by Rose Marion, Wire-Sculpture.com

Wire Jewelry Idea for
December 28, 2011

Name: Taurins Earrings
Submitted by: Catharine Temaluru
Technique used: coiling, weaving, wire wrapping

Materials used:

• Round Copper wire
• Swarovski crystal beads
• Freshwater Pearls
• Chain
• Ear wires
• Handmade lampwork beads

Taurins Earrings by Catharine Temaluru (click to view larger)

Catharine created these Taurins Earrings (“taurins” means butterfly in Latvian) from copper wire, using thin wire to wrap a thick gauge of wire in the form of a butterfly, accented with Swarovski beads, and attached to lampwork beads which suggest flowers. Then, a pearl at the end of a chain drop for delicate effect. Catharine suggests that you could even remove the ear wires and attach a larger jump ring or bail, to convert a butterfly earring into a pendant!

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
October 20, 2011

Question:

Hi Dale, I’ve learned a lot watching your videos and reading these tips. Thanks! My question has to do with framed freeform cab pendants. I’ve been intimidated about trying to wrap them (or structured ones using that style) because I can’t figure out how to determine where the binding wires should be placed. Is there a basic concept I’m missing? Seems like it would be logical, but I’d appreciate your help with this. Thanks.

-Jackie in Ellenville, New York

Answer:

Hi Jackie, first I have to ask, do you have my Beginner DVD #2? The reason I ask is because the main project on that DVD is how to wrap a freeform cabochon, taking about “where” to place wraps and why, which would completely answer your question with both visual instruction as well as all of the extra stuff I talk about in classes.

Freeform Cabochons are arguably the hardest “shape” to wire wrap, which is why Dale teaches it; after discovering how to use the formulas, you can make a frame for cabochons with any dimensions.

Basically wherever you want to make a “pull” (pull a wire from the frame onto the stone), you need to do it immediately after a wrap, BUT you do not have to make a pull wherever there IS a wrap. When you look at a freeform cab and decide what will be the top (where the bail will be) then you have to decide where you “need” to make pulls to hold the stone securely in its frame as well as how much wire you want on the stone. Thinking about this, what are some of the features you do not want to cover up? What are some of the features that you would like to enhance by “framing” with a pull wire?

For practice, work on a harder stone such as an agate and make the first pulls on the back of the piece, experimenting with different sized pliers, like chain nose for shallow pulls and flat nose for deeper ones. Your results will help you decide which to use on the front of the stone. Seriously, my best advice is to get the DVD I mentioned above; within my directions I also give you the formulas to follow so you can make ANY size or shape cabochon into a stunning pendant!

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
September 7, 2011

Question:

I have an Italian hand-cut shell cameo with a curved back. How do I wire wrap a cameo with a curved back? I have been able to wire wrap the cameos in Dale’s DVDs, but they have a flat back. Thank you.

-Barbara in Byhalia, Mississippi

Answer:

Hello Barbara, I am pleased to hear that you enjoy my DVDs and have had success with the framed cabochon pendant! Yes, carved shell cameos can be scary, especially when you are new to the art and don’t want to damage such a lovely item, however you can frame it using the same process and formulas as you would a stone cab. Depending on how thin the cameo is, I would like to make a couple of construction suggestions for you to try.

First, mix your wire tempers! We know that we should never use less than 4 wires for a frame, so plan your frame bundle with a soft wire on each edge. When you make your frame, find a stone cabochon that is basically the same size and shape as the cameo and use it to form the actual frame, but make sure it has about 3mm of space at the top before the two sides meet. Tape the frame together and remove it from the cab. Wrap the bail with wire twice to show but don’t cut the wire, just like a cab pendant. Now, work “off the stone,” or cameo as we are speaking of, and make the needed wire pulls on what would be the “front” of the frame. Place the cameo inside and then make the pulls on the back, locking the shell into the frame. When forming the bail, rather than using the last two wires on the back, use the next two wires (which are half-hard).

There you go! You have made a traditional wire frame for a cameo pendant without risking scratches on the front or the back of the shell, it still has a solid frame because the half hard wire is in the middle of the frame and now protects the edges, and the bail is stable because you were still able to use half-hard wire to create it. Let us know how it turns out, Barbara!

Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
July 27, 2011

Question:

Dale, thank you for all the wonderful information you provide. I always see your rings with a wrapped shank. Other than purchasing a video, is there any way I could see how to do it, and what materials are needed?

-Michele in Clinton, Connecticut

Answer:

Hi Michele, you are welcome! I do enjoy working on the Daily Tips. To wrap the shank of a ring, you can use half round wire in gauges 21, 20, or 18: the choice depends on the style of ring you are making (heavy, lightweight, for a male or female) and what size the ring "turned out" compared to the desired finished size.

I know you imply that you do not wish to purchase a DVD, but I have to tell you that besides learning how to properly size rings and wrap their shanks accordingly, on the Ring Series DVD 1 I teach many, many skills and techniques to help a wire jeweler successfully make and sell a wide variety of wire ring styles! The information I share includes: choosing and using ring mandrels, sizers and mallet; why, when and how to make both full and partial ring shank wraps, as well as how to take custom ring orders, pricing tips and more!

Another option to learning about how to make wire rings (including the shank wrap) can be found in my book Wirework where the basic details are covered in both written and photographed steps. (No, the DVD that is included with this second edition of my book does not include anything about rings – sorry.)

I wish you all the best Michele, with your progress creating wire jewelry ring designs!

Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

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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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