Question:

My daughter likes to design accessories, but can she use the same tools the adults use? Is there is another simple way for them to do it?

-Ghofran in Cairo, Egypt

Answer:

Hello Ghofran, because you did not tell me how old your daughter is, I will give you what I hope is helpful advice. I think it is wonderful for young people to begin finding their muse at an early age; even better when an adult family member is there to help the child learn, as well as to encourage them.

I really don’t think there is an actual “age limit” to working with hand tools, I believe it all depends on how much respect a child is taught with regards to the materials they are using. (For example, my Girl Scout troop was learning to use pocket knives that could shave the hair off your arm, at age 9 – but only with adult supervision!) If you have a set of pliers and a cutter that are your “back-ups,” then you can both work together! I would begin by using plated findings, soft, colored craft wire, and inexpensive beads. Maybe by following some of the instructions on our Free Pattern Page like my Nugget Hoop Earrings or Quick Bead & Wire Pendant. Everyone loves rings! The Button Ring pattern by Albina Manning is fun to make and the design can be altered to fit many different styles and sizes of buttons. You and your daughter could make a matching pair in the afternoon, and show them off to the family at dinner that evening!

So plan an afternoon or evening, and begin working on simple projects with your daughter, teaching her how to hold and use each of the four basic tools (flat nose, chain nose, and round nose pliers, plus wire cutters), and then watch what happens!!

Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

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Question:

Hi Dale, now that we are coming up on festival season, I’m looking for a few quick and beautiful projects that I can “make as you wait” in a short amount of time for the customers. Any patterns you can point out would be very appreciated.

-Juanita in South Orange, New Jersey

Answer:

Hi Juanita, your idea of making “on-demand” customized pieces as the customer watches and waits, is a great way to attract additional attention to you and your booth!

To offer some attractive and quick ideas, I would first direct you to our Free Jewelry Making Patterns index. Albina’s Spring Flower earrings can be prepared at home by making some long coils of wire and then ask the customer how many petals they would like on their flower. Mary Bailey’s All-Inclusive Earrings pattern is another make-it-now design, where you could have a couple of sample pairs on display surrounded by beautiful beads a customer could choose from. You could also make matching pendants by using my Quick Bead & Wire Pendant instructions.

Left-to-rignt: Albina’s Spring Flower Earrings, Mary Bailey’s All-Inclusive Earrings, and Dale Armstrong’s Quick Bead & Wire Pendant

Summertime is the best season to make and market anklets! To generate custom sales “on-the-spot,” have 3 or more samples made-up and on display (using materials you have quite a bit of on hand) and place a bowl of beads nearby, for customers to choose from. Light-weight and fun to wear (as well as affordable to make) are my Bent Wire Earrings, shown in our Wire Jewelry Ideas section, and most folks find that they can easily wrap a puffed heart, sharks tooth or an arrowhead in less than 10 minutes by using the Anything Harness design (click here for some examples). Personally, my Puffed Gemstone Heart pendants in sterling silver sell for $15 to $18, and I include a simple silk neck cord for instant gratification.

A lot of folks who are experienced in ring-making like to make simple 1 to 3 bead rings on-demand at shows, and still others can wrap a rock within a few minutes, too! It’s your choice Juanita, I hope I have given you some ideas that will help your spring/summer show season become a success!

For further reading about getting ready for show season, I recommend my article Wire Jewelry Display & Booth Ideas.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Question:

Thanks a million for all of your wonderful tips, solutions and educational material. I’ve been wire wrapping with Dale for over three years now and loving it!! Dale, you’ve truly taught me to “think outside the box” and my jewelry never fails to elicit “ooh”s and “aah”s and constant comments of “never seen anything like it.” My problem is this – I’ve reached sort of a wall, and was hoping you could suggest some things to re-ignite the creative juices. Thanks for all of your wonderful work & help for wire jewelry makers!!

-Lee Ann in Royal Oak, Michigan

Answer:

Thanks so much Lee Ann! I am always happy to hear that I have been helping people like you make wire jewelry, all around our beautiful world.

With regards to your current situation, unfortunately I know exactly what you mean! You have fallen into a rut and are currently experiencing “artist’s block.” This does happen to all of us at one time or another. Although I am not exactly sure what will work for you, I am going to talk a bit about how I personally overcome this frustrating state-of-mind, and offer some possible solutions for you to try.

When I have been working with the same materials for long periods of time (making what I deem “stock” pieces for a store or a show), I often draw a total blank when I want to break what has become routine. What works best for me is to completely change gears! If I have the time, I take a ride around some of the historic neighborhoods in our area (deep south) and really look at the vintage homes and churches, taking photos of interesting features like a gabled roof, gingerbread trimmings, gardens, stained glass windows, etc. Other times I search the Internet for photographs of something similar to wire jewelry, like Wrought Iron works. Here I find interesting shapes that I then challenge myself to recreate, making components that can become link or clasp designs.

I have also trained myself to take photos of wrought iron wherever I am traveling, as seen in this photo of an iron balcony railing in Moscow.

I need to share with you, that after seeing all of the iron work in Russia, I no longer wonder why Faculty member Albina Manning creates such interesting round wire jewelry designs!

After I have successfully recreated and formulated these “new-to-me” components, I then have to find a way to incorporate them into those designs I routinely do, thus fresh designs are born. (I share several of these components during the 2011 Designing with Involved Components Class in my Wire-Sculpture Workshops!)

Artist’s Block is a really good reason for designers to keep up with their Designer Notebook! This handy book is totally yours! Using a loose-leaf notebook, add photos cut from magazines, newspapers, flyers, brochures, as well as pictures you take yourself. My favorite way to use my notebook is to sit in a rocking chair on my studio porch and flip through the pages, upside-down! This often gives me a totally different perspective on what would otherwise be a normal design idea. Last November, we had a great discussion with fellow wire jewelry artists about their notebook versions and uses that you may find interesting, Why Use a Designer’s Notebook?.

For example, the photo below is a shot I took of a plaster wall piece in a hotel room in Utah. Check out all of those cool spirals – now you can see the inspiration behind my Rosette Ring design!

Of course, still another way would be to look through all of the Free Email Patterns you have received from Wire-Sculpture (or from other books, magazines, etc) and try to make a different version of a pattern that draws your interest.

I hope you are able to overcome your personal Artist’s Block really soon, Lee Ann. Maybe some of our fellow wire artists can help too! So folks, can you help Lee Ann? I would really like to hear how YOU overcome the dreaded artist’s block. What do YOU do to kick your brain back into gear? Leave a comment below – thanks!!

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Question:

I design and sell jewelry of many different styles and materials: semi-precious gemstones, freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystal elements, as well as CZs, glass, acrylic, and other non-precious beads. I use primarily sterling silver and 14kt gold filled crimps, clasps and closures, except when the design incorporates brass, or other good quality, non-precious metals in the design.

In today’s world, it has become prohibitively expensive to try to use only sterling silver and gold filled beads and findings, and there are lots of very good quality metals, chains, beads, vintage products, etc, on the market that can make knock-off jewelry that people really like. Another example would be glass pearls vs. freshwater pearls.

How can I sell two different kinds of jewelry at the same time, and how do I describe the differences when talking to people, and when asked to write a description of my work for juried entries into shows and festivals?

-Cynthia in Houston, Texas

Answer:

Well Cynthia, why not! I see no challenges with mixing metals or media in our wire jewelry designs – or in making, displaying, and selling two different lines at the same time. Take a look in some of the more expensive department stores and catalogues at the jewelry product they are selling. You will see 18kt gold and diamond rings in a display case next to a case with silver plated, simulated pearl earrings! This is smart product selling, because you are targeting a variety of markets simultaneously.

When displaying your beautiful work, be sure to have a small label next to each piece, with a full description of the product (and a name, if applicable) along with the price. For example:

Carnelian Pendant
14k gf, Natural Stone
Swarovski Accents $95

A label such as this not only helps with sales when you are busy and can’t get to everyone (it talks for you) but it also generates conversation when a potential customer wants to know more about an item.

As far as your show applications, be honest, but not overly descriptive. For example:

"100% handcrafted jewelry designs made using: sterling, Argentium and Bali silver, 14kt gold filled, and alternative metal wires and accents; natural gemstones and pearls, vintage glass and specialty beads; no solder or glue."

This sample statement is short, sweet and fully describes what is used in the works of art, as well as the process. By generally describing the materials, a wire jewelry artist is covered using about anything they wish – and it’s all true!

Good Luck with your spring show season, Cynthia!

Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

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Question:

What is your opinion on creating jewelry while at a show? I’ve had some people say they love to see it being made, and others say I shouldn’t have “all that mess” out. Me, I try to keep the “mess” put away, all I have out are the stone, wire, and tools that I am currently using.

-Lorinda in Smithfield, Utah

Answer:

Well Lorinda, there are pros and cons to making jewelry at your booth – mostly pros! To share my experience and reasoning: when I began participating in shows, my dream was to have someone else there to take care of selling, while I just worked making jewelry as part of my display. Even though the people I had working with me knew about my work, stones, etc, I spent so much time answering questions that I couldn’t do any serious work! However, every item I made with folks watching sold, the crowd observing me drew more people to my booth, and I took a lot of custom orders (paid in full to be delivered or shipped to them within 3 weeks after the show). Personally, I have found that I sell more of my work without continuously creating during a show.

Now, to balance working and selling, I prepare and bring items that I can work on “in my sleep.” This way people can still enjoy the demonstrations, and I can carry on a detailed conversation at the same time. For example, I will have a bunch of rings made without wrapped shanks, and will wrap them during the show. I also prep several wire bundles for all-wire bangles that I can wrap while conversing, and people love to watch while I mindlessly braid beads into the Woven Beaded Bracelet (also prepped ahead of time).

Overall, in my opinion having your tools, some wire and a few supplies (like loose cabs) on a small table in your booth is a Good Thing! When folks ask about the wire, “No solder or glue? How does it stay together?” you can just pick up a coil and say, “It all begins here.” Mystify, Educate, and Create your customers!

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Question:

Which one of the pendant videos would you recommend to someone who can only buy one? I can buy more, but I want to know the best one to get me started. With all the wire and tools to buy, I can’t buy a lot of DVDs.

-Linda in Sherman, Texas

Answer:

Hi Linda, yes, beginning any hobby or home business does take a bit of seed money. Individual DVDs on Wire-Sculpture do go on sale several times a year, so keep an eye out for those sale emails!

In my opinion, the best pendant DVD to begin with is #2 in the Beginner Series, Orbit Earrings & Framed Freeform Cabochon Pendant. My reasoning is because on this DVD, my instructions for making a cabochon pendant do not specify only one size and shape stone, rather I give you the complete formulations so you can use the techniques taught to make a wire frame to fit any size or shape of cabochon!! The picture is of a freeform cabochon, but you can make a wrapped oval cabochon following the same steps.

The “Orbit” earrings are a great additional project, as they make up quickly and have been a best seller for me for many years.

By working both projects on this DVD, you can make pendant and earrings sets to match and give as gifts or sell; either way, making you some extra money so you can continue growing as a wire jewelry creator. Have fun!!

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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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!

When you ask for business, be clear up front that you are in the business of making jewelry and so while you will give your friend or family member a “special deal,” you will still charge them for materials and labor – your time!  This will help you earn a little extra cash for the holidays and help everyone get something special to give.

In addition to making new wire jewelry pieces you might want to offer “coupons” for wire jewelry repair.  Sometimes we have pieces of jewelry in our jewelry boxes that are in need of it but don’t know where to turn to get things fixed.  There should be some good upside in repair work since it doesn’t take long and the cost of materials will be nominal – here you charge for your time (setting an hourly rate you want to work at and billing accordingly).

You might take it a step further for the holidays and have a wire jewelry making party where you supply the kits (at retail) to friends and family, inviting them to come and make a holiday gift for someone.  You might also have a party showcasing the pieces you have made, serving tea, coffee and some holiday cookies.  Not only does this provide a sales channel but reminds your friends and family of your business and your talent!

Finally, during the holidays it is also a good time to showcase your work on yourself.  Make some holiday pieces that grab attention and when someone compliments you on it, hand them your business card with a smile!

Happy Holidays!

I’m here (Alexandrea) with Dale “Cougar” Armstrong a die-hard rock hound, lapidary and wire jewelry designer.   As an expert, you have “followers” who want to know more about you so today we’re going to talk about your life’s work, your ambitions, your family life and what the future holds for you.

Alexandrea:  Dale, I have to ask, where does the “Cougar” come from in your “brand name?”

Dale:  I’m really glad you asked that because it has nothing to do with the current, “cougar woman” definition but is a nickname that my husband and friends gave me because my personality traits are  more like a big cat, so I used the cougar as my animal spirit totem and also for identification purposes in the business.

Alexandrea:  You truly are an artist.  So speaking of art, would you tell us how and when you discovered that jewelry was the art form in which you could express yourself best?

Dale:  After many years of training in 2 dimensional art forms I learned that 3D art was my favorite way to work.  Actually in a high school art class I was working on a mixed media piece with  paper mache’  and macromae and realized that my hands were doing all sorts of things that made my piece much better than the sketch I’d created for it.  My wire jewelry career began about 19 years ago and then progressed from a rock hound to a lapidary as a hobby and I was looking for a way to set the stone I was cutting.  So i was looking at silversmithing, casting, soldering and heat and then wire.  To me wire just seemed to have more artistic freedom than casting and smithing and I began to play with it and then included it in my art show as a result, in 1996.

Alexandrea:  You’re an accomplished designer, instructor and author.  How many years have you devoted to this career and at what point did you realize that it was time to package your knowledge for others?

Dale:  Well that’s a pretty involved question – I credit everything that I have ever done from age 10 on and maybe earlier to my current position from all of the private art lessons my mom had me take starting at age 9; to every job I’ve ever done from direct sales, to restaurant management and advertising whatever.  I’ve been in training for this over the last 40 years!  I began teaching the wire jewelry art form by request in 1998 and it was about 9 years ago that my students began asking me to write a book which was a work in progress over the last 7 years.

Alexandrea:  Let’s talk a little about your home life.  What do you do for fun during your down time?

Dale:  Downtime is a real treasure to me because I don’t have much of it these days.  But, I do love to read, I like science fiction, fantasy and historical fiction that is based on ancient civilizations, which kind of gives me ideas for my jewelry.  For brain breaks I like to play electronic games with my daughter.  We play the Final Fantasy series and Magic, the  Gathering and I love to work in the garden and of course looking and playing with rocks.

Alexandrea:  Have any of your kids followed your path, being an artist, will they follow in your footsteps?

Dale:  Probably not.  I have one daughter Sky – she does like to work with chain mail and she knows her rocks; graduating from pebble pup to rock hound at about age 12; her thing being fossils.  But the social aspect of this business is not her thing.  I do have a couple of step daughters who gave me grandchildren, may be interested when they get older.  They are kind of young right now.

Alexandrea:  I remember reading that your daughter has several disabilities, can you tell me how caring for her has affected your jewelry making career?”

Dale:  Well, Sky does see the world in a very different light.  While living on the road with my husband’s career, I home schooled her for many years.  I learned by teaching her that people learn in different ways and so I did learn how to teach in five different ways at once.  She has also taught me what’s important in life and probably most of all, patience.

Alexandrea:  Where do you go for inspiration for jewelry designs?  Is there anything that especially moves you; an activity, or a place, or a way or do you just find it in everything?

Dale:  Inspiration – that seems to be the most common question I get.  It can be a piece of music, a book or a movie, a view from a plane or an audio / visual piece – or just a memory and comes from everywhere and everything to me.

Alexandrea:  Finally, I wanted to ask you about your newly released book – can you talk a little bit about it?

Dale:  I would love to.  It was a quite an accomplishment; and it took about 7 years.  I called some of my students and asked them what they wanted. They said they wanted something more.  I wanted to give folks not just a group of specified projects but also the formulas and the techniques so they could practice what I had written and take those ideas and techniques and run with them.  “Wire Works” was the result and I really wrote it for my students.

Well, thank you so much Dale for sharing your time with us…I’m going to catch up with you again in October or November and delve into some other new things you’re into!

Alexandrea

By: Sherrie Lingerfelt