Daily Wire Tip Apr. 5: Square and Half Round Craft Wire
Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
April 5, 2011
Question:
Hi Dale, I have a question about craft wire. I know it comes in different colors and different gauges, what I don’t know is- can you get it in square or half round?
-Deborah in Wenden, Arizona
Answer:
Hi Deborah, most of the craft wire that can be purchased in retail stores is only available in a round shape. Here at Wire-Sculpture, in both the Enameled Craft Wire and the Silver Plated Copper Craft Wire categories, you can choose from both 18-gauge and 21-gauge in square and half round shapes (both are soft).
I have personally worked with samples of both types of craft wire. I have beaten, twisted, rolled, folded, wrapped, and bent it, and I am seriously impressed! It is a lot of fun to work with the colors, and with today’s economy being as sad as it is, this wire is an affordable product to practice in as well as to make and sell finished items out of. (I personally like making Puffed Gemstone Heart pendants with it (tutorial here; at a retail price of $15 to $18, each they always sell well!)
Earthy Puffed Heart Pendant made using 21-gauge square Vintage Bronze Enameled Craft Wire
Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong
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craft wire, half round wire, heart, Jewelry Making Wire, puffed, puffy, round wire, square wire, vintage
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I liked this question. Is there a source for directions on making the puffed heart. I have several gemstone hearts that I’ve had for a long time. I think it would be fun to try these pendants. Thanks for the question and the answer. I will be placing an order for some craft wire soon.
Hi Joni, my directions for the Puffed Heart Pendant are actually called the ‘Anything Harness’ (because it can be adapted to harness a wide variety of odd shaped items, including shark’s teeth, into a pendant or charm) can be found on Beginner’s DVD 3 – along with a host of other useful techniques.
The square and half-round vintage bronze wires are a great addition to the products here. But, is it available in the lovely pastel and bright colors that you stock in round? And, will wire-sculpture be stocking any (or making special orders available)?
Not yet Gayle, but stay tuned!
thank you Deborah and Dale for the question and answer..I’m always looking for an inexpensive way for my granddaughter to practice..and I love the puffed hearts…off to buy wire and hearts..we have a show in Sept.
Awesome Margaret – planning ahead! Good Luck with all of your shows : )
Couldn’t you twist two different or same colors of round 24 or 26 Gauge to get the same effect? For practicing, it could be more economical!
Nice idea Marion, I’ll have to try it. The color coated wire I twisted here, was to harden the softer square wire (and it gives a nice look).
My local bead store has started stocking both square and half round craft wire. I don’t know the manufacturer because they have their own labels on them. I have bought some and it works great!
You will all find that the wire in the square and half round shapes is great for a good many ideas to offset the higher prices of precious metals these days.