Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
August 1, 2010

Question:

I want to start making some jewelry with twisted wire. A friend recently showed me how to twist square wire with a small pin vice. I really love the look and can’t wait to get started on some earrings! I have three questions here.

Can you twist round wire as well as square? And if I already have a cordless screwdriver, will the three-prong wire twister head fit? And how can I become a Gold Club member? Thanks for your help and all your inspiration!

-Ginger in Canton, Ohio

Answer:

Congratulations! Using twisted wire in jewelry designs can really add some extra sparkle and pizzazz. You will find the answers to your first two questions (they require some detailed explanation) about twisting wire, in the article Getting Twisted. Wire Faculty member Sherrie Lingerfelt also did a quick video, showing several ways of Twisting Jewelry Wire. These informative pages should give you the answers you seek, as well as some new ideas!

To clarify the Gold Club, you can find all of the details and benefits of becoming a Gold Club Member on our Gold Club Member Page: membership is free, and it has a lot of perks. Enjoy!

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
November 29, 2009

Last Day of The 3 Day Thanksgiving Sale – Don’t Miss Out!

Question:

I have a pin vise to twist wire, but every time I try to use it, it bites off the end of the wire before I can twist it.  I was told to use only square wire, which I have. I’ve watched the videos and tried to do what I’ve seen you do. What am I doing wrong?

Answer:

Unfortunately I have seen this happen in my classrooms as well and you are probably not doing anything ‘wrong’, rather the tool was improperly finished when it was made.  I have tried to remedy this situation by filing the inside surfaces of the point that holds the wire, but then it doesn’t grip firmly. The best solution is to return the device to the source, with a note that describes what is wrong with the tool, and ask for a replacement.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

Have a question? Submit your question here!

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
November 3, 2009

Question:

I need hints on twisting wire. How long a piece can you twist in a pin vise? It is it better to twist long or short pieces? When using a pin vise, is there a sure fire technique for keeping the twists even? If using a regular power drill, how would I twist longer pieces?

Answer:

The easiest way for me to answer this is to direct you to the page where we have all of our video tips on wire wrapping techniques. You may not yet be aware of the fact that we are now keeping them in one place so you can view these tutorials any time you’d like! Sherrie Lingerfelt does a great demo showing several ways to twist wire: http://www.wire-sculpture.com/jewelry-making-blog/?p=212

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

Have a question? Submit your question here!

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
October 1, 2009

Question:

Any tips for preventing kinks when shaping wire?

Answer:

The best advice I can give to avoid ‘making kinks’ when shaping wire, is not to force the wire! Take your time and ‘tease’ the wire. First, use the right tool for the right job and give the wire the direction and shape you would like it to follow. Then ‘put it there’! Often what you think is an angle is really a slight curve. Take your time and practice using something like copper until you are comfortable with whatever the technique that is giving you a challenge.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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