Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
August 29, 2010

Question:

I saw a website which had 20-gauge practice wire for sale. Would practice wire be suitable to create a piece of gemstone jewelry and sell it? What metal is practice wire made of? Does it tarnish, peel, or turn green? What does it do with aging?

-Mary in Lawrence, Kansas

Answer:

When choosing a wire to practice with, you need to look at both the temper (hardness) as well as the shape (round, square, half round, etc) before purchasing it. Without knowing what the metal is, there is no way that I can tell you whether or not the wire will tarnish or if it will react chemically with the stones or beads you plan to use this wire with.

My suggestion is to find a pattern or two that you would like to practice and choose the specific wire gauge (size) shapes and hardness that the author of the design(s) recommends. If you are looking for a general practice wire, I personally recommend copper wire, in the gauge, temper and shape you need for whatever designs you plan to practice. Brass wire is also a popular practice choice.

If a website does not specify the details of a product, you might email them to ask for a detailed description, or find another supplier.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
July 12, 2010

Question:

Dale, I have almost memorized the instructions for straightening wire, both from your DVDs and book, yet I cannot obtain a well-fitting bundle. Do you have any additional suggestions to master this seemingly simple technique? While practicing, I use 21 or 22-gauge half hard square copper.

-Fran in Reston, Virginia

Answer:

Good for you for practicing so hard! If you have followed all of the directions with regards to making a bundle with your wire as straight as possible, the wire should cooperate. If not, are a couple of troubleshooting tips:

1. Make sure the ends of your wires are straight as possible! When they are not, they tend to push away from each other and may even jump over one another, causing the bundle to bunch up even after you think it was tapped straight.
2. If the ends are straight but the centers or tops are slightly curved, move each wire individually so that they are all waved in the same direction. Next, tape one end and smoothly run the wire through your fingers, making sure they all lie neatly next to one another before taping again off the center. Smooth again from that point to the last end, and tape again.
3. If, while you are smoothing the wires together from a taped point and they seem to want to “fight” each other, don’t force them! That is where some folks make the mistake of not taking them apart and moving each wire around until they lie neatly next to one another, where they want to be.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
July 4, 2010

Question:

Can I order practice wire from you? I’m just beginning, and I’m sure I’ll waste a lot of wire. Thanks.

-Nancy in Germantown, Tennessee

Answer:

Yes! We offer a selection of wire in a variety of gauges and tempers that is perfect to use for practicing, such as copper wire. Mixing copper with sterling silver wire or argentium silver will also give you a beautiful finished piece with added dimension and interest. Plus, copper is becoming more popular as a medium on its own, so once you’ve mastered the technique, you have a good chance of selling your perfected finished pieces.

Happy Fourth of July!

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
October 21, 2009

Question:

I just ordered copper wire to practice with using Dale Armstrong’s new book.  I am so excited but hope that I ordered the correct wire.  Is it better to use copper or brass for practice wire?  Is copper too soft?

Answer:

Although copper will still be a bit more soft than say sterling silver or 14kt gold-filled wire, if you practice using the same gauges and tempers, you should be fine.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
September 29, 2009

Question:

Can I twist gold filled wire without damaging it?

Answer:

Yes, you can twist individual strands or combination of gold-filled wire with no resulting damage.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong