04.16.2008 | Posted by Jane Konkel

What's New Wednesday 4.16.08

I like working with wire. I tend to stick to uncomplicated patterns like loops and coils, though I did make a wire-wrapped beach-glass pendant for BeadStyle Around the World. In Jewelry Studio: Wire Wrapping (Interweave Press, $22.95), Linda Chandler and Christine Ritchey take some of the mystery out of wire wrapping. The projects within the book's 128 pages do not require soldering, but that's not to say that all of the projects are easy. The book has a nice variety of both basic and advanced projects. In the latter category is the last bracelet in the book. It's made with a variety of wire including: 8 mm wide patterned silver wire, 14-,16-, and 18-gauge half-round gold-filled wire, and 10-gauge round gold-filled wire. It looks like a time consuming  project, but it's divided into sections, and includes photos, tips, and a note on how to choose patterned wire. I may not make this bracelet, but it has sparked my imagination about uses for patterned wire. A picture of this bracelet and additional information about Wire Wrapping is on Christine's Web site, Christine Ritchey Jewelry.

Comments

  • mirandasum said:

    I love how wire wrapping looks but am not personally very good at it. But I will practice!

    April 16, 2008 4:55 PM
  • amyjug6 said:

    I enjoy wirework but using sterling and gold-filled wire can get expensive. I have used colored copper wire but have encountered a problem with the coating on some - the color can chip when sharply bent or when the pliers slip off. The Artistic Wire brand seems to hold up fairly well. Any others that anyone can recommend?

    And for hardening this wire - any suggestions other than hammering which can chip the color coating?

    April 16, 2008 8:56 PM
  • Jane Konkel said:

    I have used Para Wire from the Paramount Wire Company, parawire.com. I bought 20 gauge, sterling from the Bead&Button show last year, though I don't see this on their Web site. It comes in a variety of colors and gauges. I wish I could tell you more about hammering. I like the way it looks, but haven't had a lot of success hammering colored wire.

    Jane

    April 17, 2008 12:46 PM
  • nana of 8 said:

    I'm not that good at wire wrapping as yet, either.  But regarding the cost of sterling and gold-filled, I was told to practice (and practice and practice!) on regular, inexpensive copper wire until I was comfortable.  It comes in all gauges and you can get it at your local hardware store.  And - if you like the end result you can coat it or age it and actually use it :-)

    April 18, 2008 10:41 AM
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