either end of
the coll
2 Using the tip of your chainnose pliers,
grab one of the 18-gauge wires just
above the end of the coll, and bend it
into to a 90° angle tea). Repeat this
tangle on the same wire on the bottom
side of the four wraps. Repeat on anoth-
er piece of 18-gauge wire fu), leaving
the third wire straight to create an erma-
ture with six equally-spaced lags pro-
truding from the col (2).
3 Wrap the long length of the 28-gauge
‘wire over two of the logs (8a) and around
the second leg. Continue counterclock-
wise, crossing over and then wrapping
around the next leg over (3. Continue
to wrap around each leg one time all the
way around the armature (te.
Designer's tip
Do not worry if some sections are
wider or narrower than others.
‘4 Continue the same wrapping pattem
with simi tension around the armature
(da). Vieave until the widest sections
22 Wirework Spring 2012
C=
‘measure Yo in, (9.5 mm) from the center
(, End the wire by coling it once or
|wice around the closest leg, trimming
off the wire and tucking down the end
with chainnose pliers. Wrap the 2-in, (51
‘mm) tal wire onca or twice and trim off
the remaining wire.
5 Measuring from the woven section of
the armature out toward the ends, trim
each 18-gauge (1.0 mm) leg to 12% in.
(44 mm). Using the tip of your chainnose
pliers, bend each leg sideways, in the
same draction, to sightly less than @
45° ange (6)
GAt the end of each wire leg, form a
spiral asics, p. 9). Start with a closed,
tight spral ust under two rotations (6a).Continue to form the spiral, allowing it to
open up as it ros toward the naxt lag
(over (68). Stop when the spiral butts up
against the neighboring log.
7 Repeat with the five remaining legs (.
Designer’s tip
‘After completing step 7, you can
either hammer the outside edges
of the spirals or leave the wire
round. If the spirals were marred
during shaping, hammering will
flatten out any marks left by pli-
ers. Lay the spirals on top of a
bench block and hammer with
the flat face of a chasing hammer.
B Cut d-in. (69 mm) piece of 28-gauge
(0.32 mm) wire, Hold a short tai in your
rnon-dominent hand. Holding the tal wire
in front, wrap around the upper leg,
botwreen the two legs and back around
the lower lag (@a). This forms the begin-
ring of a figure-8 patter. Weave the
wire back around the upper wire, com-
pleting the fgure-B (ab).
{9 Repeat the same weave three more
times, wrapoing the upper and lower
legs together with four figure-8 weaves
Lisa Niven Kely is an award-winning artist who tind oy in al
things beads. Currently, her work focuses on wiework, into
which she incorporates beads whenever possible. Lisa is a
regular contributor to many fewely-making magazines and
is the author of Stamped Metal Jewelry. These days you
wil find Lisa close to home with her two young daughters,
‘managing her business, [Link]. [Link] offers wirework
and metal stamping tools and supplies, product how-to videos and hosts
online video jewelry making classes.
(80), To end the weave, wrap an extra
time around one leg, trim and tuck down
the end using chainnose pliers, Use
chainnose plers to squeeze the weaving
together itis too loose (84). Weave
together all ofthe legs
10 Oxidize using Iver of sultur and
polish using a polishing pad, steel wool
(ora polishing cloth. Open an 18-gauge
(1.0 mm), 4.0 mm ID jump ring and slide
it through one of the segments of the
pendant and close the ring.|mpressfArt
sheds,
Shel
Db «op 7 7A)
stan
27
Metal Stamps Designed by Artists for Artists Cet
Over 25 Number & Letter sets and 150 Design Stamps now available.
fetes aay
“Sie
ca
all it takes is a twist!
a) ess variety of wire
ety elie egies
Indudes 6 mandrels in 4 diferent shapes
(round in 3 sizes, square, riongle, rectangle)
Visit woebeodsmah com/is
‘0 wach ntsc vie!
EAD SHOPS, 7529895200 er wmwbeotscithcom I
24 Wirework Spring 2012Multistrand chain
mail necklace |
Vivid niobium and brass
rings are linked with Full Persian
chain mail into a draped,
multistrand collar necklace.
Change the metals or colors
to create dramatically
different looks.
by Spidermaterials
necklace 17 in (48.2 em)
+ Jump rings
1900 "Yin. (4.97 mm, 20-ga9
‘AVG (0.8 mm), smal, jeery brass
1500 "6, (6.95 mm), 18-gauge AWG
(1.0 mm), large, anodized niobium
+ Mati-strand brass clesp
tools & supplies
Chain mal toobox,p. 8
stepbystep
Full Persian weave
11 Buid this chain off of a starting "han.
le.” Use a twisttie, pieve of scrap wire,
oF a paperci. Starting the full Persian
‘weave can be a it's tricky, 60 the first
our steps are color-coded. The fist two
rings (shown in green) slide through the
handla side by side (1). Do not link the
rings together
[Link] two more rings (shown in pink)
‘through both of the green rings, but not
through each other @.
‘3 Fold the step 2 (pink) rings to the
‘opposite side (8). Tuck them out of the
‘way and separate the (green) rings
added in step 1 ab
4 Side the next pair of rings (yellow)
through the wedge created iwhen the
first sot of (green) rings separates and
reveais the second set of (pink) rings (
55 This is known as tho the Porsian step.
‘All chains in the Persian femly have
rings that double back and link thraugh
‘wo levels simultaneously. Add an open
ring (olue) through the two (yellow) rings
added in the last step (Sa) and then dou
ble back to pick up the first two (green)
rings as wel (sm. The current (blue) ing
sides through the step 4 (yellow) rings
‘and the step 1 (green) rings. Close rings.
6 You may find it easier to side through
the “V" of the step 1 (green) rings first
4. Try it both ways. Add a second ring
Designer's tip
‘The next steps are shown with the
active rings highlighted in green
and without the color-coding used
in previous stops. The next step is
the “V-step.” The step that follows
is the “tuck-back step.” Alternate
between the V-step and tuck-back
step two steps to create the rest of
the chain.
‘7 Separate the end rings of your chain
to create a V, Open two rings and side
them through the V (9. Giese the rings.
(blue) on the opposite side. Once two
units (eght rings) of weaving are com:
pleted, the chain is stable,
26 Wirowork Spring 2012
8 Slide another open ring through the
two rings added in step 7, and then tuck
back to pick up the V ereatad in step 7
(@ Close the ring. Ramemiber that you
can go through the V frst (as shown in
step 6) if that feels easier.
8 Add the corresponding ring to the
other side of the chan
Make the alternating-size
chain
10 Folowing steps 1-8, make tive units
(20 rings) of full Persian weave using the
smaller jump rings (1).>
10
"
11 Add two units (8 rings) using the
large rings «,
12 Continue the full Persian weave, add-
ing five more units (20 rings) of smaller
size rings (12).
1 Repeat steps 11 and 12 until reach
ing the desired length for the chain,
14 This chain can be used as.a single or
multiple strand for both bracelets and
necklaces. To size the necklace pro-
pry, start with the shortest chain. In
the featured necklace, the shortest
chain is 17 in. (48.2 em). Depend-
ing on your nack size, your shortest
chain length may be diferent, The
necklace pictured here uses 75 in
(1.9m) of finished chain and the
clasp adds 1 in. (25 mm) to the
length because the chains attach
to loops on the bottom of the toggle
clasp.
15 Lay the necklace flat to get a good
first approximation for the length of the
other chains. Once it looks good laying
flat, you'l probably need to fine-tune the
final lengths in front of a miror, adding
or removing rings as needed. &
2
Gold-filled small
rings with sterling
silver large rings.
Copper small rings
with single-color
niobium large
rings.
Copper and niobi-
um, oxidized,
rinsed, and tum-
bled with stainless:
steel shot.
Spider has been
‘making chain mail
Jewelty for 15 years.
ABBE tier favorite aspect
of tis neckiace is
the unlimited possi-
bilties for color palettes by chang-
Ing the metals used for the rings.
To see more of Spider's work or to
‘purchase jump rings for this necklace
‘or her other projects, e-mail her at
spider @[Link] or visit her
boy Rings & Things
Designer
Mollie Valente
Visit Our
Design
Gallery For
More:
Inspiration
Designed using the
Sizzix® BIGkicl
Vintaj® Edition
* Beads # Chain
* Findings ¢ Gemstones
* Supplies « Tools
Quality Products With
Quantity Pricing!
1 (800) 366-2156
[Link]
27Strip wire &
Faux Bone cuffs
Join Faux Bone and strip wire into cuffs that have
the flexibility of wire and the functionality of
sheet metal while celebrating beautiful color.
Stamp your favorite word or saying to personalize
your cuff for a truly one-of-a-kind piece. 1
by Melissa Cable }
28 Wirework Spring 2012 seme”S§ Faux Bone Q&A with Robert Dancik
What is Faux Bone?
Faux Bone is a completely non-tox-
je, high grade rigid PVC that does
not outgas (produce fumes) when
heated at temperatures below 290°,
and does not contain any plasticiz~
cers such as phalates. It is malleable
at just below 250", and can be heat
formed into just about any shape. It
was founded by artist Robert Dancik
of Crackerdog Designs.
What inspires you about
Faux Bone?
Unlike materials like silver, gold or
ceramic, Faux Bone has no history
or references, and the only informa-
tion on the material comes from me.
Itis a truly blank canvas waiting for
me to form it. It has the flexibility of
wire, the functionality of metal and
showcases beautiful color like
beads — the best of all worlds in
‘one material. When heated, it can
bbe tangled, twisted, knotted, and
even crocheted. In solid sheet form,
it is nearly unbreakable and can be
drilled, sawed, and connected by
nuts, bolts, screws or rivets, proper-
ties normally attributed to metal.
Are there different types
of Faux Bone?
All Faux Bone products are made
from the same material, they just
come in different sizes and shapes.
The ‘4c in. (1.5 mm) thick Faux Bone
‘can be cut using a good pair of
shears and comes in a wide variety
of strip widths and lengths, making
it especially user-friendly. The 14.
(mm), %- (6mm) and %-in. (13 mm)
shapes and sheets are normally cut
using a nearly unbreakable Faux
Bone sawblade.
Are there any safety
considerations?
Other than preventing the material
from being heated above 290°,
there are few concerns. Common.
sense safety should be followed.
* To avoid inhaling particles, wear a
safety mask when filing or sanding
anything, even non-toxic materials.
'* Wear light cotton gloves when
touching the heated material.
+ Never put Gilder’s Paste or other
flammable sealants in a toaster
‘oven unless they are completely dry.
+ Always wear safety glasses, and
carefully read and follow all direc-
tions for handling inks, polishes,
sealants and pastes.
More information about Faux Bone can be found at [Link]
fag
materials
bracelet 7 in. (17.8 om)
#719. 47.8799, 18. 26 mm wide,
‘Vern. tick (1.5 mm) Faux Bone™ stip
#3-4in, (6-102 mm), Yon, (5m)
wide, 24-gauge (05 mm copper, ver
or brass stip
© 2.%ein, 4 mm) Crate Findings"
Vain, diameter (1.5 mer) somi-tubuir
rivets
tools & supplies
+ Wirework eobox, p. 8
* Grated Findings riveting toor
+ Scoxing ped (burgundy)
* Jewel's saw and Faux Bone
sewtlades
+ Figcor emery board
+ Shears
+ Painters tape
+ Avior hobby eile
* Metal ter design stamps
+ Aloondl inks or markers (Adrondack,
Conic or Sharpie), acryic pant, shoe
polish or Gidar’s Pasta
+ Foam eye-mckeup applicators
+ Bracelet mance! er ean
+ Light catton gloves
+ Spray sealant
+ Faux Bone shaping to! (optional)
+ Nyon bracelet bending ples (optona)
‘Other tractona riveting mates can be
used instead of ser-tubular rivets,
including a ole punch, rain hammer
and ives, acl and wre, or screws,
bots and nut
stepbystep
Prepare the Faux Bone
11 Use the Faux Bone shaping tool to
round the strip edges. Clamp the stip to
a table, pul the stp taut from the other
fend, and run the blade down the left top
edge ofthe strip, Rotate and fip the
strip unti all edges are rounded (.
2 Scrub all surfaces of the Faux Bone
ing pad to remove the shiny,ww
ao 4
[Link] 74, (17.8 cm) piece of Faux
Bone strip with matal shears or a jewel-
ers saw fitted with a Faux Bone saw-
blade, Round the ends of the Faux Bone
vith 2 fle or emery board). Scrub the
strip with the scouring pad to smooth
the file marks and remove debris.
Add texture
4 Create a texture on the Faux Bone
using any of the following techniques:
* Create scratch marks using an awl or
hobby knife.
‘Stamp the surface with metal stamps,
‘center punches, nail sets, or other tools.
‘© Use 4 barrel sander on a Dremel or
flex shaft to create dramatic texture and
decorative edges (4a & 4b)
‘Use sandpaper to create a rough sue
{face or to polish the strip ta a matte fin-
ish, Start with wet/dry 820 grt and work
‘down to 400 and 600 to achieve the
desired texture,
Add color
55 Apply color to the Faux Bone in any
‘one of the folowing ways:
© Use alcoho! ink pens like Copic or
Sharpie markers, or use an eye-makeup
applicator to apply Adrondack alcoho!
ink to the surface (a)
Use a scouring pad to rub acrylic paint
into the texture and alow to dry slightly.
Remove the excess paint with a fresh
30 Wirework Spring 2012
‘scouring pad and then color with alcohol
Ink, This highlights deep textures such
as stamps and soralches (6).
* Create the look of bone by rubbing
bbrown shoe polish into the Faux Bone
(60). Achieve a metalic frish by applying
Giders Paste (6a). Both of these meth:
tods should be applied after the Faux
Bone has been heat-formed,
Stamp the strip wire
6 Use metal shears or a joweler’s saw to
Cut a piece of stro wie to the eppropri-
atte length for your word(s), leaving at
least a %4-in, (6.5 mm) margin on each
lend, Use a double thickness of painter's
tape to adhere the strip wire to your
fbench block. Slide the stamp dav the
face of the wire until the edge of the let-
tor hits the edge of the tape. This makes
it easior to stamp the word(s) straight on
the strip wire.
Tim the strip wire, it necessary, and
round the corners of the sir wire with
‘a metal file or emery board, f desired,
texture the edge of the strip wire with
‘metal stamps or use a chasing hammer
and a stael bench block to create @
“hammered” finish ¢n.
8 Patina using liver of sulfur (Basics, p.
8) oF color with alcohol ink. Use the
scouring pad to remove the color from
the surface, leaving ink in the recesses
of the itlers @).
Using the riveting tool
9 Center the stamped strip wie on the
Faux Bone and use painters tape to
secure itn place. Usa the punch end
Of the riveting tool to make a hole
through both the strip wre and Faux
Bone (a. Insert a Sain. (4 mm) rivet
through the hole. Switch to the flaring
side of the tool and pleas the head
Of the rivet on the concave pad (ab).
‘Screw down the peg, lining up the smell
pointed end ofthe peg with the center
Of the rivet tube. Screw down unt the
rivet hes fully fared (8).10
Designer’s note
CCratted Findings in. (4 mm)
rivets are the perfect length to
attach a piece of 24-gauge (0.5
‘mm) metal to a piece of 4c-in.
(1.5 mm) thick Faux Bone. Insert
the rivet through the materials and
thers is a perfect margin of excess
‘material to create a wide fare,
which will prevent the rivet from
popping while heating and forming
the cuff. It is helpful to place the
tool ina small vice while using it.
Traditional riveting techniques
work perfectly, however, be sure to
cout the rivet wire long enough to
flare extra wide. This will reduce
the risk of popping the rivet while
heat-forming the cuff.
Shape the cuff
10 Pre-heat a toaster oven to 250° and
place the cuff in the oven for 30-45
seconds. Wear ight cotton gloves to
protect your hands from the heated strip
wire, Use nylon bracelet bending pliers
or around object to gently curse the
fends of the strip wire. Reheat the Faux
Bone for another 30-48 seconds (10),
11 Remove the cul from the oven and
wrap it quickly around a bracelet
mandrel or can (11). Start at the
Center and bend the strip wire fst.
12 Remove the cul from the mandrel
while it is warm and manually refine
the shape, Otherwise, simply hold it
for about 30 seconds until it has com
Pletely cooled (12),
13 Alternatively, heat sections of the cuff
with an embossing gun while shaping it
around a can or mandrel, being careful
rnot to burn the Faux Bone (13).
Seal the color
14 Never start your spray directly on.
your piace. Spray to the side of the cuff
{and then pass the spray back and forth
6-in. (15.2-20.3 cm) above the cut
Rotate and tlio the cuff, spraying unti full
coverage is achieved (14),
Designer's note
Alcohol inks adhere well to non-
Porous surfaces. However, over
time they can be rubbed off or
react with alcohol-based products
such as hairspray and perfume.
Sealing the color is recommended
for jewelry applications. Most
spray sealants are solvent based,
which causes the alcohol ink to
run. Ranger Ink, maker of the
‘Adirondack brand of alcohol inks,
suggests using a water-based,
paint-on sealant such as Mod
Podge. We have had good results
with the spray sealant Preserve
Your Memories Il, which dries fast
enough to minimize ink damage.
\Wre-wrep three stamped strips together.
Rivet the two ends onto the
cau and use a jam
ring to dangle
vwre-wrapped
beads between
the stamped
pieces.
Veg
©} Wire (Kalmbach
Sy fe Publishing Co.) and
teaches wirework,
‘metal work, and
Faux Bone classes all over
the country, including the upcoming
Bead & Button Show in June 2012.
For class and registration information
visit [Link]
For more information about Melissa,
visit [Link] or wvaw.
facebook com/melissacabledesigns.
Use metal hole punch piers or cil it
toppierce the cuff, making paths
thoes. Lace through
the holes with wire.
EySpeedy
dragonscale set
Transform a dense, challenging weave
into a featherweight bracelet and earrings.
Vivid colored rings add a visual punch
to a fast accessory set that can
be made without spending too.
much time or money.
by Theresa D. Abelew
32. Wirework Spring 2012materials
bracelet 72. (19.1 om)
earrings Yie-2/in. (8x57 mm)
(9 61 18-gauge (1.0 mm), Ya-in. (6.4 mm)
inner giameter (D}, large aluminum
Jung tings, 85 fr brace, 8 for
earings
(© 28 green & 33 blue, 19-gauge {0.9 mm),
Yéein. (40 mmi0), sna enameled
‘copper jump rings,
18 18-gauge (1.0 mm), Yerin (2.8 mm
10, aluminum ump rings, 2 for bracset,
Stor earings
+ Lobster lam cssp
= Baring wires
tools
+= Chain mal toolbox. 8
stepbystep
1 Open all large jump rings and close all
small colored jump rings. Slide a closed
sinall blue jump ring onto a large ring
and close the large ring. Slide a closed
small green jump ring onto a large ring
and close the large ring (9). The con-
nected rings are starter components.
2 To establish the frst two rows, stack
the attached blue component and green
component with the top large aluminum,
ring surrounding the green ring @.
3 Take a large aluminum ring and thraed
it through the green ring surounded by
the previous large aluminum ring, add
cone grean ring and ose the large jump
ring, locking the previously ackfed large
aluminum ring in place. Postion the
newly added large aluminum ring soi
surounds the blue ring, Slide the neve
green ring over to the same column as
the previous green ring (9)
4 Take a large aluminum ring and threed
it through the blue ring surrounded by
the previous large aluminum ring, add
‘one blue ring and ciose the large jump
ring, Ths locks the previously-added
large aluminurn ring in place. Postion
the newly added large aluminum ring so
it enccles the green ring, Slide the new
blue ring over to the same coumn es
the previous blue ring
5 Continue with steps 3 and 4 until
reaching the desired length for the
bracelet (8),
6 The frst and last aluminum rings won't
stay in their proper column without a |
ite hel. Link @ small urninum ring
through the frst and thed large alumi-
‘num rings along the outside edge. This
locks the top ring nto place and keeps
the rows lined up correctly, Repeat on
the other ond of the chain
7 Add a lobster claw clasp to a large
aluminum ring on one end
Making earrings
8 To make one earring, close three large
aluminum jump rings, three small Due
jump rings, one small green jump ring
{and open three small aluminum rings.
‘Open the loop on the earring wire, insert
a large aluminum ring and a blue ring
and close securely (.
9 Side an open small aluminum ring
through the large aluminum jump ring
attached to the earring wire. Insert a
large aluminum ring and a blue ring and
close the small aluminum jump ring ().
10 Insert an open ema aluminum ring
through the second large aluminum
jump rng, Insert large aluminum ring
and a green rng and close the small
aluminum jump ring (0).
11 Insert an open smal aluminum ring
through the third large aluminum jump
ring Insert a blue ring and cose the
smal aluminum jump rng 1.
Theresa D. Abelew
‘has dabbled in many
creative pursuits,
but one chain mail
‘lass hooked her
‘on this portable,
easy-to-learn and versatile medium.
You can contact Theresa via e-mall
at 2dogstudios@[Link] or lke
2DogStudios on Facebook.
33Spiral THIS
earrings
Who doesn’t love wire spirals and sparkly crystals?
This project combines two great design
elements in one fun pair of earrings.
by Tracy Stanley
34 Whrework Spring 2012materials
(41 x32 mm)
+= Wire, deed sof, round
16 in. (40.8 cm), 14-gauge :
(1.6mm)
4 ft. (122 cm), 24-gauge 1 2 3
{0.5 mm)
‘+ Yazin, (4 mm) brass or cop-
per tubing, 1 in, (25.5 mm)
+ 420-gauge 4mm mer
emeter {1D} jump rings So
= Beads
20.81rm cyst Bicones Z i
12.3 mm glass pearls: |
82.820 11" gass or metal
‘08d beads oul 7
+ Ear vies
tools & supplies
+ Wirework tooleox.p. 8
‘+ Jowory saw and 3/0 blade
+= Tube holder
Meta fe
stepbystep 7
1 Flush cut four 4.n, (102
mmm) pisces of 14-gauge each end @). Spiral the end spiral components with stes! the thi pear, wrap three to
(1.6 mm) wie. Meke amark of the second wire. Repeat wool ora polsting pad a, fourmore times. Cut off the
1% in. (38.1 mm) from one for @ second earring. The ‘extra wire on the back of the
end of each piece of wire. large and small spirals willbe Add beads. spiral and squeeze in place
Use roundnose plies to arranged diagonal to cach 5 Cut a2. (61 cm) piece of using chainnose pliers (9.
make a loop onthe marked other. 24-gauge (.5mm) wire, Posi-
end. Create an open spiral on tion the wire across the top 7 On the other end of the
this end up to the mark (1). se of the top end of the tubing wire, string an alternating
Fepeat on a four pisces, Designers tp wih 87, 203 em) afwire en bead pattern staring witha
If the second wire is the side of the big spiral seed bead, then a crystal
2 Holding the tubing in a tube hard to slide into the ‘Wrap the 8 in. (20.3 cm) end Repeat the alternating pat-
cutter or by hand, cut two tube, gently flatten the around the large sairal and tem unt there ave 15 onysias
Wein, (13mm) sections with tube into an oval shape ng the wire up between _strung on the wire and add
the jewelry saw. Use a metal using a chasing ham- the wires next to the tube. one last 11° seed bead (7).
fie io smooth the ends ofthe mer and bench block. Next, wrap aver the top and
tubes. Slide one of the around the small wire spiral, 8 Wrap this around the tube.
spiraled wires into a tube and ‘again coming aut between If there ae too many beads,
spiral the other end, forming 4 Choose one side to be the the wires. Repeat this fig- remove what you don't need.
the larger second spiral front, keeping in mind that —_ure-B weave twice uni the Make two or three figure-8
towards the one on the other the pieces should be Wire is wrapped around the wraps around the soval wires
end, Repeat ths step with arranged mirror-image to one large spiral 6) Just bolow the tubing to
the other tube @. another. Use a chasing ham- secure the wire in place
mer to fatten all of the spirals 6 Side a pearl onto the wire,
3 Side another spiraled wire and the tubing. Use liver of position it on the front se 9 With the wire emerging
into the same tube from the sulfur to antique the spirals and wrap the wire three to. between the spiral wires,
opposite direction so there is and 4 ft. (om) of 24-gauge four times around the spiel. string on a pearl and position
small spiral coming out (0.5 mm) wire. Poish the Repeat twice. After adding it on the front of the larger
38,ITN “tet
Ch TORY Sassi Oncouts
NeMinimuna
snes “ cotoneetengtroey
the best source for
ail your design needs
Rennie Ao
weer
spiral. Make three to four wraps around
the larger spiral. Repeat two more times.
Aer the third pearls strung, wrap three
‘more times and flush cut the wire on
the back of the earring. Squeeze the
wire against the spiral using chainnose
plors (8). Repeat steps 5-9 on the
other earring.
10 Open a 20-gauge (0.8 mm), 4 mm ID
jump ring and slide it between the frst
and second peatis on the top spiral and
close the jump ring, Slide a second open
jump ring through the fist ring and
loop of the ear wire, Close the jump ring
(10). Repeat for the second earring,
Silver Filled is hundreds of times thicker than Siver Plated at
Pee etc mC
Tracy Stanley lives
ES hh in the Pacitic
| Northwest and has
- taught wire and
‘metal working
classes for 18
‘years. She teaches at shows, in
stores, on bead cruises and at
retreats abroad. Tracy has a book
about wirework coming out in
Spring 2012. Her classes are
available online at Beaducation.
‘com. Learn more from her website,
ww [Link], Read her biog
at [Link] or email
her at Tracy@ [Link].
Wes:
BT ccd
WATT
36 Wirework Spring 2012Freeform woven
swirls pendant
Woven swirls transform a simple
border wrap into a pendant full of
curvaceous whimsy. Layered
wires and asymmetrical construction
create a complex look built using basic
wire techniques. Make spirals, turn
round loops, coil and weave for
detailed results.
by Donna Spadatore
37materials
Pendant 51 x 32 mm (21% in)
+ Copper, brass or string ser wre
‘52 in, (1.5 meters), 20-gauge square,
hat-hard wire
8 in 203 om, 20-gauge halFround,
hat-hard wire
22 6.8 meters), 20-gauge (0.82 mem)
round, desd:-oft ire
12.7 mB in), 26-gaup9 (0.40 mm)
round, dead'-soft re
+ 251mm (-n) round cabochon
#4 mm round bead
Tools & supplies
+ Wrowork oboe, 6 8
‘+ mm mandiel r baltmaking prs
stepbystep
1 Cut four 83-cm (13-in} pieces of
20-gauge (0.8 mm} square, hatt-hare
wire, Place a mark at the canter of al
four wires. Measure and mark 10 mm
(G4 n) to the let and right of the center,
Using a 64 mm (2%-in) piece of
20-gauge (0.8 mm), hall-round wire,
wrap the wires together at the left- and
right-of-center marks five times, Trim
close to the wrapped wires (1).
2 Shape the wrepped wires around the
cabochon. Position the center mark at
the center of the botiom of the cab
3 Mark the wis where they overlap at
the top of the cabochon. Hold the wires:
around the stone and chock theft
Make small adjustments until the wire
fits around the cabochon, Bend the
wires up to about a 90° angle
Designer's tip
Awire wrap to trap a cabochon is
termed a border wrap. Usually in
a border wrap, the wires are snug
against the stone. For this proj-
ect, a small amount of space
makes it easier to attach the
swirls to the frame.
4 Use 2 10.2 om (4-in) piece of
20-gauge (0.8 mm, hall-round wie to
38. Wirework Spring 2012
oid
1
4
wrap the wires together seven times at
the top of the frame (4,
5 Using the tip of chain- or bentnose
pliers to grasp and tum one of the
faottomn wres, making @ 90° bend rght
next to the wrap (8)
6 Repeat step 5 on each side of the
fbundles and on both wires at the top of
the frame, creating a basket (6).
Put the cabochon face down into the
bbasket, Repaat steps 5 and 6, to shape
a basket on the back of the cabochon
that matchas the one on the front ¢.
8 Separate two wires from the back of
the bundle at the top of the frame and
‘bend them sightly backward
9 Cut a.91.4 om (8 ft) piece of
28-gauge (0.32 mm) wire and wrap it
‘around one of the back wires four or five
times just above the bundle, Cut the
starting tail wire and press it ageinst the
frame wire ()
10 Use the 28-gauge (0.82 mn) wire to
bind together the two wires in figure-B
}
pattern. Weave @ 40 mm (13%e-in) long
section. Wrap the end of the 28-gauge
{0.32 mm) wire around one of the frame
Wires five times (1a) Flush out the wrap-
ping wire close to the frame wire. Tuck
the end against the frame with chain-
nose plies.
Designer's tip
For the remainder of this project,
all 28-gauge (0.32 mm) wires will
tbe secured as shown in step 10.
11 Measure 9.5 mm (94 in.) past the end
of tha woven section and trim the wire
fends. Shape the woven section over the
8mm mandral so that the end of the
‘wovan wires rests just above the bottom.
basket wire (1).[Link] roundoss pliers to loop the
ends of the wires underneath the bot-
tom basket wire. Use chainnose pliers to
close the loops. Use your fingars to
press the woven section against the
back of the cabochon, creating a tear-
drop-shaped bai at the top (12).
13 Tum the pendant over and separate
the remaining wires into three sections.
‘The two front center wires are one sec
tion, The tio back wires on the left are
another section. The two wires on the
right form the thed section (19,
14 Shape the two left wires into a curve
starting from the side of the bail. For this,
pendant, the wires are about 4-6 mm
part where they meet the lett side of
the curve (14). The measurement does
rot have to be exact but is provided as
aguideine.
Designer's tip
For the remainder ofthis project,
all 28-gauge (0.82 mm) wires will
be attached as in step 15.
15 Cuta 1.5 motor 5-f1] piece of
28-gauge (0.32 mm) wite, Attach it to
the upper curve wire by wrapping it
around the frame wire five times. Cut the
beginning wire tal and press it against
the frame wire using chainnose pliers
(9).
4
i
ain,
16 Pass the 28-gauge (0.32 mm) wire
between the two frame wires and wraps
ittone full time around the lower wite
16)
17 Pass the wire back between the two
frame wires and make multigle wraps
around the upper wire (17.
Designer's tip
‘While weaving around the curve,
the number of wraps around the
‘outer frame wire wil vary. Imag-
ine that you are cutting a cake
‘rom one edge to the center.
‘When you pull the wire across
‘the two frame wires and the
angle looks perfect for cutting
that slice of cake, then you have
‘wrapped enough times on the
‘outer wire (19. Wrap all the way
‘around once and then cross
back to the outer wire.
18 Continue weaving around the curve
until approximately 3 mm (16 in.) before
the frame wires cross over the center
ball. Curve the wires to mimic the shape
of the basket wires on the opposite side
of the ball 8),
19 Koop weaving, wrapping completely
around each frame wire bafore crossing
between the wires, unt the wire curves
back toward the center. At that pont,
Pha
start wrapping two full imes around the
outer wire and one full wrap around the
inner wire (9).
20 Keep weaving just litle bit further
around the curve, Viewing the pendant
a a clock face, stop weaving at approx-
imately the 2 o'clock position reo.
‘Secure the weaving to the pendant by
wrapping the wire once around the inner
‘frame wire and the basket wire 208)
21 Continue weaving unti reaching the
3 o'clock postion fata). Secure the outer
frame wire to the cabochon trame wires
by wrapping the outer frame wire twice
10 the double wires on the side of the
cabochon basket fat).
22 Use roundnose ples and fingers to
shape the two frame wires into another
wit, sweeping across the cabochon
toward the top of the pendant (za)
23 Continue the fgure 8-weave around
this swirl, changing the number of wraps.
on the outer wie to divide the space into
30D
o
g
7
2
‘
&
wedges. Adjust the size and shape of
the frame wires, forming the inner wire
into a small loop (2
24 Coil a 13 mm (%é-in.) section around
the inside frame wire, Cut the frame wire
3 mm (Ve in.) past the end of the coil (24,
25 Use roundness piers to shape a
loop from the bare frame wie, starting a
spiral. Use chainnose piers to form a
spiral from the coll-weapped frame wre
(Basics, p. 9. Press the coiled spiral into
the center of the swirl (2)
26 Cut a 61 em (2-41) ongth of
28-gauge (0.82 mm) wite and attach ft
to the second frame wire as described
in step 15. Coil a 44 mm (194-in) section
around the tramne wire (28.
27 Shape the coiled frame wire into a
loop, bringing the end back toward the
bottom of the pendant as it comes out
of the loop en,
2B Continue coiling onto the frame wire
40, Wirework Spring 2012
Until the coil sits next to the cabachon
frame. Wrap twice around the frame
wire and side wires of the cabochon
basket (8)
29 Coila 13 mm (%4-in, section beyond
the anchor point an the side. Cut the
frame wire 3 mm (V4 in.) past the end of
the coil ea).
30 Use roundnose piers to shape a
loop trom the bare frarne wire, starting @
spiral. Use chainnose pliers to spiral the
call-encased end of the wire toward the
anchor point. Position the spa near the
Conter ofthe pendant
31 Shape the two right hand wires to
Create a mirror image of the other side,
creating a heart shape (31)
32 Working with a 1.5 meter (6-ft) pieos
of 28-gauge (0.82 mm) wie, attach and
weave the right side in the same manner
as the left side. Stop weaving at the 10
c’clock position (32.
33 Altach the inner wire to the cabo-
chon basket wire by wrapping them
together (a9)
34 Continue weaving in the same man:
reer all the way to the bottom of the pen-
dant. Use two wraps to attach the inner
‘rame wire to the cabochon baskst (4).
36 Bring the weaving wire back to the
outer frame wire and cola 19 mm
(Gin) section, Cut the frame wire 3 mm
(jie) past the end of the col (95
36 Use roundinose pliers to shane @
loop from the bare frame wire, starting &
spiral. Uso chainnose pits to finish
forming the colLencased frame wire into
a spiral, turning the initia loop toward
‘the outside of the frame (36).
37 Attach a 20.3 om (8-in,) piece of
28-gauge (0.32 mm) wire to the inner
wire and col a 13 mm (?é-in) section.
Cat the frame wire 3 mm (16 in.) past the
end of the coll @.a ‘
38 Uso roundnose pliers to shape a
loop from the bare frame wie, starting a
spiral. Use chainnose piers to finish
forming a spiral trom the coll-encased
frame wire, turning the intial loop toward
the top of the pendant. Press the spiral
a close as possible to the face of the
cabochon (3a).
39. Swoop tho remaining straight right
hand frame wire into a logp about 3 mm
‘4 in, in diameter. Shape the other wire
into a sweeping curve to create a 19
mi (%-in,) diameter circle (9),
40 Attach a 1.5 meter (5-1) piece of
28-gauge (0.82 mm) wire. Weave
around the curve and down the top of
the side of the pendant 2s in steps
15-20. Stop weaving at the 10 o'clock
postion 40
41 Wrap the outer wire from this swirl to
the outer wire of the previous swirl (4).
Designer's tip
Ifyou have difficulty passing the
28-gauge (0.32 mm) wire through
the weave to attach the swiris
together, use a straight pin to
create a small gap where the wire
can fit through.
42 Coll around to the 9 o'clock position, 47 Wrap the 26-gauge (0.4 mm) wire
Attach the wire to the outer wire of the four times around the outer wires at the
previous switl as in step 41 (42). top of the two rear swirs, Flush cut the
fends and tuck the wire against the
43 Colla 19 mm @4-in} section past the frame using chainnase pliers (47).
anchor point. Cut the frame wire Ys in.
(6 mm) past the end of the coil 4s). Designer's tip
44 Attach 2 20.3 om (B-in) piece of This project can easily be adapted
28-gauge (0.2 mm) wire to the inner to eabochons of different sizes
wire and colle 13 mm (%-n}) section. and shapes. The swirl patterns in
Cut the frame wire 8 mm (in) past the this lesson are more of a sugges-
end af the col. tion. You can alter them to fit any
stone using the same techniques
45 On both wie ends, use roundnose shown here.
pliers to shape a loop trom the bare
frame wie, starting to roll the spiral
Upward, toward the top of the pendant.
Use chainnose pliers to finish forming
spirals trom both coi-encased frame Donna Spadafore’s journey in wire
wires, Press the spirals into piace (45). jewelry began with a paper cp, 2
Pair of pliers and a fow minutes of
46 Cut a 12.7 om 6-n) piece of boredom. From the moment she
26-gauge (0.4 mm) wire. Center a4 mm made her frst loop in a paper cio
loeadi on the wire and bend the wire 9 there was no turning back. Ogle
Con each side of the bead (48a). Position Donna's jewelry at [Link]/
the bead in the center of the third swirl shop/GailaviraJewelry or purchase
at the top of the pendant. Push the wire tutorials for other designs at
through the weave in the front swirland —_-[Link]/shop/
booth of the rear swirls near the top of GallaviraTutorials.
the curves (4p)
atButterfly
wing earrings
This quick and easy earring
is one wing of a butterfly
chain pattern. Wings can
be made using just one
size of jump rings if multiple
sizes aren’t readily available.
Plus, they can be made
from any type of metal.
by Colin Mahler
42, Wirework Spring 2012stepbystep
1 Slide a bead onto @ head pin, Make @
wire wrapped loop (Basics, p. 8) above
the bead to create a dangle (1). Repeat
for the sacond earring. Set the b2ad
dangles aside for later use.
2 In the photos, siver jump rings are
4mm ID and 2.5 mm, and copper
jump rings are 4.5 mm ID. Close eight of
the 4mm silver jump rings and open all
the remaining jump rings. Siide four
closed 4 mm jump rings and the loop of
an ear wire onto an open 4.5 mm jump
ring. Close the 4.5 mm jump ring @,
3 Side an open 4.5 mm jump ring
through two 4 mm jump rings on the left
side, Close the jump ring ().
4 Side an open 4.5 mm jump ring
through two 4 mm rings on the right
side, Close the jump ring ().
'5 Side an opan 4.5 mm jump rng
through two canter 4 mm rings, picking
Up one ring from each pair. Close the
ring (6a). Flip the earring over and repeat
con the ather side, which is the back of
the earring. The two center jump rings
will sandwich the two outer rings added
in step 4 (sb
6 Side an open 4 mm jump ring through
the eye of the overiapping copper rings,
picking up the front center, left, and rear
center rings. If needed, use an av or a
piace of wire to hold the space open
nti getting the jump ring into position
(6a). Repeat on the right side (6.
7 Side an open 2.5 mm jump ring
through the twa 4 mm jump rings added
in step 6 and slide on the wrapped bead
dangle from step 1. Close the jump ring
(. Repeat steps 2-7 to compiate the
other earring. ©
‘Colin Mahler was introduced to the joys of beading at the age
of 13. She has studied metalsmithing and glass bead making,
and earned a certificate for pearl and bead stringing from the
Gemological institute of America. After teaching herself how to
‘wire wrap, she became fascinated with all things wire. Since
2004 Colin has taught chain mail classes in the San Francis-
co area and at national shows. She is the chain mail instructor for
[Link], which offers her classes for viewing. Colin sells finished
Jewelty and kits in her oniine store [Link]/shop/wolfstonejewelry and
‘can be contacted at beadwolf@[Link].
4aLoopy copper cuff
This looping technique
creates a structural base
with retro-modern style and
is sure to spark new ideas and
designs. Create a cuff or bangle
that makes the perfect home for
your favorite round bead.
by Hana Terpo
44 Wirework Spring 2012materials
+ Round, dead-soft copper wire
48 4m), 14-gauge (1.6 mm)
4 ft. (1.25 m), 24-gauge (0.5 mm)
+608 mound beads
tools & supplies
+ Wirework toobox p. 8
+ Bal malong prs wih an 8 mm aw
+ Bracelet mandrel or wrs-sized round objec to use for shaping
Editor's note
‘The Swanstrom Parallel Action Bail-Forr pliers
used in the photos are one of several types of bal
‘making pliers available. The large, 10 mm diameter jaw
never changes, but the opposing jaw is interchange
able and comes with five size options, An & mm jaw is
used in the photos. The project designer used Wub-
bers Large Bail Making pliers that have a small 6 mm
diameter jaw opposite a large 8 mm jaw, forming the
loops on the large jaw. In the photos, the 8 mm jaw is
colored green and the 10 mm jaw is referred to as the
opposing jaw in text. If you use Wubbers Large Bail-
Making pliers, the opposing jaw will be smaller, instead
of larger like the tool in the photos.
Before starting, make
several test loops with a
15-in. (88.1 cm) piece of
wire to get a feel for the
heavy wire and to practice
the technique.
stepbystep
1 Work directly from a spool
or a cal of 14-gauge (1.6
mim) wire at least 8 ft. (2.5 m)
long. Flush cut the end af the
wire. Place the 8 mm jaw
(green) of the bail making
Piers on top and as close as
possible to the wire end and
close the jaws of the pliers to
grasp the wire firmly (.
2 Begin to form 2 loop
around the & mm jaw by
rotating the piers 90° away
from your body feat. Open the
jaw and rol the opposing
{orass) aw back up toward
the ceiing @. Finish shaping
a full oop by overepping the
wire end, wrapping t toward
the handles of the pers (2
3 Position the 8mm jaw
above the wire and the
‘opposing jaw next to the Ioop
{@a). Use your non-dominant
hand to pull the wire haitway
‘around the 8 me jaw (8.
Pivot the pliers 90°, rotating
the opposing jaw away from
the middle of the forming pair
of }0098 (ae). Pull the wire
around the 8 mm jaw on the
side closest to the handles
Until it creates a complete
loop and points directly away
from the forming row of loops
(@4), The resulting shape is a
slightly off-center figure-6.
4 Position the & mm javr
above the wite and the
‘opposing jan next to the
previous loop (4). Pll the
Wire around the 8mm jaw,
beginning @ second loop (4).
Pull the wire around in front of
the center wir, toward the
tip ofthe pliers, to complete @
second loop (de). When
making loops on fst sida
(wih the overlapped end},
pul he wire around toward
the tip ofthe piers. When
making loops on the second
side, pull the wire around
toward the handle of the
pliers. Pay close attention to
ths orientation while forning
loops, and be consistent.
455 Position the 8 mm jaw
above the wire and the
‘opposing jaw next to the loop
you just created (a). Pull the
Wire around the 8 mm jaw to
bbegin making anather loop.
Reposition the opposing jaw
to the outside of the loop and
finish puling the wire around
toward the handles of the pl-
sto finish the loop 6),
6 For an open, siip-on cutt
with no clasp, make the strip
Ain, (65 mm) longer than
your wrist measurement (6.
To make @ bangle that slides
on over your hand, measure
your hand around the widest
part, and add ¥ in, (13 mm)
to the measurement,
7 Flush cust the wire on the
last loop so the wire end is
not visible from the front side
Of the strip. File the end so
that it overlaps and tucks
neatly onto the inside of the
cuff without scratching your
46 Wirework Spring 2012
‘skin (9), Repeat steps 1-7 to
make a second loopy strip
8 The top side of the stip
hhas a wire crossing the mid-
le, a gap, and then another
wire crossing the mide (a),
The bottom side of the strip
thas two wires that sit next to
‘each ather down the center
‘between the two loops (Bb).
9 Place 2 loopy strip on a
steal bench block. With the
bottom side facing up, start
by tapping lightly down the
center of the whole strip
using a chasing hammer.
Next, begin to hammer the
oops flat (@). Hammer one
loo, then switch to the loop:
con the opposite side, con-
tinuing down the whole
length of the strip unti all
loops are fatienad.
10 Set the strips side-by-side
arranged mirror-image to
‘each other. Working off of a
long call ar spool of wire,
start at the center of the
sttigs, and connect two
corresponding loops by
virapping three or four times
with 24-gauge (0.5 mm) wire
(19). Next, wrap together the
€end loops in the same man=
ner to connect the pieces
securely. Continue wrapping
nti all of the corresponding
loops are attached. Because
the loopy strips are not
perfectly straight along the
side, some of the loops may
overiap slightly.
11 Guta piece of 24-gauge
(0.5 mm) wire roughly three
times the length of the brace-
lot. Stating on one end of the
frame, attach the wire to the
fist loop by wrapping it throe
‘or fourtimes, Pullthe wire 12 Start on one end of the
across the front side of the bracelet and gradually bend it
sirip and string @ bead. Wrap into a curved shape around @
around both of the next two mandrel or round object.
adjacent loops two or three Repeat on the opposite end,
times (11). Continue down the to begin shaping the curve.
length of the bracelet, Next, push the middle
Repeat on the remaining against a bracelet mandrel to
rows of loops using anew continue to curve the shane,
piece of wire for each row At Apply pressure wth your
the end of each row, wrap fingers and move any loops
the wire several mes around that are sightly out of pace.
the loop, rim the wire and Reshape unt the bracelet fits
tuck the end against the well, and is easy o put on
bottom of the loopy strip and take off 12.
Using chainnose pliers.13 It desired, apply er of sulfur to add
a patina, Use a brass brush to highlight
land polish the exposed areas to add
Contrast. if there is any chance that the
rratina solution wil stain or discolor the
‘beads chosen for the design, patina the
frame and 24-gauge (0.5 mm) wrapping
wire before adding beads. &
Design variations
‘The looping technique can be done on any size pliers,
using different gauges of wire.
‘The loops af this delicate bangle are
made from 18-gauge stering wire
looped around the largest part of the jaw
of conventional roundnose pliers, The
frame is filed with 4 mm beads. The
strip is long and overlaps to create a
our-row centerpiece on the bangle,
AA single additional loop centered on
booth ends provides a scrolled decorative
finish
To make narrower cuff, complete one
loopy strip, add beads and shape the
cul. For a narrower cuff, make the strip
longer and wrap the ends together. This,
‘example is made with 6 mm beads.
y
Hana Terpo grew up in the Czech Republic, and has spent her
whole ite making creative use of her mind and hands. In 2004,
‘she began making jewelry that blends a natural aesthetic with
_ long-term wear. Her favorite materials are gold, copper, silver,
‘wood, stone, pear and leather. Although wirework Is her
favorite technique, she also dabbles in metalwork. Hana
‘makes jewelry to relax alter a hectic job with Apple. See more of her work at
www [Link] or contact her at fidana@[Link].
(peers ka
eee
DCR CURT a
Guo ed ec
* Cheinmslle spin
on
Serer
ivmprings
ree
Toro ond its
Retail & Whelescle
llr fos& Supply
Gus sing
Sof Sling
Instetions
KisBrilliant bracelet
Setting stones is quick and simple! Snap cubic
zirconia into premade settings and bend a simple
sterling bracelet with the look of fine jewelry.
by Barb Switzer
48. Wirework Spring 2012stepbystep
11 Place the cubic zirconia fiat side down
on a paced board or surface. Position
the setting directly over it. Using a
wooden needle case or a small dowel,
push the setting down untl it snaps into
place around the cuble zirconia (1.
Prepare 11 or 12 settings.
2Cut 11 oF 12 1%6-n. (44 mm) pieoss
of 20-gauge (0.8 mm) wire, Mark the
center of each piece at 7 in, (22 mm).
Position roundnose plats at the center
mark, Pull the ends around the piers,
orming @ U a). Cross the ends over
each other Ys in. (1.5 mm) above the
piers (2x). Put a sight upward bend in
the wires at about where they cross over
pach other a).
3 Slide the ends through the bezel
Batting underneath the stone unt the U
‘end is about /% in. (3 mm] from the side
ot the setting
4.0n the opposite side of the setting,
pull the ends apart using your fingers or
chainnose pliers (a), Use roundnose pii-
fers to roll the end toward the middle,
forming a small loop. Repeat on the
opposite side (4b). Repeat to create
enough links for a bracelet (10-12).
‘5 Open all jump rings. Slide two of the
3.5 mm jum rings rough the singe
loops of two units. Ciose the jump rng.
Atach the double loop side of one unit
to another unit by siding a single 2 mm
| Cc
|
jump ring through each smal loop 8).
Close the jump rings. Continue to repeat
the same patter until the chain is 3%
(19 mm) shorter than the desired length.
6 Cuta 1/4-in. (88 mm) piece of
16-gauge (1.0 mm) wire. Using the tip of
the chainnose pliers, fold one end over
‘Squeeze the fold firmly with chainnose
pliers. Pace roundnose pis near the
Center and roll the wire over to form a
hook. On the remaining end, use round-
‘nose piles to tum a plain toon (8).
7A bracelet with an odd number of
‘bead units has the double loop of a ink
located at the end. Side a single 2 mm
Jump ring through each loop of the lnk
and close. Side a 3.5 mm ring through
the two newly-added rings and the loop
(on the clasp hook (7. Close jump ring.
BA bracelet with an even number of
units wil have @ U loop on both ends.
Ailach the loop of the clasp hook direct-
ly into one loop and use tha opposite
‘9p to complete the clasp (.
“0Woven rose
Reminiscent of colorful stained glass, this pendant
wraps together seed beads with colorful wire.
Beaded dangles and a simple chain complete
the look with a hint of movement and sparkle.
50 Wirework Spring 2012 ie ématerials
* Wir, round, dead sot
Gin. (22.9 cm), 20-gauge (0.6 mm)
30 in, (76.2 cm) of 3 different colors,
'30-gauge (0.28 mm) coated copper wire
3.1%hin, 8 me) 22-gauge (06 mn) had
on
+ Beads
2 grame 11° seed beads, in each of
odors
50 1.5 mm cube beads, in each of
2edlors
243-4 mm crops (magetamss)
3.4 mm rounds
3.6 mmrondeles
36 mmmetel spacers
311 mm teardrops
‘33 mm round metal beads
+ Ba or 8-10 mm inner ckamater jump ring
tools & supplies
* Witework tootox,p. 8
stepbystep
Shape the armature
11 Flush cut both ends of two 4.5-in
(11.4 cm) pieces of 20-gauga (0.8 mm)
wire. To begin, grasp one wire in the
midalo with rouncnose plies. Postion
the wire about Yin. (6-7 mm) from the
tips of the pliers and bend the wire
around the jaw forming a tight U with
straight sides (), Flush cut if necessary
0 that the ends are even
2 Plaoe the loop back on the roundnos=
piers. Position the flatnose pliors just
below the jaws of the roundinose plisrs
Both pliers’ jaws should be parallel.
Close the flainose pliars around the lags,
pinching them together just below the
loop (2a). One wire crasses over the
other when pinched. Flatten out the loop.
‘and the lags. The two spokes should
be parallel and even at the end (2.
Tim if necessary.
3 Measure % in. (16 mm) from the
bottom of the loop and make a 90°
bend with your chain nose pliers.
Repeat with the other spoke (a). Grasp
the end of the spoke with the narrowest,
tip of chainnose pliers and curl inwerd,
rmaicng tight upward facing spirals at the
a
‘ends of both spokes. Stop adding to the
spiral when the wire measures % in.
(16 mrr) from the inside of the bend to
the inside edge of the spiral ak). Repeat
steps 1-3 to make the other half of
the armature.
Designer's tip
Bead counts are approximate and
‘may be adjusted as needed to fit
within your armature.
Adding beads
4 Attach a short piece of scrap wire or
tape to merk the top loop. The two
parallel wires at the top will be referred
tos spoke A. Cut a 2-ft (61.0 om)
piece of 30-gauge (0.26 mm) wire and
poston it behind spoke A at the 90°
bends. Leave a short 1-in, 25.5 mm) tall
to the lef of the spoke and make one
‘wrap over spoke A, warking in a clock-
wise direction, Finish with the wrapping
wire (WN) under spoke A (4.
5 Position the bottom half of the arrma-
{ure below the top, and hold itn place.
Bring the WW underneath the next two
wires to the right (spoke B) and make
one wrap around both wires treating
them as a single wire (9)
6 Repeat bringing the WW behind the
two joined wires al the bottom center
(sp0ke ©) and the last two wires on the
fet (spoxe D)
st"
7 Pul the 1-in. (25.5 mm) tall of WW
parallel to the two joined wires on spoke
‘A, Bring the WW upward behind spoke
‘A, Make one wrap in a clockwise direc:
tion, encasing the short tall of WW next
to the spoke (.
'B Work around the circle two to four
more times, making a single wrap
round each spoke, ending with a single
wrap around spoke A (8,
{9 Make another virap around spoke A.
Side one 11* seed bead onto the wire
and position it between spokes A and B
(@a). Continue the rest of the way around
the circle until you have returned to
spoke A, positioning one 11* seed bead
between each spoke (0).
10 Continue working in a clockwise
direction. Wrap bare wire twice around
each spoke, completing a circle. The
WW will be positioned behind the sead
beads. Repeat a second time, wrapping
around each spoke once.
‘Make one single wran around spoke
‘A, Slide three cube beads onto the wire
and position them between spokes A
and B. Repeat the rest of the way
around until there are three cube beads
between each spoke. Wrap twice
around spoke A. Hide the remainder of
WW by threading it through the cube:
52 Wirework Spring 2012
beads between spokes A and B. Use
flush cutters to carefully rim off any
excess wie that protrudes from the
ccube beads and trim off the short tal
of the WW (10).
11 Gut a2-n. (61,0 om) piace of
80-gauge (0.26) wrapping wire (WW)
and wrap itanto spoke A of the arma-
ture, Side the left (ai) end of the wire
through the cube beads betwesn
spokes A and D to hide the end. Trim off
the excess tall wire. Make a single wrap
round spoke A. Work clockwise arcund
the citcle making a single bare wire wrap
round each spoke. Wrap twice around
spoke A. Thread seven 11" seed beads
conto the WW. Poston the leads
between spokes A and B, Continue
the same pattern between each spoke
Until there are seven seed beads
between each sooke. Wrap twice
around spoke A (tt).
12 Continue clockwise around the circle
making two wraps around each spoke.
Repeat, gong once more around the
Circle, The WW wil st behind the seod
‘beads from the previous rows. Wrap
‘twice around spoke A. Thread an alter-
rating pattern of nine size 11" seed
‘beads and 1.5 mm cube beads on the
WW. Postion the beads between
spokes A and B. Ifthe pattern ends up
t00 long, use size 15* instead of size 11"
seed beads, Continue clockwise, adding
the same sequence between each of
the spokes. Wrap twice around spoke
‘A. Thread the remaining WW through
the beads between spokes A and B.
Use flush cutters to carefully rim away
any excess wire protruding from the
beads (12).
13 Cut a 30-in. 76.2 cm) length of
80-gauge (0.26) wrapsing wire (WWW)
{and wrap it onto spoke A of the arma-
{ure leaving a short tail. Side the tail end
‘of the wire through the cube beads
between spokes A and D and trim away
any excess wire, Wrap twice around
‘spoke A. Move clockwise around the
amature, making two wraps around
teach spoke, Make sure that the WW
stays to the outside of the beads and
doesn't sip behind them. Make a single
‘wrap around spoke A (1).
14 Bring the WY under the previous
strand of WW between spokes A and
B and wrap the WW around the two
‘wires, Repeat wrapping one wire around
the other (about four times) between
each spoke, creating the look of twisted
wire 14
15 Wrap twice around spoke A. Thread
10 cube beads onto the WW. Wraptwice around
spoke B. Continue
the same pattern unti the
wire is wrapped twice on
‘spoke A. Move clack
‘wise around the
Circle making two
vraps around
‘each spoke, Wrap
‘twice around
‘spoke A (1).
16 Side onto
the WW an
alternating pattern
of seed and drop
beads to fit between
spokes A and B. Wrap
twice on spoke B, Continue
clockwise, stringing the same pattem
Until the wire is wraooed twice on spoke
‘A, Thread the remaining WW through
the beads between spokes A and B.
Use flush cutters to carefully cut off
any excess wire that protrudes from
the beads (16.
Finishing touches
17 Make three beaded dangles
by siding a stack of beads onto head
pins. Above the beads, make a
simple loop «1M. See Basics,
. 8, for step-by-step instruc-
tions on making a loop. The
photo has a stack of one
8x6 mm onstal drop, one
5 mm metal spacer, one
4.x 6mm aystal rondele
and one 4 mm round metal
bead. The drops on the
strung on a decorative head
pin and include one 12 x 8 mm
erystal drop, one 8 x 8 mm deco-
retive metal spacer, one 4 x6 mm.
crystal rondoll, and one 4 mm round.
metal bead,
18 Add @ bail finding orjump ring to the
top loop. Attach the loops of the three
dangles to the bottom spirals and the
bottom ioop (8). The finished pendant
‘can be hung on a cord, beaded strand,
ora chan. @
pendant shown to the left are
Joan Babcock applied her talents for knotting and macramé to
Jewelry desians during the 1980s. Her continuing anistic evo-
lution includes working with metals, wire, and bead mosaics.
‘She has written two books, Micro Macramé Jewelry and
Wired Micto Macramé Jewelry, and also created a DVD,
Micro-Macramé and Cavandoli Knotting. Visit her website,
[Link] to see photos of her colortul and intricate work, including
Jewelry, basketry, bead mosaics, and more,
7
saAn elegant new chain mail weave, created by
Greg deHetre of Ontario, Canada, weaves into
a slinky, sinuous necklace. It’s deceptively simple,
yet provides beautiful texture, especially
using two contrasting metals.
by Kathleen Bergeronmaterials
Necklace 20 in. (51cm)
'* 18-gauge (1.0 mm) jump rings
1127.0 mm inner diameter (1D),
iver fled, ge
226 45 nm ID, 80 god-iled,
rmedum
43 mmID, sivecflled, small
+ Single erend cep
Earrings 1% in. (4.8 cm)
#127 mmID, sver-fled jump rings,
large
+ 90.4.5 mm D, 1089 gold-fled jump
rings, medium
11 par storing ear wires
‘tools & supplies
+ Chan mal ootox,p. 8
stepbystep
Ln the photos, two contrasting ring
colors are used to better show how the
pattem is constructed, Make a 2-in-2
chain trom medium, 18-gauge, 4.6 mm
ID rings (1). Make the chain % in, shorter
than the desired length of the necklace,
2 Open all ofthe large rings. Side one
large (copper ring through the fst and
thi (pink) pairs of the chain @). Close
the large ring, The large rings encircle
one pair of rings and go through the
pairs on either sd, inthis case, through
the (01k rings and encircling the
(green) rings.
3 Side another large (copper) ring
through the (green) rings encircled by
the first large ring, encircle the next
(bink) pair and then slide through the
next pair of (green) rings (). Close the
ring. The ring overtaps and sits in front of
the previous large ring. Be careful not to
twist the starting chain.
‘4-with another open (copper) ring, slide
through the last encircled (pink) rings,
around the next (green) pair and then
through the next (pink) pair of rings (.
Close the rings. Continue adding large
rings until reaching the other end of the
chain. On both ends, side a large ring
through the last pair of medium rings 50
both sides of the chain end with a large
single siver-ilad jump ring,
'5 Open four smal jump rings. Side one
single small ring through the last pair of
medium rings and close the ring, Add a
‘second small ring through the previous
ring, the last large ring of the chain and
the clasp loop. Close the jump ring 9).
Repeat on the other end of the chain.
Earrings
6 The earrings are constructed using
the same weave as the necklace,
Create two sections af 2-in-2 chain
‘comprised of seven pairs of jump rings.
On the end, attach a single medium
jump ring and an ear wie,
7 Open and slide a large jump ring
through the bottom pair of medium
rings, encircing the second pair of
medium rings, and through the third set
cof medium rings from the bottom. Ciose
the jump ring, Continue the pattern as
for thaneckiace. The last large ring
siides through the second to last pai of
medium rings and the single jump ring
attached to the ear wie (6).
Designer's tip
Tumble or polish your jewelry.
Clean, shiny metal is beautiful
metal.
Kathleen Bergeron
started out over 20
years ago asa
beader, but shiny
‘metal rings kept
calling her name,
and before long she was a
true chain mail addict! As the
‘co-owner and designer for Chain-
Weavers, she now has an uniimit-
‘ed supply of a the jump rings she
could ever weave — a veritable
‘Nirvana with pliers! Kathleen
wntes tutorials, designs kits and
offers a wondertul selection of
jump rings in precious and base
‘metals at [Link]
‘and [Link]. Reach Kathleen at
info@[Link] or
[Link]/ChainWeavers.
5Lacy butterfly
lariat
Use a specialized
crochet hook to make
delicate ruffled focal pieces.
by Misako Kishi
156 Wirework Spring 2012materials
Lariat 38 in. (68.9 em)
+ Wit: round, deat-sot
26-gauge (04 mn), Bin (20.8 om)
30-gauge (0.26 mm), 77 ft. 28.5 m)
+ Onin: Inks to fit asp, 35 in
89 en)
+ 210% 141mm drop beads
* 86 mm glass beads
+ 10.4 mmbicona crystals
+ 102 4 mm finge crop beads
+ 1022 x4 mm fre utter) bods
+ 18-8023 mm gomsone chips
+ Lobster claw clasp
tools & supplies
+ Wrowork toolbox, p. 8
© Lacis petite {2 mm x 5 in.) locker
‘hook {[Link]) or #20 (2 mm)
“Tulp Fetina steal crochet hook
© Sft. (1.5 m) 6 mm nylon cord
stepbystep
The technique featured in this project is
a knit/crochet hybrid in which stitches
remain on the hook, as in kritting,
instead of being dropped oft. The hook
has the head of a crochet hook and a
straight shaft, which holds the slitches
on the hook as you work, A hole in the
end of the hook allows you to draw a
coord through your stitches to keep your
‘work flat and help you keep track of
your rounds.
The techniques used in this piece
willbe largely familiar to anyone who
crochets, yet the differences are great
enough that i's best to visit "Crochet
basics," page 59, to practice the tech-
niques batore you begin the project.
Butterfly components
1.0n 30-gauge (0.26 mm) wire, sting a
repeating pattem of a 4 mm fringe drop
bead, a2 x 4 mm fatale bead, a croo,
and a fatale 12 times, leaving the wire
on the spoo).
2 Leaving a 16-in. (41 on) tal, work 18
chain stitches (s8e “Crochet Basics,”
page 59).
3 Join the chain into a ring with a sip
stitch (see "Crochet Basics?
4 Work in lace crochet ("Crochet Basics"
‘and Figure a) 28 follows:
Round 1: Work ane lace stitch in each
cchain stitch (a).
Round 2: Yarn over, than work & lee
stitch in the next lace stitch in the previ-
‘us round. Repeat around, adding a
yarn over between every lace stitch (ab)
Round 3: Yarn over, than work a lace
stitch in the frst yarn over in the previ-
‘ous round. Yarn over, then work 2 lace
stitch in the frst lace stitch of the previ-
‘ous round. Repeat this entire sequence
‘around the ring, working a yam over and
allace stitch in each yarn over and lace
sitchin the previous round (Ae).
Round 4: Work a lace stitch in each yarn
‘over and lace stitch in the previous
round (adh.
Round 5: Referring to Figureb for stitch
placement, work as follows: sip stitch in
the naxt lace stitch; chain stitch; sip
stitch in the next lace stitch; bead chain
stitch; slp stitch in the next lace stitch;
cchain stitch; sip stitch in the next lace
stitch; bead chain stitch; slp stitch in the
next lace stitch; bead chain stitch; slip
slitch in the next lace stitch; bead chain
stitch, Repeat this entire sequence
‘around the ring (4). Gut the wire, leaving
Gin, (15.2 cm) tall
370/8 0/8
Fepeat times
5 Remove the cords from the stitches,
and gently stretch the wirework ring.
‘outward in all directions, causing itto
ruffle. Twist the ring to oreate the shape
of a butlerty @).
6 Determine where you want to postion
22.6 mm bead, and weave the long
beginning tall through the wirenork to
tacesora | vamover [otainsten | sipsteen that spot. String @ 6 mm bead, and go
| ° ° = back through the wirework. Weave
through the wirework tothe next spot
‘where you want a bead, and repeat.
figure a Repeat uni you have added two 6
mma, two 4 mm bicone crystal, and
the desired number of 2x 8 mm gem-
‘stone chips. Weave the wire tails to the
round S center back of the component, and set
the component aside (6.
round 4 Repeat steps 1-6 to make two more
‘arge components. Working as in steos:
1-6, follow Figuree to make two small
components. Embelish each with one
6mm and two 4 mms,
round 3
round2
Assembly
‘ound 1 TCut 4 in. (10.2 cm) af 26-gauge (0.4
mm) wire, and sting a 10 x 14 mm drop
base round bead to the center. Cross the wires
above the bead, then twist them once
0.
8 Make a loop with one wire (8). Side
one end of @ 35-in. (68.9 mm) chain into
the loop. Make one wrap below the loop
(8a). With the other wire tail, make three
58. Wirework Spring 2012Crochet basics
Chain stitch’
‘To get started, cross the spool end of
the wire over the tail to make a loop.
Insert your hook into the loop, and pull
the wire through to make a new loop.
Yam over the hook, and pul the hook
through the loop an the hook. Repeat
for the desired number of chain stitches.
Lace stitch
1 Insert your hook into the next stitch in
th previous round. Yarn over, and pull
up a loop through the stitch in the previ-
‘ous round. On your hook, you will have
the stitch you just made as well as the
loop that was on your hook at the begin-
ring of the round (19).
Bead chain stitch
Slide @ bead up to the hook, yarn over,
and pull through the loop on the hook.
Insert your hook into the next stitch in
the previous round, yarn over, and pull
up a loop. Repsat around, keeping the
previous loops on your hook (1b).
|
|\* ¥
Shas
Slip stitch
Insert the hook into the target stitch,
yam over, and pull through the stitch
and the loop on the hook
2 After you have several stitches on your
hook, you'l find it hard to keep going in
a circle and you'll need to pull a cord
through the existing stitches in the round
tomaintan the shape. First, drop the
very first loop (the ane remaining from
the previous round) off the end of the
hook. Thread a .6 mm cord through the
hole in the hook a),
Pullthe cord through the stitches (2.
Remove the cord from the hole in the
hhook, leaving the cord in the stitches.
Insert the hook through the most recent
stitch made in round 1, and continue the
round Ge).
When you can no longer comfortably
keep going around the ring, crop the
first stitch the stitch you put your hook
through to resume the round) off the end:
f the hook, thread the cord through the
hhook, and pull the cord through the
stitches. Remove the cord from the
hook, leaving it in all the stitches.
Repaat around.
Yarn over
‘The yarn over is used to add increases.
between lace stitches, To increase,
make a loop over the hook before insert-
ing the hook into the next stitch.Wraps over the first wrap (@e). Tem the
Wires to 1% in. (25.5-38 mm).
8 Using roundnase pliers, make a tiny
loop at the end of one wire. Using chain
nase pliers, grasp across the loop and
rotate the wire into a spral (Basics, p. 8)
leaving % in. (6 mm) of wire above the
spiel. Repeat with the other wire (sa)
Twist tho wires above the spirals togeth
or twice
Repeet steps 7-9 atthe other end of
the chain
10 Roforring to Figure, attach the
components to the chain using the
remaining wire tals (1,
he
___-
8a —
S
5
i
\
60, Wirework Spring 2012
0/8/0/8/0)8
Repeat times
editor’s notes
‘= The Japanese term for this technique Is “kunsuto ami,” a term probably
borrowed from the German kunst-Stricken, which translates to “art
knitting” and is used to describe knitted lace.
'* There are several related fiber techniques that use a tool similar to the
‘one used in this project. Locker hooking is a rug-making technique that
uses such a device. The cro-hook or knooker is a similar too! but ithas a
head at the end instead of a hole. People use these tools for Tunisian
crochet, knooking (knitting with a hook), and probably countless other
techniques as well.11 On the large component closest to
the end, weave one of its wire tails
through the wrework to the spot where
Make a ring
Use a butterfly component to make a
pretty, feminine ring. Besides wire and
beads, you'll need a ring mandrel for
shaping.
1 Make a small buttery component 2s
in the lariat, but don’t add the accent,
beads yet
2 Tomake tho ring shark, cut two 2-f
(61 om) pisces of 26-gauge wire and
two 8'6 in. (21.6 cm) pieces of 24-gauge
wir,
3 Coil Basics, p. 8) one piece of
26-gauge wire around a 24-gauge core
wire, making the col long enough to
wrap around your finger. Trm the ends
as needed, and center the coil on the
core. Repeat this step with the other
two wires.
4 Wrap one coiled core wire around a
ring mandrel at the anoropriate size for
your finger, and twist the bare core ends
a fow times, leaving a small gap
between the ends of the coil. Repeat
with the other coiled core wire.
you want to attach the clasp. Attach the
clasp with several wraps. Trm all the
remaining wire tals (1).
5 Align the two ring shanks, and use
‘one set of core wires to bind the shanks
ogether in the gap batween the cals,
6 Steng the buttery component onto a
core wire, then pass the core wie back
through the butterty component. Wrap
itonce around the joined area ofthe
shanks, and pass i through the butterfly
component again. Repeat with the
remaining core wires, 80 all of them end
Lup onthe front ofthe componant,
‘7 Embalish the component with accent
beads as in step 6 of the lara, then
make spirals (Basics, p. 8} with the
remaining core wires. ©
‘gure ¢
Misako Kishi grew
up in a kniting
school environment
where her mother
‘was owner and
headmaster. Not
surprisingly, she grew up fo be a
nitverochet instructor herself. She
‘discovered wire about 8 years
ago and quickly incorporated it
into her work. To see more of her
award-winning work, visit her
website, ht:/chibasilvergakuin.
‘tj. Contact her at sitver6181@
[Link].Edmaterials
Bracelet 7¥%x tin, (197 x 13 mm)
+= Siting shor plated jump ings
66, 16-geuge (1.3 mm), 6 mm inner
‘ameter (D) forge)
64, 18-gauge {1.0 mm),
5 mm ID (medium)
tools & supplies
+ Chainmail e0bo« p. 8
stepbystep
1 Open all jump rings. Create a 2-in-2-
in-2 chain using four large 16-gauge (1.3
rm), 6 mm ID jump rings and two medi-
um 18-gauge (1.0 mm), 5 mm ID jump
rings pink). Side the two medium jump
rings inthe center, through four ciosedt
large rings (1). Close the ring.
2 squeeze the two large end rings of tha
chain batween your fingers. Separate the
second pair of large jump rings, posi-
tioning one on your index finger and the
‘other on your thumb. The two medium
ID jump tings (pink) are now on top @).
3 Fold back the two large and jump
rings and hold them between your finger
and thumb, Seperate the medium top
jump rings (nk) to expose the two large
rings folded backin step 2 @.
4 One ata time, side two medium jump
rings pink) through this opening, sing
through the tops of the two large rings
exposed in stop 8 ). Giese rings.
5 One at a time, slide two large jump
Fings through the two medium jump
rings added in step 4 (6) Close rings.
{6 Holding the chain in your hand, sepa-
rate and fold back the two large jump
rings added in step 5 (6),
77 Fold down the two large jump rings
and hold them between your finger and
thumb, Separate the medium top jump
rings (pink) to expose the pair of large
jump rings fokied back in step 6 @.
8 Ropeat stops 4-7 unti the chain
reaches the desired length. Remember
to include the clasp measurement when
ccleuiating the overall length (@
9 Sle @ medium jump ring and the
toggle clasp loop through two rings on
the end of the chain and cose the ring
(83). On the opposite end of the chain,
slide two medium rings through the two
large end rings. Close rings. Side a
‘second palr of madium jump rings
through the two previous rings. Side
‘one medium ring and the togole bar
through the last two rings and close
the jump ring ee), ©
Qa |
% o
Diane Miller has
been making Jewelry
since 1999. She
offers chain mail
kits in Argentium
silver, sliver
lated and enameled jump
rings through her websites,
www [Link] and
www [Link].Wired bead
mail bracelet
This bracelet is not yourordinary chain mail!
Multiple beads are wired into continuous,
closed rings. Beaded rings are linked into
a classic 4-in-1 chain mail bracelet with
a completely new look.
by Perri Jackson
84 Wirework Spring 2012materials
Bracelet 7Yin. (19.1 om)
+ Roun, dead sot colored rat wo
11 yds. (10 m) 26-gauge (0.4 mm} or
24-gauge (05 mm) for base outside)
gs or A
5 yds. (4:8 m) 26-aaug6 0.4 er)
(0 24-gauge (0.5 mm) fr spine (center)
rings (color B
+ Beads
4186.5 mm pinch beads
£86 4 mm facoted round beads
#4 18-gauge (1.0 mm), 6 mm inner
ameter (0) ume rings
tools
Wirework toolbox, p. 8
Designer's notes
‘Orientation of the work during
construction is important. These
Instructions are written for a
right-handed person, so adjust
accordingly if you're left-handed.
‘+ Due to the way this bracelet
fits, purchase enough extra
beads and wire for at least two
‘additional base rings and one
spine ring. That adds 10 more
spine beads, 20 more base
beads, 34 in. (86.4 cm) of color A
(base) wire, and 17 in. (43.2 om)
of color B (spine) wire.
‘Use the largest gauge of wire
that comfortably passes twice
through the bead holes. If work-
ing with two styles or sizes of
beads, only one type of the
beads needs to accommodate
two passes of wire. If the wire is
to0 tight for the bead holes, the
color can get stripped during
construction of the rings.
stepbystep
Make the base rings
[Link] 17 in, (43.2 om) of color A wire.
Fold the wire in half with a gentle bend,
‘and then create a large loop on one end
to use as a bead stopper (1),
2 String eight 5 mm pinch beads using
the halfway bend as a stop. Keeping the
beads in a tight row, bend the wirs
sharply over and behind the end bead
{@). Hold the bead in place and wrap the
wire 2¥e tight wraps around the core
wire, Pull the wire toward the first bead
while wrapping. Stop when the wrep-
ping wire is pointing downward.
Designer's note
Tight construction is crucial! The
reason a smaller-gauge wire can
bbe used is because the construc-
tion is snug and well-reinforced.
3 Straighten the base wire with your
hands, letting the beads fall to the bead
stopper loop. Side the second bead
into place and re-orient the work so that
the wrap wire points at you instead of
downward. Wrap tightly, front-to-back,
over the bead, while holding it firmly in
place. Pivot your thumb, and pull the
wrapping wire around the core wire
Keep the wrapping tight. Wrap 216 times
ntl the wire points downward.
4 Grasp the frst wrapped bead in your
non-dominant hand and hold it station-
ary. Turn the second bead away from
‘you, gently, to line up the wire wraps ().
Be very careful not to overwork the wre,
especially if using 26-gauge (0.4 mm), or
it could break. Pull the bead toward the
rest and compress the work tight.
Designer's note
Pinch beads have thinner walls
‘and can chip during step 4 ifitis
not done carefully and gently.
5 Turn the wrapped beads a quarter
tur away from you so that the wire
wraps are orianted upward, 8ke the two
beads on the left ga). Wrap the wire
across the next bead and wrap around
the core wire. Continue to turn and wrap
the rest of the beads. Aftor the last bead
'S rotated into place and the wires are
lined up across the row, trim the wrap
ping wire and press the end onto the
core wire (3)ita ab
8 a
6 Curve the beads into a semi-circle,
Position the wite that crosses the beads
to the inside of the circle. Gently band
the last bead inward to open the hole,
Cut away the bead stop loop on the
base wire. Use nylon Jaw piers to
straighten the base wire, and pul it
through the first bead (6) Pull until the
ring is snug. Keep the wire as straight as
possible to prevent the color coating
from being stripped off by the edges of
the bead as the wire is pulled through
the hole.
7 Hold the work in place with the ring
closed tightly. Pull the wire sharply back
cover the bead itis extn. Wrap the wire
forward, and pul the end though the
center of the ring 7a). Pull toward the
back, and then sharply upward end
toward the front bringing it forward,
back through the center of the ring.
Wrap tightly around the existing wraps
between the beads unti the wie is near
the next bead inthe ring (7). There
should be one vaibie wrap of wire
between the beads from this pass.
B Continue around the circe, adding a
ssacond pass of wire around the rest of
the beads in the circle, After wrapping
the last bead, cut the wire close. Curve
the end sightly using roundnose pliers
(@. Press it down onto the work, beng
careful not to mar the wire coating,
86 Wirework Spring 2012
Designer’s note
Roundnose pliers generally have
finer tips than chain nose, and
can get into tight spaces. This
process makes it easy to press
‘the wire end into the work invisi-
bly and virtually eliminates too!
marks.
9 Shape the ring into a perfect circle
shape while using your fingemails to
push the wires toward the sides of the
‘beads (@) This step work hardens the
wire and solidifies the ring shape.
Calculate the number of
base rings
To determine the size, add 1¥ in. (88
‘mm to your wrist measurement to com-
ppensate for the length ofthe clasp and
the inner diameter of the assembled
bracelet. To estimate number of base
rings needed, add ¥2 in. (13 mm) to your
wrist measurement. Divide this number
by the individual ring measurement. Mul
tipty by two and round up to the next
‘even numbar. The total is an approx:
‘mate numer, use it as a guideline.
‘Check the size while putting the bracelet
togather, and add or remove rings as
needed. For a 6/-in. (16.5 cm] wrist,
‘make 20 base rings from § mm pinch
‘beads, four wih eight beads, 16 with
rine beads.
Make the spine rings
10 Using color B wire and 4 mm round
fre polish beads, follow steps 1-5 to
begin making nine more tings. Five rings
are made with 10.4 mm round fre polish
beads. Four rings are made with nine
4 mm round fire polish beads (10)
‘Shape the rings into curves, then set
‘them aside, leaving them open. These
spine rings wil be closed when connect
ing pairs of base rings.
11 Rings made with pinch beads have a
pointed top that runs lengthwise (ta)
and a fat bottom side with a ridge
‘across the middle (118), and need to be
assembled in a specific manner. Since
the base rings are already closed, there
| no way to corract the orientation fa
fing is put in upside down,
12 Stack two of the nino-bead base
fings with the pointed top sides facing
together. Create a second stack of two
cight-beed base rings with the fat bot-
tom sides facing together. Load both
stacks in order ento a rine-bead spine
fing (12)
13 Ciose the spine sing using stops 7
and 8, Let the base rings hang inside
the spine ring and rotate the ring to facil-
itate the work while adding the second
ass of wire and wrapping the ring
closed (13),
14 Lay the segment on a fat surlace
and arrange with the larger rings siting(on top of the smaller rings. Be sure that
all base rings are arranged with the
pointed top side facing up. The spine
ring will sit at an angle. Using it ike a
hook, insert the open spine ring through
the base rings, down into bottom ring
{and boack up through the top ring (14).
15 Stack two nine-bead base rings with
the pointed top sides facing together.
Load them onto the open spine ring (18)
The rings are easier to manage f they're
loaded on the side of the base ring with
the wire attached,
16 Close the spine ring in the usual way
(16), letting the base rings hang inside
the spine ring and rotating the ring to
faciitate the work while adding the sec-
ond pass of wie and closing the ring,
Editor's note
Instructions for the woven clasp
used for this project are shown
‘on p. 68-69. Leam great tips for
transforming an earring
finding into a custom clasp that
looks completely handmade.
17 With the bracelet right side up, over-
lap the two eight-vead base rings on the
end and secure them with an 18-gauge
(1.0 mm) jump ting in a vertical orienta
tion as shown. Add the attachment ring
of the woven clasp and close the jump
ring (19. The jump ring size may need to
be adjusted to fit just tightly enough that
the base rings da not move through it.
18 The base rings will tend to fold
downward, Add a second jump ring at
the other end of the overlap, oriented
horizontaly around the bead rings. This
locks the overlap in place and prevents
the fold (18).
19 Lay out he chain with al base rings
facing right side up. Add a 10-bead
spine rng with two nine-bead base
rings, complete steps 14-16. Repeat
three more times.
20 Check the ft and determine whether
you nead to add two or three more sats
{@ sat is one 10-bead spine ring plus two
base rings). two sets will make the
bracelet long enough to fit you, then
proceed to step 21. If additional length
is required, add one more set of rings.
before beginning the next step.
21 Add 2 nine-bead spine ring with two
rine-bead base rings, folowed
by anine-bead spine ing Fs
wth two eight-bead
base rings. »
22 Repeat step 17, closing the
18-gauge (1.0 mr) jump ring without
adding the clasp loop. Repeat step 18,
adding @ second jump ring perpendicu-
lar to the first to secure the base rings
fon the end. Add as many extra jump
rings es nesded to easly pul the toggle
bar through the toggle loop. ©
Perri Jackson has
been crafting with
fiber her entia ite
After injuring her
hand, manipulating
wire became both
‘physical therapy and a powerful
‘outlet for her creative talents. Read
Perris insightful blog or shop for
project tutorials at [Link]-
[Link]Wire-woven toggle
Transform a finding into a clasp
with intricate details and
great mechanics. Use
this toggle to finish
Perri’s Wired bead
mail bracelet, found
on page 64, or to
finish any piece
of jewelry.
ural
‘supplies
“Toggle clasp 1 x in. (25 x 22 mm)
+ 55 n, 26-aavae (0.4 mm) colored craft
wie
#6 in. (15.2 om) 18-gauge (1.0 mm} wire
*¥%4 in, (19 mm} double circle earring
feng
©6653 mm inner diameter 1D), 20-gauge
(0.8 me) jump rings
+23 mm Czech faceted round beads
tools & materials
Wirework toolbox, p. 8
stepbystep
Weaving the loop
11 Using fush cutters, snip the bottom
loop off the earring finding and file it
smooth, disturbing the finish as ite as,
possible. Merk each loop in the center,
Using a ruler as a straight edge (0.
2Cuta4s-n. (114.3 om) piece of
26-gauge (0.4 mm wire. Fold the wire in
half and wrap it around the inner loop of
the earring finding at the center. Pull
both ends of the wire across the gap
between the loops crossing from front 10
back as they cross between the loops
(@. One full wrap appears as two
adjacent wires on the front side of the
finding and a single wire on the back.
(88. Wirework Spring 2012
'3 Wap four timas around the outer loop
Gf the finding. Weave both ends through
the space between the loops so that the
wires lay on opposite sides of the inner
{inding loop @). Keep the work centered
(on the marks on the finding, To keeo the
‘weave even and dense, wrap one side,
then repeat with the other wire instead
Of completing the full steo with ane wire
thon with the other.
4 Make one full wrap around the inner
oop with each wire, weave through the
‘space between loops and end with both
‘wires on opposite sides of the outer
‘00p (@). Center the work on the marks
and compress the weaving, hiding the
finding with the wrapping wire. In the
photo, the wires are spread out to
clearty show the number of wraps.
5 Continue wrepping end weaving in the
‘same fashion (8) Un there are 11 sets
‘of two wraps on the iner loop and 10
sets of four wraps on the outer oop.
[Noxt, add six sets of four wraps on the1 2
outside loop with five sets of two wraps
(on the inside loop. After that, add one
Sot of five wraps to the outside loop.
Push the woven wire toward the center
after each set. In the photo, the wrap-
ping is spread out to clearly show
the number of wraps at the beginning
of the step.
6 Make one more set, decreasing to
four wraps on the outside Ioop. Contin
ue to weave, chariging to a ratio of three:
wraps on the outer loop and two wraps
(on the inner loop. When the space gets
too narrow to weave between, wrap the
wire around bath loops, fattening the
wrapped finding with nylon-jaw pliers
after each wrap (6). Compress the work
toward the center keeping the weave
dense and tight and preventing the fiat
tened wraps from averlagping..
7 End the wraps on the same side of
the finding on either side of the attach-
ment loop. Gross the wires over each
other to lock the work in place (m, then
bend both wires to the ack on either
side of the attachment loop.
'B Pul the wires up to the front of the
finding. Thread both wires through a 8
mm Czech round bead and pul t down
flat against the attachment loop @).
9 Wrap one wire directly around the side
Of the attachment loop a few times.
Wrap the other wre around the bead a
Couple of times and then around the
other side ofthe attachment loop
ea |e Ny
Cut both wires and press down close so
that the ends sit on the inside of the
attachment loop,
10 Cut 6 in, (15.2 cm) of 18-gauge (1.0
mm) wire. Wrap the canter of the wire
«round the widest part of your round
nose pliers passing the ends unti they
are parallel and even, Holding the loop
firmly in fat- or chainnose pliers, grasp
‘both ends and twist them together one
time. Use nyion-jaw piers to straighten
the wires extending from the loop (10.
11. Postion the loop made in step 10
against one side of the toggle and mark
the point where the bar crosses the far
side of the opening (11). Repeat on the
‘opposite side of the toggle bar. These
marks are the shortest length that
guarantees a secure bar.
12 Measure % in. (16 mm) from each
mark and flush cut the wire. Turn tight
spirals in opposite directions on each
end until the edge of the spiral touchos
the mark. Turn the spirals perpendicular
{0 the loop and add a small, curved
‘bend using roundnose pliers (12). Ifthe
boris sill somewhat flexible, hardan it
‘by hammering a few times with a
rawhide or plastic mallet.
13 Cut 10 in, (25.4 om) of 26-gauge
(0.4 mm) wire. Wrap the center of the
ire around the shanks of the bar and
then upwards, Thread both ends of the
wire through @ 3 mm Czech bead and
jul the bead tight against the bar
1b
with wire coming out of both sides of
the bead hole (13)
14 Pul the wires across the sides,
Creating a wire frame around the bead.
Pull the wire down and coilittigntly
around the bar until reaching the mark
next to the spiral (14). Use chainnose
pliers to lit the spiral sightly. Cut the
\wire close and press the end down next
to the spiral. Use chainnose pliers to
push the spral down into place. Repeat
on the other side of the bar.
15 Make a small bend across the hole
of the bar loop (18). This small change
in shape transforms the loop into a hook
that comes into contact with the side of
the loop when the toggles closed,
‘making it more secure and locking the
bar into position (50).
Perri Jackson has
been crafting with
fiber her entire life
After injuring her
‘hand, manipulating
wire became both
physical therapy and a power-
ful outlet for her creative
talents. Read Pern’ insightful blog
‘or shop for project tutorials at
[Link]Wrapped &
wrapped again
necklace
This versatile link works well
for almost any combination
of beads or type of wire. When
finished, the chain is rich with beads
and wrapped wire, making it a perfect
accent for any pendant or focal bead.
by Nora Lynn Holmes.
70 Wirework Spring 2012 Soematerials
Necklace 19 in. (48.3 em)
'* Wire, round, dead soft
8. 251m), 24-gauge (50 mm)
2. (61 cm), 20-gauge (0.8 mm)
+ Beads
484 mm round beads
144-8 mm accent bonds
128 mm round beads
'* Focal pendant or bead (optional)
tools & supplies
Wirework toolbox, p. 8
stepbystep
Make the pendant hanger
[Link] 10-n, (22.9 cm) piece of
20-gauge wire. Using round nose pliers,
make a large loop at the center of the
piece of wite. Pul the wite ends in oppo-
site drections (1). Pull the wite around
to make a sa0ond joop next to the frst
‘one (tb). Repeat on the opposite side to
make a thid loop (1.
2, Feed both wires through the hole of
the bead pendant. Bring one wire up
across the back of the bead, Wrap once
above the bead (ea). Cut the remaining
wire below the bead to #4 in, (13 mm)
Using chainnose pliers, make a very
‘small spiral below the bead (au). Ifthe ft
ends up being loose, use chainnose
pliers to put a kink in the middle of the
bback of the bead to tighten the wire (2)
Make the fancy links
3 Using chainnose pars, make a 90°
bend 12 in. (88 mm) from the end of a
[Link]. (17.8 om) piece of 24-gauge
(0.5 mm) wire (,
4 Using chainnose pliers, make a 45°
bend in the opposite direction % in,
(8 mm) from the fist band (a.
'5 Side a4 mm bead onto the wire so
that it sts as close as possible to the
45° comer. Using chainnose pliers,
make another 45° bend a few milime-
ters above the bead, creating a minror
image of the opposite side @). Side a
4mm bead onto the wire and make a
45° bond toward the middle of the
triangle, crossing the wire over the
center, completing a triangular loop.
6 Using chainnose plirs, hold the
triangle between the 4 mm beads and
‘oottom of the trengle (6). Wrap the tall
round the center wire two or three
times, Tim off any extra wire and tuck
{he tal down next to the center wire (66)
7 Place an 8 mm bead onto the cove
Wire, and leave a litle bit of space
‘between the beads and wraps at the
base of the triangle. Using channose
pliers, make a 90° bend, leaving about
Ya in. (1.5 mm) of space above the
large bead (.
8 Repeat stops 3-6 to create a second
beaded oop (6a). Wrap twice around the
core wite and leave the tal attachod (a).
te I te
>) i. a apie)
A) 2 |
\ fo ,
\ 2 lei
\
4 ( 5 6
Lye 6
wt B J
9 Swoeo the tal diagonally around the
8 mm bead (Ba), Weap around the core
wire once on the opposite side so
the tail is on the oppostte side of the
‘crossover (8b). After wrapping, pull the
‘wire across the other side of the bead
and wrap it once around the core
wire again (8)
nn
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Free Prject ideo
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[Link] (re corsa
Soft Flex’ Glass Art & Bead Festivals ~ Honolulu, Hawaii: March 2-4, 2012 & September 21-23, 2012
GALLERY IN SONOMA, CA - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC EVERY WEDNESDAY ~ SEE WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILSPursue Your Passiow
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Run your shop
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Wirework
Isabela Lam
February 2012 BeadsButon
February 2012 Beaesautton
TE
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Bead&Button magazine is packed
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Leam how to design and create
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atI's a Wrap
Wire Sculptures by Elizabeth Berrien
\Wre sculptor Elizabeth Berien weaves together a fascination
with nature, art, and textiles. Her inspirational works helped snark
a renaissance in contemporary wire sculpture.
Her wire sculpture technique is daceptivaly smple: Twist two wires
together. Then, add another wire, and another wire, Drawing with
wires, Elizabeth intuitively seeks out the lines that best evoke an
animals essential spint and energy. She challenges herself each year
to explore and create something she couldn't do the year before,
venturing boldly outside of her comfort zone to find a place where
growth happens.
For 4d years, Elizabeth explored the nature and properties of wire,
ever expanding her capacty to create expressive wire sculptures,
ranging from tiny dragonfies to monumental horses, bears, and
dinosaurs. Her work is showcased in landscapes, airports,
and museuns.
Berren'sifetong love of animals is an inherent part other BAK (A
art. She has a small farm nestled among pastures, creeks, //
and redwoods. Her studio, a converted bam, looks out
con horses, hawks, foxes, egrets, and other wildlife.
Thanks to the internet, Elizabeth Berrien spread the
‘word about wire. Her webste www [Link] is
an essential resource with hundreds of sculptural
images, a free online tutorial, and lesson pian.
82 Wirework Spring 2012(oo Pandata.
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rine AMounTain: sora Wire
GEMS" (82.4; Ges ae
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