Wednesday, February 8th, 2012 at 12:30 am
by Rose Marion, Wire-Sculpture.com
Wire Jewelry Idea for February 8, 2012
Have you ever been stuck in a rut with your necklaces and pendants, but you’re not sure what necklace lengths you can experiment? Here are 6 typical necklace lengths that are popular, from the collar to lariat length. Plus, these designs can be versatile: a 14-16" necklace can also double as a bracelet, and an opera- or lariat-length necklace can be wrapped twice (or 3 times!) around the neck for a stranded effect. Let your creativity flow!
Being one who loved making paper dolls, I originally planned this download with the dolls wearing a dress whose top was at armpit height. However, it conflicted so much with the princess necklace length that I removed the dress’s boundary. So you can draw in your own dress or shirt, with the neckline you think will flatter the necklace most (and vice versa!) in this download. Break out the colored pencils!
Download Necklace Length Inspiration (256KB) | Download Adobe Reader
Click to Download!
Further Reading:
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Thursday, September 1st, 2011 at 12:10 am
Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
September 1, 2011
Question:
I would like to use a strong wire, not too heavy to make a beaded necklace that you could twist into the shape you want. Every time I twist the wire I use now it breaks. Is there some wire that won’t break if you twist it several times?
-Cami in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Answer:
Well Cami, when you describe the desired project as being able "to twist into the shape you want," do you mean that the customer will be able to shape the piece as they desire, or as you the creator being able to bend it as you go? Also, you didn’t specify the gauge, temper or metal of wire you are having challenges with, so I have to give you a generalized answer.
If your wire is half or full hard, twisting it will make it more brittle; then add bending and the possible weight of beads and it will break. Most wire will be more forgiving if you begin with dead soft. Perhaps you can plan your design so you will twist only certain areas of the wire and those places where you know you will be doing a lot of manipulation, you don’t twist?
Personally, I have found that gold-filled wire is incredibly pliable and it will hold up to a good deal of abuse while working out a design. Yes I know it is expensive, but you did ask! Maybe some of our fellow wire artists have a different "twist" on this subject?
Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong
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Monday, July 11th, 2011 at 12:10 am
Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
Question:
Hi Dale, I have 3 granddaughters ages 5, 12, and 13. I would like to make necklaces and bracelets for them for their birthdays, but I can’t seem to find definitive sizes for kids’ jewelry. I’ve looked at lots of web sites and each web site gives different sizes. I’d really appreciate your help. Thank you.
-Colleen in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Answer:
Hello Colleen, I think the reason why you cannot find any definitive information with regards to children’s jewelry sizes is because regardless of their age, all children are different! The best way for you to make bracelets for your grandchildren would be to measure each of their wrists and add 1/2". Because children also grow at different rates, I like to add a 1/2" chain with links that the clasp (usually a trigger or lobster claw style so the bracelet is more secure) will fit into so the bracelet can be worn while the child grows. (I have to note here that personally I do not recommend using any type of stretchy cord for children’s jewelry because it has a tendency to break too easily.) As for necklaces, again children are built and grow differently, so you could choose 16" as the overall length, or measure the child’s neck and add 3". I hope I have helped you a bit! Does anyone have another suggestion for Colleen?
Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong
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Monday, June 27th, 2011 at 12:10 am
Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
Question:
In making the ends of a necklace, is there a standard for which side gets the clasp? I’ve been making pendants, and just randomly chose where to put the clasp.
-Helene in Perkasie, Pennsylvania
Answer:
Hi Helene! I found some interesting information to go along with my answer today. Did you know that statistics say there are more right-handed people than left-handed? The percentages I found say that only 10 to 20% of the world’s population is left-handed. I know that I have worked with several people who seem to work better with the left hand, but had been encouraged to use the right at an early age. Most of these folks could be ambidextrous, if they will let themselves, enjoying the best of both!
Most of those in the jewelry making industry design necklaces with the clasp on the right side, so that a right-handed person can easily take them on and off. The beauty of making jewelry yourself is that you are free to also create necklaces for those who are left-handed! Here is a marketing idea that I occasionally use: make a necklace that is either reversible, or easily changed, so you can switch the clasp from one end to the other in a few minutes. This is a great way to be able to customize your work, and customers love it!
Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong
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Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011 at 12:10 am
Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
February 22, 2011
Question:
Hi Dale, I love your instruction style on your DVDs. I’m almost ready for your Advanced Series.
In an earlier Daily Tip you mentioned using ribbon as a necklace for a heavy pendant. It was unavailable on the link. Would you repost that explanation? I’d love some information on using ribbon.
-Jeanne in Waukesha, Wisconsin
Answer:
Congratulations Jeanne! The broken link to the Ribbon Necklace has been fixed.
Basically you determine how long you want the ribbon necklace to be, and add about 3/4 to 1" to each end (or 2" to the desired finished length). At each end, fold the ribbon over at the 1" location.
On one end, slide on a clasp with an attached jump ring and use either 20- or 18-gauge half hard half round wire to wrap the end into the main length. Repeat the same procedure on the other end, after sliding on a jump ring with an attached chain with a small headpin charm end for the final touch!
Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong
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