Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
September 2, 2010

Question:

What gauge and temper wire should I use to make a multiple-wire bangle bracelet? I usually use pattern wire with four twisted wires. Using 20 or 21-gauge half hard half round wire doesn’t seem strong enough to me, especially for the end wraps.

-Nancy in Sun Lakes, Arizona

Answer:

For many years, I have been using either 18-gauge or 16-gauge half hard half round wire as the binding or wrap wire for a pattern wire bangle.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Tagged with:bracelet wires, pattern wire, wire bracelet, wrap wires

Filed under: Daily Wire Jewelry Tips • Project Help • Wire & Wire Wrapping

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
September 1, 2010

Question:

I would like to know what tip width on flat nose pliers you prefer. I have been using a 6mm, but it seems a little wide for some projects.

-Sonia in Salisbury, North Carolina

Answer:

Yes, flat nose pliers with a tip width of 6mm would be great for working on specific projects using a bundle made of 18-gauge wire and larger. As you are asking me what I prefer, my favorite flat nose pliers are the Swanstrom flats.

Swanstrom Flat Nose Pliers

The width across the tip is 3mm and the thickness of the jaw’s very tip is less than 1mm. This makes them the perfect choice for traditional wirework; wide enough to push up to 14-gauge square wire, yet small enough to work in little areas like rings. The tip’s thickness is about the same as that of a 22-gauge wire, making it the perfect choice when wrapping a bundle of like width.

I also like the long handles, allowing the tool to do more of the work for me, thus saving my hands. Thanks for asking!

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Tagged with:flat nose pliers, jewelry tool tips, Swanstrom

Filed under: Daily Wire Jewelry Tips • Jewelry Tool Tips

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
August 31, 2010

Question:

I recently bought the book Wirework. I was very pleased when I saw the beautiful jewelry that was pictured in the book. I am attempting to make the Ornate Cabochon Bracelet. I was confused when I read over the instructions; they didn’t seem to make sense, but I told myself, “one step at a time.”

Well, I’m on step 13, and the mystery is finally becoming clear: “You actually are making two pieces of jewelry and combining them to make one bracelet”! Why doesn’t the book say so? Anyway, this page is very misleading; I feel you should highlight the fact that the Chevron is merely a frame!

-Ruth in Wickenburg, Arizona

Answer:

Yes, the Chevron Bracelet Base (p. 45) is just as it is named, a “base,” to which any number of items can be incorporated. As I say in the book, the bracelet has an opening on which to attach a variety of “toppings.” The next project, the Ornate Cabochon Bracelet Topping, is an example of what can fit in the Base, which is why it is directly after the Base in Wirework.

Wirework: An Illustrated Guide to the Art of Wire Wrapping

As a progressive instructor, I wrote my book in the same manner that I teach classes and instruct on DVDs. I plan each series and class with each project building on prior projects and concepts. Each project is explained in full detail, and each section of the book has an introductory section. To be able to understand the directions, one should read through both the “Intro” section and then the design directions before setting out to make a project.

With any project, I suggest you work through the written pattern first, and then experiment and have fun making all sorts of designer bracelets!

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Tagged with:bracelet, cabochon, component jewelry, wire wrap bracelet, wirework

Filed under: Daily Wire Jewelry Tips • Project Help • Wire & Wire Wrapping

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
August 30, 2010

Question:

What is the difference between a side cutter and a flush cutter? When would you use each if there is a difference?

-Judith in Alexandria, Virginia

Answer:

The term "flush" means level or straight and on the same plane, so flush cutters cut a wire level.

Xuron Flush Cutters

Side cutters, or angle cutters, cut on an angle, meaning the wire edge will be cut to one side.

The choice of use is totally up to you, the wire jewelry maker. For example, if you are cutting jump rings, a flush cutter will allow the jump ring to be closed on a level plane, whereas when using an angle cutter to make jump rings, you would need to cut both ends of the jump ring at opposite angles to make it fit together smoothly. This is also known as "double cutting."

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Tagged with:how to use jewelry tools, jewelry making tools, wire cutters

Filed under: Daily Wire Jewelry Tips • Jewelry Tool Tips

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
August 29, 2010

Question:

I saw a website which had 20-gauge practice wire for sale. Would practice wire be suitable to create a piece of gemstone jewelry and sell it? What metal is practice wire made of? Does it tarnish, peel, or turn green? What does it do with aging?

-Mary in Lawrence, Kansas

Answer:

When choosing a wire to practice with, you need to look at both the temper (hardness) as well as the shape (round, square, half round, etc) before purchasing it. Without knowing what the metal is, there is no way that I can tell you whether or not the wire will tarnish or if it will react chemically with the stones or beads you plan to use this wire with.

My suggestion is to find a pattern or two that you would like to practice and choose the specific wire gauge (size) shapes and hardness that the author of the design(s) recommends. If you are looking for a general practice wire, I personally recommend copper wire, in the gauge, temper and shape you need for whatever designs you plan to practice. Brass wire is also a popular practice choice.

If a website does not specify the details of a product, you might email them to ask for a detailed description, or find another supplier.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Tagged with:brass wire, copper wire, Jewelry Making Wire, practice wire

Filed under: Cleaning, Polishing, & Care • Daily Wire Jewelry Tips • Wire & Wire Wrapping