Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
July 25, 2010

Question:

You’ve mentioned tumbling wire work to harden it. Could you please explain this for new members like me?

-Linda in Portland, Oregon

Answer:

Yes, I do mention tumbling as a way to work harden your finished jewelry pieces, but personally, I do not do it! We do have a great article on tumbling, though, written by Wire-Sculpture Faculty member Scrimshaw Mary. She did quite a bit of research and interviewed several professional jewelry-making friends who do use a tumbler. Just follow this link to read their advice about Tumbling Your Jewelry. You can also Search Our Blog on the left side of the screen. Type in the keyword tumbler and press Go to read several discussions regarding tumbling advice!

Many wire artists find that working with half hard wire reduces the need for tumblers to work harden a piece. You can read previous tips about Forging Soft Wire and Hardening Finished Jewelry on our blog as well.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
July 15, 2010

Question:

I’m still trying to understand the uses of different gauges and shapes of wire and their uses. If I am pleased with how my design came out, whether in a necklace, ring, bracelet, etc., does it really matter the type of wire used? Thank you!

-Ruby in Cumming, Georgia

Answer:

No Ruby, a lot of folks try using gauges and shapes that are different than whatever the chosen pattern suggests is used for a particular design. This is one of the ways that you can become more proficient with your gauge/temper skills. When you experiment with a variety of wire types, and those choices “work” and you are pleased with the results, you are on your way to becoming a designer!

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
July 14, 2010

Question:

Dale, do you have suggestions for making jewelry – perhaps a necklace – from “service pins”? They look like a tie tac and are given for so many years of service, special events, etc by businesses.

-Sharon in Orange Park, Florida

Answer:

Actually, I have made two different designs using these commemorative pins. For each I first used a pair of utility wire cutters to remove the pin back and then used a Dremel to buff down the remaining burr.

One of these now charm-like pieces I set into a ring using the classic cabochon design (or Pharaoh’s ring pattern) and the other I made into a pendant using a basic frame wrap. Both owners of these new jewelry items were thrilled, as now they would wear their special pieces more often.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
July 12, 2010

Question:

Dale, I have almost memorized the instructions for straightening wire, both from your DVDs and book, yet I cannot obtain a well-fitting bundle. Do you have any additional suggestions to master this seemingly simple technique? While practicing, I use 21 or 22-gauge half hard square copper.

-Fran in Reston, Virginia

Answer:

Good for you for practicing so hard! If you have followed all of the directions with regards to making a bundle with your wire as straight as possible, the wire should cooperate. If not, are a couple of troubleshooting tips:

1. Make sure the ends of your wires are straight as possible! When they are not, they tend to push away from each other and may even jump over one another, causing the bundle to bunch up even after you think it was tapped straight.
2. If the ends are straight but the centers or tops are slightly curved, move each wire individually so that they are all waved in the same direction. Next, tape one end and smoothly run the wire through your fingers, making sure they all lie neatly next to one another before taping again off the center. Smooth again from that point to the last end, and tape again.
3. If, while you are smoothing the wires together from a taped point and they seem to want to “fight” each other, don’t force them! That is where some folks make the mistake of not taking them apart and moving each wire around until they lie neatly next to one another, where they want to be.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
July 11, 2010

Question:

I am a beginner with wire sculpting. My thumb and pointer fingers have become quite sore and even a little swollen from wire straightening and holding the wires tight. Is there some secret to prevent this, or do I just have to toughen my fingers up?

-Jeanne in Waukesha, Wisconsin

Answer:

I had to smile when I read your question, Jeanne, because even now there are days when my fingers and hands still become sore and sometimes swollen. If I have not worked with wire for a few days, or if I have been working for 6 or 7 days in a row, 8 to 10 hours a day, my digits still become overworked.

Yes, holding the wire tightly while straightening can cramp your non-dominant hand; some folks place that end of the wire in a vise to hold it while straightening. The dominant hand that you use to straighten the wire shouldn’t become too sore if you are not “white knuckling” the wire to straighten it, as your fingers should only be countering the curve, not trying to “pull” the wire straight. If you have developed good straightening skills, use a polishing cloth while straightening the wire, which will offer a cushion for your fingers while cleaning the wire as you straighten it.

With time, you will develop thin calluses that will help to protect your fingers. To relax your hands, try a paraffin wax hand spa.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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