Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
October 29, 2010

Question:

Dale, will you be making an instructional DVD to go with your book, Wirework?

-Sarah in Fort Gratiot, Michigan

Answer:

Actually, I have already made a companion DVD for the second edition of my book, Wirework, which will be available in November 2010. This companion DVD is not a complete collection of full lessons for each project in my book, but rather a technique DVD, meant to assist folks with some of the more difficult processes included in the design directions.

As a technique instructor, for full lessons in the techniques used (on different projects) I recommend either the Intermediate Series or the Advanced DVD Series that I have done with Wire-Sculpture. Thanks for asking!

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
June 9, 2010

Question:

One of the hallmarks of a successful craft business is that the item looks professional and not easily reproduced. The great communication of the internet is a mixed blessing for making money. And that is ok with me on a spiritual level. But the mystique and profit of “how was this made?” with beginner-level items is gone.

What are the better selling beginner items?

Answer:
I am going to answer this question based on both my and hundreds of my personal students’ experience. As you have asked about specifically beginner projects, let’s look at just a few of the ones covered in the Beginner DVD set.

The “All Wire Unisex Bangle” is a dependable good seller in the mid-price range of $50 to $85. My “Orbit” earrings and any type of headpin charm earrings are a customer’s favorite impulse buy, both for personal as well as gift use, and they are low end items priced between $18 and $35. Framed cabochon pendants are a constant as they are usually one-of-a-kind items, made using different colored stones and embellishments, mid to high end priced from $30 to $145 (or more). The “Anything” pendant sells well at a lower end of $15 to $30. Lastly, the three-bead and “Orbit” rings sell for $10 to $25 and are another very popular impulse purchase. Wow! That’s quite a versatile collection for a beginner, and all of these sell well!

The “mystery and intrigue” you are looking for can come by simply using a variety of unique beads, stones and materials within these designs, adding a chain here or a charm there. Although the art form of wire jewelry has become extremely popular in the past few years, there are still a lot of folks who have no idea how to do it, and even more folks who would rather purchase a finished item than learn to make it themselves.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
June 8, 2010

Question:

What is F-length wire? I have found it in patterns in Dale’s Wirework book, but don’t know what it is. Thanks.

Answer:
I use “F length” wire in both my book, Wirework, and in the written instructions for my DVD Series. It’s something I’ve developed because it’s so easy to use.

Whenever I present a pattern in any arena, “F length” refers to the length of wire in the “F“ormula, which accompanies that specific pattern. Often these patterns are bracelets or ring designs that take different project sizes into account. For example, if making bracelets, the “F length” wire for an 8-inch bracelet will be longer than for a 6-inch bracelet. To learn more, read the beginning of each pattern, where the “F“ormula is specified.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

Have a question? Submit your question here

The New Year is fast approaching and its common for each of us to examine our life and look for areas of change.  One common thrust toward new choices is the commitment to make a better life for oneself and for their family.  Sometimes it involves learning and other times its just deciding to do what it takes to achieve a goal.  This article is about how to get on track and stay there for all of 2010, driving toward the development and application of artistic talents.

First of all, you must define what your talents are and how they can be manifested by you in a way that is rewarding and includes having fun, and often being able to monetize it.  With the shape of the economy and the ongoing need to manage finances, one can’t often just start up a hobby and not intend to make money from it.  So, for this article, fun and financial reward will be at the core.

Do you love to work with your hands?  Do you have a knack for manifesting sounds or images into 3D pieces of art?  Do you like jewelry?  If you answer yes to these three questions then you should explore the art of wire jewelry making as an artistic way to express your abilities.

Finding wire jewelry making supplies is easy too.  You can start with patterns and designs that include the materials you’ll need to create the piece.  All you will need to learn is how to twist and connect wire; learn the range of materials, and then start designing pieces.

You will pull from nature, your daughter’s piano recital, or from a squirrel darting across the top of your fence, ideas that you can translate into a beautiful piece of wire jewelry.  Be sure to jot down what comes to you as you experience various forms of inspiration so that you can draw on it when you’re ready to order supplies to create with.  Then, when received you can sit down on a quiet afternoon and start creating.

After you’ve created a range of pieces, you’ll then want to start planning how to commercialize them – where to sell them and how to hang out your shingle.  Be sure to consult some experts if you need to, so that you don’t find yourself frustrated with lack of success.

Finally, enjoy the process and stick with it for all of 2010 so that you can look back and give yourself a pat on the back for a year well done in capturing the essence of your artist talent and funneling it toward a productive outcome!

Happy New Year!

It is the season for gift-buying and coming up with something unique for the “creatives” in your family can sometimes be a challenge.  Well, here’s a great new idea for gift giving that will fulfill any artist’s dream – give instructional DVD’s about creating wire jewelry!

Learning is fun for artists especially when he/she can practice hands on.  So, this holiday season, give a learning series of DVD’s filmed in high definition with jewelry expert Dale “Cougar” Armstrong teaching her techniques.  The DVDs, along with the widest range of wire jewelry making supplies and tools, can be found at http://www.wire-sculpture.com.  There are many to choose from including buying an entire series for beginners or for creating many different styles of rings.  Each DVD introduces the artist to materials, patterns, and complete instructions to create various jewelry pieces.

As a stocking stuffer you might also add some wire jewelry supplies or tools that your creative friend or family member will want to get started creating wire jewelry.  You might also call Wire-Sculpture to inquire about recommended products or tools that would complement the learning DVDs.

Magazine subscriptions are always a nice way to introduce a new hobby to someone – consider signing up him or her for one.  Books with pictures and instructions are also a good way to go.

Whether your gift buying is to help someone find a new outlet for their artistic talent or add to an existing collection of wire jewelry supplies, be sure to check out the specials available on the website.  Wire-sculpture.com provides a 100% product satisfaction guarantee or your money back.

Finally, there are pre-packaged kits to buy as well including the materials for making wire wrapped pendants, earrings and/or necklaces.  All the materials and instructions are provided.  Be sure to check to see what tools are also required.  These make great stocking stuffers too!

Happy Holidays!