| Shop For Books With Amazon |
|
|
|  |
Getting Started with WireworkBeginner's Guide for Making Wire & Jump Ring Jewelry
There are so many options for making jewelry with wire! You can make chains, jump ring or chain maille jewelry, wirewrap pendants, knits or crochet the wire, use it to make flowers and write names... the list goes on and on. Some of the these skills require specialized equipment, but you can get started making wire jewelry with a minimal investment. There are tons of free tutorials on the Internet, including the wire projects found here at AIA Jewelry Making.
 Essential Wirework Materials
Here's a look at some must-have items:
- Wire (here are some tips on how to choose which wire you need)
Copper and brass wire are inexpensive and easy to find. Practice your skills with the inexpensive wire. When you have confidence, work with sterling silver, gold, fine silver, and possibly platinum, niobium, and iridium. The sizes I always keep on hand are 18 gauge (to make findings), 22 gauge (for joining components), and 24 gauge (for detail work). 26-28 gauge are good starting sizes for making many types of bead and wire flowers.
- Wire Cutters
Look for wire cutters that can make a flush cut. This will allow you to cut wire smooth and flat rather than at an angle. Don't abuse your cutters by using them on wire that is too hard (no memory wire!) or too thick.
- Pliers
You could purchase lots and lots of pliers, but I tend to work with only two pairs. I use a roundnose pair of pliers with tiny ends, for making wrapped loops and curving wire. I use a pair of flat-jawed pliers, again tapering to a fine point, for pretty much everything else.
- Files
You could get started with simply wire, cutters, and pliers, but it's worth it to get some inexpensive files to smooth rough edges and make your work more professional-looking and more comfortable to wear.
Other Wirework Tools
These are more specialized tools. They may be essential for particular projects, but aren't necessary for all types of wirework:
- Jig
This is a great tool for making patterns and repeatable shapes!
- Anvil
Together with a hammer, this is a wonderful tool for flattening and hardening wire.
- Mandrels
This is a fancy word for 'rod'. These can be knitting needs, dowels, or any other stick-like items. They are used to make jump rings and otherwise shape wire.
- Clamps
An extra pair of hands comes in sooo handy sometimes.
- Knitting Needles or Crochet Hooks
For knitting and crocheting with wire, of course.
- Polishing Cloth
Good for removing tarnish and other types of oxidation.
- Jeweler's Saw
Nice for cutting jump rings, among other things.
- Ring Mandrel
You will want this if you are going to make rings of different sizes.
- Drill or Wire Twister
Use to turn square or other shaped wire to make wire with a fancy cut appearance.
Basic Wirework Findings
You can make clasps, earrings, jump rings, and other jewelrymaking components, rather than buying them pre-made. It's easy!
Beginner Wirework Projects
There are some projects that are suitable for someone new to working with wire:
Recent Jewelrymaking Features
|
|
|
