There are as many different ways to weave wire as is capable in your imagination. But there are a few basic weaves that you will see the most and use the most. One strand of wire just being wrapped with another thinner wire, two strands being wrapped with a thinner wire, but this time incorporating a design with the thinner wire One you learn the basics of these, you can add more strands of the thicker wire to make bracelets, or rings.
The one strand being wrapped with the thinner wire is used for many different projects such as
The two wires being wrapped lends itself to many different projects. the basic two strand wrap is double wrap around one wire then across to the next wire and double wrap around that , then back to the first wire.
This is a great example of single strand wrap and double strand wrap.
another example of two strands being wrapped , this actually is a one strand that is doubled on itself and wrapped for strength and beauty.
This is an example of three base wires woven together. You can see the possibilities with the different designs.
The most popular question any person who sees a design made using beads crocheted on either wire or fiber is: How did you get the bead in the stitch?
The second most popular question is: How do I take what I learned from my mom (or my grandmother) and translate it into crocheted wire jewelry?
If your plan is to work with a favorite bead, then wire and hook will be chosen with the bead(s) in mind. Choose any type–glass, stone, crystal or pearl. Choose any shape–smooth and round or textured and misshapen. All that counts is that the bead sits in or on the wire stitch.
Hook Size
Determine the size of your stitch with the hook size. For example, an aluminum ”F” hook gives you a stitch that approximates a 6mm opening. So a 6mm bead will sit on and take up much of the wire stitch. If you are working with a 9mm potato pearl (freshwater) you might want to work with a ”G” or an ”H” aluminum hook. These will create a larger stitch to house the bead within it. Nuggets and chips look great clinging to their little wire nests which are worked with smaller steel hooks that are labeled by number rather than letters.
The type of wire and gauge of wire are important in two ways. The type of wire you choose should be soft and malleable to form in the hook yet strong enough to carry the bead. The wire should also be firm enough not to stretch out.
Ideal wires are fine silver and colored copper. They meet the need to stay malleable and are not work-hardened by the metal hook. Sterling silver, gold-filled and niobium wires can be crocheted also, but are not as malleable because they are alloyed with other metals and can work-harden, giving you less control over how you form the stitch(es).
And, oh yes, how DO you get the bead in each stitch? Well, you just string all the beads onto the wire before you begin stitching with the hook and then you work them into each stitch as it is being formed. Now, who would have thought of that?
https://morganafeyjewelry.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Morana_Fey_Jewelry_Logo_A.png00morganafeycreationshttps://morganafeyjewelry.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Morana_Fey_Jewelry_Logo_A.pngmorganafeycreations2021-05-24 15:42:252021-06-22 16:02:03Crochet With Wire
Wire is an integral component to jewelry. Whether you’re wire-wrapping, creating coils, weaving or any other technique, the right wire choice will make your life easier. But, how do you know which wire to choose? Learn about how hardness, gauge and more can affect your end result.
Hardness
Dead-soft means it’s easy to bend and can be manipulated easily without tools. That’s it. These metals do not form hard or shape angles and will not hold shape well. It is good though for wire weaving, coils and spirals or wrapping around a harder base. This wire can be work harden, but if using coils, only the outer part will become hard, the inside of the coils will remain soft. Aluminum will always remain soft.
Full-hard is the exact opposite of dead-soft. This wire is difficult to bend and can be a bit brittle if bent too far. Full-hard wire retains its shape exceptionally well. Full-hard metal wire or sheet is often used as a frame or base. It is possible to soften full-hard metal by the process of annealing.
Half-hard is the sweet spot between the previous two tempers. This wire is fairly easy to bend, but it will retain its shape afterward. This particular hardness is the most commonly used wire for wire-wrapping, earwires, jumprings and hard angles. Half-hard metals can be made softer or work hardened to a full-hard temper.
Softest to hardest: Dead-soft Fine silver Copper Rich low brass Gold-filled Sterling silver 14Kt yellow gold Softest to hardest: Half-hard Fine silver Copper Sterling silver Rich low brass Gold-filled 14Kt yellow gold Softest to hardest: Full-hard Fine silver Copper Sterling silver Rich low brass Gold-filled 14Kt yellow gold
I mentioned work hardening But what does it really mean? As you work with metal, the more you manipulate it, the more rigid it will become. This process results in work hardening. On a more scientific level, you have moved the metal’s molecules closer together. It is best to work harden as much as possible before shaping, since it can become increasingly difficult to work harden after your piece is finished. While working on your piece, check the hardness often so your metal doesn’t become too brittle and break.Ways to specifically work harden include Pulling wire straight with nylon-jaw pliers or polishing cloth Tumbling with steel shot Hammer with a rubber mallet or jewelry hammer on a steel block Twisting Coiling and uncoiling Pulling through draw plates
To soften up metal, you loosen the molecules up through the process of annealing. annealing is a process of heating and cooling resulting in more flexible wire. When annealing, metal oxidizes extremely quickly and a pickling solution is used to clean the metal to pristine quality again.
https://morganafeyjewelry.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Morana_Fey_Jewelry_Logo_A.png00morganafeycreationshttps://morganafeyjewelry.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Morana_Fey_Jewelry_Logo_A.pngmorganafeycreations2021-05-24 14:34:122021-06-22 16:02:12More About Wire
One item that you should add to your work item is a Kumihimo disk. This can be used to help with wire weaving beautiful designs and even adding beads to the designs. I have used it to make beautiful bracelets and even necklaces that stand out for the unique weave that I have done. You can use both the round and the square one for designs
I had mentioned the Coiling gizmo before, Not only can you make beautiful coils that you can use in your jewelry. but with the wig jig you can also make symmetrical coils and earrings. Both add an interesting flair to your work.
when you are making a piece of jewelry, you want it to stand out from everyone else. The best way to do this is to use your imagination to bring the piece to life. Nothing is to scary to try and you might actually find that you have a way with the wire.
https://morganafeyjewelry.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Morana_Fey_Jewelry_Logo_A.png00morganafeycreationshttps://morganafeyjewelry.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Morana_Fey_Jewelry_Logo_A.pngmorganafeycreations2021-05-24 14:17:282021-05-24 15:43:10Extra Fun Things
“Viking Knitting” refers to an ancient technique of circular wire weaving that forms a loop and then is stretched. It’s not knitting the way we usually think of it (using two needles) but actually entails weaving sculptural chains from fine-gauge metal wire. Similar to French knitting this is a surprisingly easy way to make woven wire cord for bracelets and necklaces!.
Tools:
Mandrel
Something tubular and sturdy to weave around.
Pulling board
This is a board with sequentially smaller holes drilled through.
Wire
The weave in the front picture uses 20Ga.
For a first go try copper wire as it’s often inexpensive.
Silver and gold coated copper provide an excellent combination of looks, bendyness and price.
Jump rings Can be made with the same wire as the weave
Clasps
This is a fun and easy way to make some very unique jewelry for yourself and friends.
Lets talk about the type of wire that you will be using. Wire is listed by gauge. Gauge tells you what size the wire is. The larger the gauge size, the smaller the wire.
You can use any wire, but I recommend starting with non-tarnishing wire. Other wire is copper, silver, brass etc. These can also be found in the non-tarnishing wires. Most projects will use 18-28 gauge wire.
There are many stones that you can use. Gemstone beads are wonderful to use because you can run the wire through them.
Cabochons – come in all sizes and shapes, Some are are harder to wire wrap, but lend themselves to interesting designs. Cabochons can be made from different materials, from resin to actual gemstones to crystals. I love working with the actual gemstones. but the others lend themselves to great designs.
If you plan on making pendants, you should have some type of cord to use. You can find many different types from leather to chain to silk yarn. you can also find many of these already with a clasp attachment, which makes it super easy.
https://morganafeyjewelry.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Morana_Fey_Jewelry_Logo_A.png00morganafeycreationshttps://morganafeyjewelry.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Morana_Fey_Jewelry_Logo_A.pngmorganafeycreations2021-05-18 14:31:082021-05-18 14:42:10Wire and Gemstones
So you want to learn how to make wire Jewelry? To do that you will need to get the proper tools and wire.
I have made a list of the tools that you will need and have broken it down into two groups. Essential Tools and Would like to have tools.
The basic essential tools that I recommend:
1. Wire cutters,— Flush cutter which is very useful to make your own jump rings. Xuron cutters are the best.
2. Chain Nose pliers—each jaw is flat on the inside and rounded on the outside on these types of jewelry pliers. The flat side is for gripping small parts (headpins, earwires, jump rings…etc). They are used to manipulate small items and to make 90 degree bends in the wire. With two pairs of pliers, you can easily twist jump rings apart and closed again for basic assembly work.
3. Flat Nose pliers—have a wider nose that is shaped like a duckbill instead of a narrow tip. Flat nose pliers are usually 3mm-5mm wide for a firm grip or straightening metal strips, plus you can use them for creating sharp bends in your jewelry designs too!
4. Round Nose pliers— the jaws on these pliers are conical or rounded all the way around making them difficult to grip with but perfect for creating loops. Use caution when gripping and refrain from too much force to avoid denting metal parts.
5. Nylon pliers- These are different than standard pliers, as the heads are made of nylon. and come in different shapes. They are primarily used for straightening or flattening the wire ( smooth out the kinks). You are also able to make spirals without damaging the wire.
6. Barrel pliers—- ( bail making pliers) They make different size loops with the wire. can also be used to make jump rings.
7. Ruler. For measuring the length of the wire that you need to use. also for measuring the cord for a necklace if you are making your own.
8. A sharpie pen- for marking the wire when measuring for wire wrapping.
Other tools that I have and use :
Files- for removing sharp edges on the wire
Chasing Hammer- Has two sides, a flat side to flatten out wire or other metal, and a textured side to add texture to flat metal.
Anvil— to use with the hammer to add texture or flatten the wire. You do not need a large one ( Mini Anvil Bench)
Heavy duty wire cutter, for cutting wire that is 20 gauge or smaller.
Coiling Gizmo- Helps to make identical coils for earrings or other components Wire Coils
Rubber mallet– nice to have on hand if you want to hammer the wire without leaving marks.
https://morganafeyjewelry.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Morana_Fey_Jewelry_Logo_A.png00morganafeycreationshttps://morganafeyjewelry.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Morana_Fey_Jewelry_Logo_A.pngmorganafeycreations2021-05-17 15:08:112021-06-22 16:02:24How to Get Started Making Wire Jewelry
Wire Weaving
/0 Comments/in Ideas for Wire Work /by morganafeycreationsThere are as many different ways to weave wire as is capable in your imagination. But there are a few basic weaves that you will see the most and use the most. One strand of wire just being wrapped with another thinner wire, two strands being wrapped with a thinner wire, but this time incorporating a design with the thinner wire One you learn the basics of these, you can add more strands of the thicker wire to make bracelets, or rings.
The one strand being wrapped with the thinner wire is used for many different projects such as
The two wires being wrapped lends itself to many different projects. the basic two strand wrap is double wrap around one wire then across to the next wire and double wrap around that , then back to the first wire.
This is a great example of single strand wrap and double strand wrap.
another example of two strands being wrapped , this actually is a one strand that is doubled on itself and wrapped for strength and beauty.
This is an example of three base wires woven together. You can see the possibilities with the different designs.
Crochet With Wire
/0 Comments/in Ideas for Wire Work /by morganafeycreationsThe most popular question any person who sees a design made using beads crocheted on either wire or fiber is: How did you get the bead in the stitch?
The second most popular question is: How do I take what I learned from my mom (or my grandmother) and translate it into crocheted wire jewelry?
If your plan is to work with a favorite bead, then wire and hook will be chosen with the bead(s) in mind. Choose any type–glass, stone, crystal or pearl. Choose any shape–smooth and round or textured and misshapen. All that counts is that the bead sits in or on the wire stitch.
Hook Size
Determine the size of your stitch with the hook size. For example, an aluminum ”F” hook gives you a stitch that approximates a 6mm opening. So a 6mm bead will sit on and take up much of the wire stitch. If you are working with a 9mm potato pearl (freshwater) you might want to work with a ”G” or an ”H” aluminum hook. These will create a larger stitch to house the bead within it. Nuggets and chips look great clinging to their little wire nests which are worked with smaller steel hooks that are labeled by number rather than letters.
The type of wire and gauge of wire are important in two ways. The type of wire you choose should be soft and malleable to form in the hook yet strong enough to carry the bead. The wire should also be firm enough not to stretch out.
Ideal wires are fine silver and colored copper. They meet the need to stay malleable and are not work-hardened by the metal hook. Sterling silver, gold-filled and niobium wires can be crocheted also, but are not as malleable because they are alloyed with other metals and can work-harden, giving you less control over how you form the stitch(es).
And, oh yes, how DO you get the bead in each stitch? Well, you just string all the beads onto the wire before you begin stitching with the hook and then you work them into each stitch as it is being formed. Now, who would have thought of that?
More About Wire
/0 Comments/in Supplies /by morganafeycreationsWire is an integral component to jewelry. Whether you’re wire-wrapping, creating coils, weaving or any other technique, the right wire choice will make your life easier. But, how do you know which wire to choose? Learn about how hardness, gauge and more can affect your end result.
Hardness
Dead-soft means it’s easy to bend and can be manipulated easily without tools. That’s it. These metals do not form hard or shape angles and will not hold shape well. It is good though for wire weaving, coils and spirals or wrapping around a harder base. This wire can be work harden, but if using coils, only the outer part will become hard, the inside of the coils will remain soft. Aluminum will always remain soft.
Full-hard is the exact opposite of dead-soft. This wire is difficult to bend and can be a bit brittle if bent too far. Full-hard wire retains its shape exceptionally well. Full-hard metal wire or sheet is often used as a frame or base. It is possible to soften full-hard metal by the process of annealing.
Half-hard is the sweet spot between the previous two tempers. This wire is fairly easy to bend, but it will retain its shape afterward. This particular hardness is the most commonly used wire for wire-wrapping, earwires, jumprings and hard angles. Half-hard metals can be made softer or work hardened to a full-hard temper.
Dead-soft
Fine silver
Copper
Rich low brass
Gold-filled Sterling silver
14Kt yellow gold
Softest to hardest: Half-hard
Fine silver
Copper
Sterling silver
Rich low brass
Gold-filled 14Kt yellow gold
Softest to hardest: Full-hard
Fine silver
Copper
Sterling silver
Rich low brass
Gold-filled 14Kt yellow gold
Pulling wire straight with nylon-jaw pliers or polishing cloth
Tumbling with steel shot
Hammer with a rubber mallet or jewelry
hammer on a steel block
Twisting
Coiling and uncoiling
Pulling through draw plates
To soften up metal, you loosen the molecules up through the process of annealing. annealing is a process of heating and cooling resulting in more flexible wire. When annealing, metal oxidizes extremely quickly and a pickling solution is used to clean the metal to pristine quality again.
Extra Fun Things
/0 Comments/in Supplies /by morganafeycreationsOne item that you should add to your work item is a Kumihimo disk. This can be used to help with wire weaving beautiful designs and even adding beads to the designs. I have used it to make beautiful bracelets and even necklaces that stand out for the unique weave that I have done. You can use both the round and the square one for designs
I had mentioned the Coiling gizmo before, Not only can you make beautiful coils that you can use in your jewelry. but with the wig jig you can also make symmetrical coils and earrings. Both add an interesting flair to your work.
when you are making a piece of jewelry, you want it to stand out from everyone else. The best way to do this is to use your imagination to bring the piece to life. Nothing is to scary to try and you might actually find that you have a way with the wire.
Viking Knit
/0 Comments/in Ideas for Wire Work /by morganafeycreations“Viking Knitting” refers to an ancient technique of circular wire weaving that forms a loop and then is stretched. It’s not knitting the way we usually think of it (using two needles) but actually entails weaving sculptural chains from fine-gauge metal wire. Similar to French knitting this is a surprisingly easy way to make woven wire cord for bracelets and necklaces!.
Tools:
Pulling board
Wire
This is a fun and easy way to make some very unique jewelry for yourself and friends.
Wire and Gemstones
/0 Comments/in Supplies /by morganafeycreationsLets talk about the type of wire that you will be using. Wire is listed by gauge. Gauge tells you what size the wire is. The larger the gauge size, the smaller the wire.
You can use any wire, but I recommend starting with non-tarnishing wire. Other wire is copper, silver, brass etc. These can also be found in the non-tarnishing wires. Most projects will use 18-28 gauge wire.
There are many stones that you can use. Gemstone beads are wonderful to use because you can run the wire through them.
Cabochons – come in all sizes and shapes, Some are are harder to wire wrap, but lend themselves to interesting designs. Cabochons can be made from different materials, from resin to actual gemstones to crystals. I love working with the actual gemstones. but the others lend themselves to great designs.
If you plan on making pendants, you should have some type of cord to use. You can find many different types from leather to chain to silk yarn. you can also find many of these already with a clasp attachment, which makes it super easy.
the best place to find these items are at the bigger jewelry shops, such as Shipwreck Beads https://www.shipwreckbeads.com and Fire Mountain Gems https://www.firemountaingems.com.
How to Get Started Making Wire Jewelry
/0 Comments/in Supplies /by morganafeycreationsSo you want to learn how to make wire Jewelry? To do that you will need to get the proper tools and wire.
I have made a list of the tools that you will need and have broken it down into two groups. Essential Tools and Would like to have tools.
The basic essential tools that I recommend:
1. Wire cutters,— Flush cutter which is very useful to make your own jump rings. Xuron cutters are the best.
2. Chain Nose pliers—each jaw is flat on the inside and rounded on the outside on these types of jewelry pliers. The flat side is for gripping small parts (headpins, earwires, jump rings…etc). They are used to manipulate small items and to make 90 degree bends in the wire. With two pairs of pliers, you can easily twist jump rings apart and closed again for basic assembly work.
3. Flat Nose pliers—have a wider nose that is shaped like a duckbill instead of a narrow tip. Flat nose pliers are usually 3mm-5mm wide for a firm grip or straightening metal strips, plus you can use them for creating sharp bends in your jewelry designs too!
4. Round Nose pliers— the jaws on these pliers are conical or rounded all the way around making them difficult to grip with but perfect for creating loops. Use caution when gripping and refrain from too much force to avoid denting metal parts.
5. Nylon pliers- These are different than standard pliers, as the heads are made of nylon. and come in different shapes. They are primarily used for straightening or flattening the wire ( smooth out the kinks). You are also able to make spirals without damaging the wire.
6. Barrel pliers—- ( bail making pliers) They make different size loops with the wire. can also be used to make jump rings.
7. Ruler. For measuring the length of the wire that you need to use. also for measuring the cord for a necklace if you are making your own.
8. A sharpie pen- for marking the wire when measuring for wire wrapping.
Other tools that I have and use :
Files- for removing sharp edges on the wire
Chasing Hammer- Has two sides, a flat side to flatten out wire or other metal, and a textured side to add texture to flat metal.
Anvil— to use with the hammer to add texture or flatten the wire. You do not need a large one ( Mini Anvil Bench)
Heavy duty wire cutter, for cutting wire that is 20 gauge or smaller.
Coiling Gizmo- Helps to make identical coils for earrings or other components Wire Coils
Rubber mallet– nice to have on hand if you want to hammer the wire without leaving marks.
Many of these can be found at your local hobby store, such as Michaels, Jo-Anns, Hobby Lobby or on Amazon. Other places to look for them would be Fire Mountain Gems https://www.firemountaingems.com/ or ShipWreck Beads https://www.shipwreckbeads.com/.