Question:

I have a large citrine I want to make into a pendant, but it is very deep. I would like to wrap the pendant in a combination of pattern wire and square wire, but do not know how to end the pattern wire to do the bail.

-Merilou in Wildomar, California

Answer:

I often add pattern wire to the frame of a deep stone. Incorporate the pattern wire as you would any square wire and when coming to the bail, you can choose several options, depending on the design you want.

One way is to just cut the pattern wire a bit longer than the bail wrap and then fold it over the wraps and flatten it down. Another way is to leave the pattern wire ends a bit longer, shape them into the flow of your design and use a Dremel to round off the sharp edges as in this example. With some experimentation, you will discover the look you desire. Have fun!

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Question:

Hi Dale, is there a stamp available with which to stamp a tag to include in a jewelry piece, which states its quality, such as 14kt Gold Fill? I don’t do shows, I sell in shops and online. I haven’t seen such a stamp yet, this is the problem, or I would have bought one. So how does one use a stamped tag? Do you know where a stamp like this would be available? Many thanks for your helpful answers.

-Patricia in Melbourne, Australia

Answer:

Well, there are a few options. Whenever I do a show, I usually have some of my wire with me. If a customer is curious, I show it to them and explain just what the metal is. You could also print a type of materials guarantee on the reverse of your business card, stating that the materials you use are genuine. I know other wire artists who attach small metal tags, with the metal type and/or karat stamped on them, to their work.

As far as actual jewelry tags, Wire-Sculpture stocks Sterling Silver Quality tags, which work great for your sterling silver jewelry. However, none of our suppliers carry 14kt gf tags, because they are so small to manufacture around the fill metal.

You can have your own stamps made online. The best place I know to go for jewelry stamps is Microstamp Online. These folks can make about any size, metal and wording you might need. They are very friendly and helpful!

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Question:

What gauge of wire do I use for hoop ear rings? Everything I try seems to be too light.

-Cookie in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Answer:

The size of the wire used for hoop earrings really depends on the style of hoop you desire to create. If you want to make plain hoops that go through the ear with nothing on them, take the size of a piercing into consideration and use from an 18-gauge for larger holes, down to a 21-gauge for smaller.

If you want to make a more substantial hoop, then my advice would be to use any gauge you want, from an 18- through a 14-gauge, and attach the hoop to an ear wire or post for the customer’s comfort. When using these larger gauges, it is fun to forge the hoops with a chasing hammer and a bench block, to add some cool texture to the metal.

For a start, check out this Free Pattern for Hoop Earrings.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Question:

Sometimes I’ve noticed that wire is sold by decimal measurement. Is there a conversion chart to establish the gauge?

-Sue in Post Falls, Idaho

Answer:

Hi Sue, the decimal measurement refers to millimeters. Our Wire Conversion Table can help (scroll down to the bottom chart). This chart can also help when purchasing beads and you need a specific sized hole.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Question:

I’m new at wire wrapping, and I use quilter’s tape on my wires. It works great, but it leaves glue on my wires and I don’t know what to use to clean them; I am working with gold and silver wire.

-Gay in Star, Idaho

Answer:

A cotton swab or clean piece of t-shirt that has been dampened with denatured alcohol will easily remove any tape residue as well as unwanted marker from any of your wire jewelry, with no harm to the wire.

After cleaning, wipe the area clean with a dry, clean t-shirt scrap or a polishing cloth. You can find denatured alcohol at any hardware store.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Question:

A few patterns I have call for 14-gauge “twisted wire,” with no further explanation. Does it mean a 14-gauge square or half round wire, twisted?

I also have one that requires 14-gauge round twisted wire. Does that mean 2 round wires twisted together, since round wire can’t be twisted alone?

And lastly, if the pattern calls for 13 in. of twisted wire, how long would that be before twisting?

-Jeanne in Waukesha, Wisconsin

Answer:

Without knowing exactly what the projects are, it is difficult for me to determine what another designer means by the terms you quote. Often, if you can look at a photo of the finished project, you can figure out what they are referring to. If you cannot determine the details in this manner, I would email the author personally and ask them, as unfortunately sometimes editors cut out what they feel are unnecessary details to save space in a publication.

I will try to clarify some of these for you though, just from personal experience.

I would say that “14-gauge twisted wire” refers to a square wire that has been twisted. I do not think that twisted half round wire would be a regular item, nor have I ever worked with a 14-gauge half round wire in that manner. For the “14g twisted round wire,” I would agree with you that it means 2 round wires twisted together.

Your last question, about how long to cut a square wire before twisting to end up with 13 inches, really depends on how tightly you twist it. I would begin with a 14.5 inch long piece if twisting rather tightly. When the wire is twisted to your desire, measure it and record the results in your designer notebook so you will have a reference for the next time.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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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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Question:

I am getting much better at pricing my sea glass jewelry, thanks to you, but when collecting I also pick up beautiful perfectly sanded sea shell pieces. They are nice and thick so they do not break. They make gorgeous pendants when they are wrapped. My question, is how would you price them? What is their value as opposed to sea glass?

-Bonnie in Ennis, Montana

Answer:

I am so pleased that the pricing article has helped you realize the value of your work! Now as for the value of shells, driftwood, coral pieces, pottery shards and other found items, I would price them about the same as “normal” sea glass (not including, of course, rare colors as described here.

In my opinion, the value in pieces such as these lies in the design and accompanying materials used such as the wire choice and the addition of pearls, crystals, etc. Most folks will purchase a beach or vacation souvenir for sentimental reasons. BTW, these sound really pretty!

Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

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Question:

I am participating in a juried art festival outdoors for 6 hours. I have only sold to individuals so I have no idea how much change to have with me. I am not set up to accept credit cards so that leaves cash and checks. Any suggestions on how much change to have, and can I expect diminished sales because I can’t accept credit cards?

Thank you!

-Bonnie in Ennis, Montana

Answer:

Congratulations! Good question, and thanks for the additional details. Because this is only a 6-hour show, you could probably get by with about $400 in change. Depending on the prices of your items and whether or not you add tax (which means carrying coins) be sure to have a lot of ones, fives and tens, and about 5 twenties. A suggestion regarding taxes would be to include them in the price of your work. Then, after the show, based on your total sales, just do the math for the state later. This makes your prices seem less (tax is included!) and certainly makes making change easier on you.

Again, depending on the prices of your work, I would be prepared to take personal checks, which means that you can put a limit on them if you wish (like no checks for purchases under $25.00). Do not hesitate to ask to see a valid driver’s license and DO write down all of this information on the receipt, including their license number (I do hope you use at least a double, preferably a triplicate receipt book).

If you enjoy doing shows and as your business grows, I would definitely look into taking credit cards. I know it seems like a lot of money to begin, but most companies can set you up “seasonally” if you request it, so you are not saddled with a monthly statement fee when you are not processing credit cards. Festival and show attendees do not carry a lot of cash these days, checkbooks are almost obsolete, and “plastic” is very convenient. I know that when I finally made that really hard decision, my sales increased by 135%!! (no kidding.)

Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

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Question:

I want a free e-course on jewelry making for beginners which covers the basics for making a necklace, chain, bracelet, earring etc. Your help in this regard would be highly appreciated.

-Sumy in Chennai, India

Answer:

Wow! Who wouldn’t want something like that, an entire jewelry making course that is 100% free! Unfortunately I do not know of any such thing currently available, as everyone has bills to pay, including the fees to host such a course. However, I can provide you with links to the valuable information Wire-Sculpture does provide for free:

• Jewelry Resource Center
• Free 7-Part Jewelry Course
• Free Patterns by Email
• Free Jewelry Ideas & Inspiration

You could also spend some time searching the Internet for all of the great free tutorials, patterns and information available, and then organize your own course.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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