I taught myself basic wire working skills by surfing the net, watching videos, and studying tutorials and with lots and lots of practice! I was surprised at the willingness of so many artists to share their experiences and techniques; it was through their generosity that I was able to develop my own set of skills.
Now that I have my own blog, I'm excited to have the chance to share some of my knowledge with you. Over the next several days I will be posting a few basic wire working techniques. Please keep in mind that I am self-taught and am sharing what works best for me; I suggest you browse several other artists' blogs also to learn their techniques and suggestions.
Today I will be showing you how to make a wrapped loop. In my opinion, wrapped loops are the most basic, yet essential technique to master as they are used in almost every wire design to connect links, dangles, charms, chain, etc.
Tools and Supplies:
Pliers: round-nose and chain-nose
Flush cutters (one side of the cutters are flush and make a straight cut, the other side makes a "V" cut)
Small jewelers file
Wire: I've used copper for my photos. I suggest you begin with copper; it's malleable which makes it easy to work with and it's inexpensive.
Place the chain-nose pliers about 1 1/2" from one end of the wire length. Use your finger to bend the wire at a 90 degree angle.
Place the round-nose pliers at the bend on the wire end that you just bent. The loop size will be determined by where on the pliers you place the wire; smallest at the tip and largest at the bottom.
TIP: I almost always place the wire at the very bottom; this helps to keep consistency in the loop size when I am making several loops for the same project.
Use your finger to bend the wire around the pliers.
TIP: I almost always place the wire at the very bottom; this helps to keep consistency in the loop size when I am making several loops for the same project.
Use your finger to bend the wire around the pliers.
You will need to reposition the pliers and then continue to bend the wire around until you form a loop with a tail extending outward.
Now place the chain-nose pliers over the loop
(this will help you to hold it without it slipping).
Use your fingers to wrap the tail tightly
around the wire directly below the loop 3-4 times.
Use the flush cutters to trim the wire; be sure to
place the straight cutting side against the wrappings.
Use the chain-nose pliers to tuck the wire down tightly.
If necessary, file the cut edge smooth.
Your finished piece should look like this.
This necklace is a good example of how the wrapped loop was used to make several beaded links to fashion a handcrafted chain.
Start practicing and by the time I post the next tutorial
you will have mastered the wrapped loop and
will be ready to learn how to make links.
