Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
July 19, 2011

Question:

Hi, can you please recommend a beginner wire DVD or book to learn the basics? Thanks.

-Susie in Sagle, Idaho

Answer:

Hi Susie, the best DVD set to learn the basics of traditional wire jewelry design and how to utilize those techniques taught into satisfying projects is our Beginner Series. As a progressive instructor, I designed these DVD projects to teach the basics and how to use them. By starting with DVD 1 and continuing on to #2, #3, etc., you will be able to totally understand and execute all of the skills necessary to become a confident wire jewelry artist!

Of course if you would like to learn the art of coiling and weaving, then I would suggest our new DVD series by Albina Manning, Coiling & Weaving Wire Jewelry Designs. This series will teach you the basics of using mainly round wire to create lovely wire jewelry pieces.

If either of these options is a bit more expensive than you would like to "test the wires," then you may wish to purchase a single class from Online Wire Jewelry Classes. Whichever way you choose to learn, have fun!

Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
December 17, 2010

Question:

I bought most of the DVDs that were on sale about 2 years back, when you were liquidating old DVDs to make room for Dale’s. Are your jewelry making DVDs with Dale the same material covered as before, or are they a lot different from the prior ones?

-Carrie in Hampton, Georgia

Answer:

Hi Carrie, my DVDs are quite different from those you purchased from Wire-Sculpture two years ago, when the present owners took over the reins. I am known for traditional wire jewelry designs that utilize mostly half hard wire; “sculpted” designs are created by using mainly dead soft wire. From this key difference, we both use different techniques, making different styles of wire jewelry. If you will take a few minutes to browse each of the DVD series, you will see full color photos of each project included.

My teaching style is also different, as I include every tiny detail as well as give variations and formulations for every design, allowing my student to learn the basic techniques and then take off with your own designs! For samples of my teaching style, and our high-quality filming, I invite you to watch any of our Free Jewelry Making Videos. You can also order a Free DVD!

Several customers have left reviews on the DVDs, which may help you decide. (Folks, if you like a product or a DVD on Wire-Sculpture, leave a review on the product so we know you like it!)

Here’s one review can also help to answer your question, on the Intermediate Series:

Dale adds a new perspective and some of her projects are new and fresh. I have all of Prestons DVD’s and Dale’s are much clearer and some of her methods are easier to see and understand. These are well worth the money. Every body loves her Bee I’ve been making.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
November 18, 2010

Question:

I have a heart-shaped stone that I want to wrap. It is 45mm at the widest point, 38mm long, and 18mm thick. How do I do this?

-Patricia in Delray Beach, Florida

Answer:

Patricia, one of the easiest ways to wrap that stone is to use the “Anything” Harness found on DVD #3 of the Beginner Series.

Another way would be to make a regular frame and because the stone is so thick, you could incorporate a piece of pattern wire in the center of the frame bundle. For example, use two or more pieces of 21-gauge square on each of the bundle’s edges and put the pattern wire in the center. Of course, you would add more 21-gauge wire on each edge until the bundle is as wide as the side of the stone, plus two wires (one to pull on the back, and one for the front). In this manner you will not have to reach down into the frame to grab the pull wire and bend it up and over the stone, preventing the possibility of it being too tight and breaking.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
November 9, 2010

Question:

In your Rings Series Disc 5, you are using 3 step square pliers. Where do you get these? I would like to use them for the 2mm prongs, they do not come out quite even.

-Rex in Lakewood, Colorado

Answer:

Good News Rex! The 3-Step Flat Pliers I use are really difficult to find; however, Wire-Sculpture has answered my (and all of your) requests, and we now have them!! I love using these pliers when I am forming any size wire bundle to frame any stone that has a really sharp angle (especially for thick frames).

Without any graduation, the jaws make perfect angles across the entire bundle. They are also very useful when making prongs, as each prong will be the exact same length as the others in your design, like a prong ring or a prong frame. These pliers are awesome!

Note: The 3-Step Square Pliers are currently being manufactured; we expect to be shipping them the week of Nov. 22. Click here to preorder your 3-Step Square Pliers (and save 15% and get free shipping through Nov. 12!)

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
November 1, 2010

Question:

Hi! I’m just getting started with wire wrapping and have been reading the Tips of the Day each day. It seems like you can wrap just about anything – is that right? I have some lovely pieces of broken dishes that I was thinking of using in necklaces, but the edges are a little rough. Can I wrap things like these, and what’s the best way to smooth off the edges so they don’t catch on a sweater or blouse? Thanks!

-Ingrid in Zachary, Louisiana

Answer:

Yes Ingrid, you can wrap about anything! I have made pendants using pieces of broken pottery and stoneware. To do so I first use a Dremel to smooth the most dangerous edges and then a regular frame wrap to make pendants. As for using china or a more brittle material, I also recommend using a Dremel, and be sure to wear leather gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself!

Depending on how elaborate you desire the setting to be or the shape of it, either a frame wrap or the "Anything" Harness works very well. You could even use a pronged frame. Have fun making memories that will last for generations!

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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