Hi everyone,

Besides making jewelry from beads, pendants, etc., I am also a rock hound.  I've just decided to combine the two.  I bought myself a rock tumbler and I am thrilled with the beautiful results I am getting.  Now, here's where I need help.  Can you all help me and guide me with how to make jewelry with these tumbled, undrilled stones?  I was thinking "wire wrapping", but I don't know where to go for instruction, inspiration, and direction.  Any ideas?

Thanks in advance for any advice,

Laura Z. 

 Kalmbach magazines have had a number of articles about wire wrapping. Perhaps one of the staff can jump in with specific articles that would help. Many past articles are available on line.

There are a lot of good wire wrapping books. "Contemporary Wire Wrap Jewelry" by Irene Peterson is a good place to start.

Most bead stores and  online stores have wire wrap books. Your LBS may have suggestions and might know which magazines have good articles. Jewelry Supply.com lists a lot of books on wire. Click Here to see them.

Thanks, Russ.  I can't wait to get started.

Laura Z.

Hi everyone,

It's kind of ironic.  Right after I ask about wire wrapping undrilled stones, I received in today's mail my copy of the book I ordered from Bead Style called "Bead Journey".  Lo and behold, right on page 87, it tells you how to wire wrap a stone.  It's so basic, I can vary it in many ways for the many, many rocks I have tumbled and make them my own designs (yeah).  It's a fantastic book if anyone is wondering.  (I swear they didn't pay me to say this).  It shows different jewelry designs and ideas from all over the world.  Most of them are very do-able even for a beginner like me.  I LOVE THIS WEBSITE!  And I am learning sooooo much from all of you veterans.  Thank you all so much.

Laura Z.

 Check your local phone book for "Lapidary supply" or "Rock Shops" and see if any have drilling services. if not, ask if they know any local hobbists who might be willing to drill a few pieces.

Hi Russ,

I just wanted to tell you that last night I finally checked out Rings & Things.  I gotta tell you, besides Fusion Beads, it's my new favorite web site.  What an incredible variety.  Prices are great, too.  It will definitely be one of my "go to" sites.  Thanks for all of your good advice.

Laura Z.

And check the Rings & Things website for their traveling show list. I wasn't able to go to the one that just came through Chicago, but I went last year and got some shopping in!

 I'm looking forward to trying wrapping too. Good luck with your tumbled stones!

 Hi Laura and Monica!

Thanks for your kind words. I'm glad you like what we have.

Our trunk shows are finishing up in the east right now with Columbus, Cincinnati and Indianapolis then we come back to the west coast for Northwest shows down into California.

Hi Cam1,

Are you from the Chicagoland area?  I live in Channahon ( a small town about 40 miles south of Chicago with NO BEAD SHOPS!!!).  I'll be moving to Naperville in the Spring.  I can't wait.  There are quite a few bead shops in that town.  Thank God for the internet, so at least I can buy my beads from there.

Laura Z.

Hi Laura,

I'm near Naperville and have sent you an email with my favorite shops and such.

See you at the bead stores!