Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
August 10, 2011

Question:

I purchased several polished stones with no holes. I want to wire wrap them into pendants, do you have a DVD that would help me, as I am a beginner?

-Ava in Clearwater, Florida

Answer:

Hi Ava, depending on whether your undrilled stones are flat, rounded or very irregular in shape, my best advice would be to first look at the sample photos of these four choices:

1. For a flat stone, similar to a cabochon, you could use DVD 2 in the Beginner Series, that teaches how to formulate and create a frame to make a pendant;
2. DVD 3 in the Beginner Series not only shows how to make a harness for a puffed heart, but I also talk about how to use this design for other irregular shaped items;
3. Also in the Beginner Series, on DVD 6, you learn how to formulate and create a cage that will fit just about anything!
4. Of course, you could sign up to take an on-line class with me and learn how to Lock That Rock! into a charm or pendant that could be used on a necklace, bracelet, cell phone charm or key chain!

Have fun with your rocks!!

Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
May 25, 2011

Question:

Hi Dale, I don’t know how to get rid of this paper stuck on the back of my druzy that I bought from Wire-Sculpture. I don’t want my customers to see something like that on my work, so what do I use to get rid of this paper?

-Judy in Danielsville, Georgia

Answer:

Hi Judy, in order to ship our druzy cabochons with the least amount of damage, the manufacturer carefully adheres each cab to poster board with double backed tape. Yes, it sticks really well! As such, there is a bit of residue left when the cab is removed from the poster board to be photographed and then bagged for inventory in our warehouse.

There are several products that will remove this adhesive. Personally, I use Goo-Gone. I simply hold my cabochon over the sink, spread a bit of the product over the mess, and wait a moment or two. Then I run warm water over the cab and rub it slightly with my finger. Usually this takes care of the issue. If the residue is a bit older and more stubborn, I repeat the process using denatured alcohol. Some of our Faculty members have success using pure acetone or another product called Un-Du.

I would like to point out that using any of the products I have mentioned in this post are safe on any of the dyed druzy cabochons sold by Wire-Sculpture. I have personally experimented with all of the adhesive removers I listed, and I also know the druzy manufacturer personally! He has kindly explained the difference between the dye process used by his company and that used by his competitors. His process causes a chemical change, which is permanent. If you are not sure of using a chemical on anything that has been irradiated or vapor-coated, please try a small amount on an inconspicuous area first!

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
April 22, 2011

Question:

How do I prevent scratches on my cabs when I adjust the top wire on pendants and rings, such as the Pharaohs Ring?

-Pamela in Roblin, Manitoba, Canada

Answer:

Hello Pamela, there are three basic guidelines that can prevent scratches on your cabs while locking them into a frame or setting.

1. Never use a twisted wire as the wire to pull over the top of a cabochon.
2. Be sure you have used enough wires for a cabochon frame, because having to reach down with a tool and pull a wire up and then bend it over a cabochon can scratch the cab.
3. Practice your cabochon ring and pendant frames using stones with a Mohs hardness of 6 or more, such as quartz, jasper, and agate. When you are more confident with your tool techniques, then move on to softer stones such as malachite.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
April 6, 2011

Question:

I’m a beginner! I want to wire wrap stones and crystals that are undrilled. Can you suggest a tutorial for me? Thanks so much.

-Joan in Gaylord, Michigan

Answer:

Hi Joan, welcome to our wonderfully "twisted" world! Because you are just starting out, I think it is important to be able to understand how to execute the necessary techniques either by taking a visual or a DVD class. Because you invest a lot in the tools and supplies, the cost of an On-Line Cabochon Frame class really isn’t much ($19.95), and once you take a class or purchase a DVD, you have that knowledge forever!

Learning how to properly use your tools to manipulate your wire is so very important to reduce waste and to maintain your sanity! I work with so many folks who first tried to learn just by looking at printed matter, and about gave up because of frustration.

While you are working to learn the basics, may I suggest that you sign-up for our Free Email Pattern Subscription? The Wire-Sculpture Faculty and I work hard to bring brand new patterns and designs to our Wire-Sculpture customers, exclusively by email! Every 2 weeks, you will receive a brand new design in your email box, absolutely Free! You can also find several stepped out designs on our Free Jewelry Making Patterns page and if you scroll down, you will also find some designs to inspire you in our Free Jewelry Making Ideas.

I hope you have fun finding an outlet for your creativity by making Traditional Wire Jewelry Designs. Remember, we are here to help!

Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
March 30, 2011

Question:

I have some cabs that are relatively thin and I would like to know how to drill a hole in them to allow some different types of wire wrapping techniques. Can this be done at home with a standard drill?

-Melonie in Raleigh, North Carolina

Answer:

Depending on the materials and how thin they really are, Melonie, sometimes just a diamond bead reamer will work. For more details please read: Enlarging Holes in Gemstones and watch this helpful video tip: Bead Reaming Made Easy.

My direct answer to your question is no, a regular home drill will not work well, unless you use diamond drill bits and work under water (depending on the model, they can also be very heavy to hold, and a bit cumbersome). Please see this discussion for detailed directions: Drilling Holes in Gemstones. Yes, you can also use a variable speed Dremel, also outfitted with diamond bits (I use a small drill press). Good luck with your new designs!

Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

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