karenfh
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2006
Posts: 1,495
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Post by karenfh on Nov 1, 2006 20:02:09 GMT -5
Hi, all you creative people!
Just found this wonderful site. Have been tumbling off and on w/the kids for years, and am now looking for something more elegant than glue-on fittings, think I've found it! Can anyone help with where to find the how-to info and material sources for wire wrapping? I googled, got loads of info, but I need the BASICS.
Thanks!
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Post by ladyt on Nov 1, 2006 20:16:34 GMT -5
Hi Karenfh. Go to the bookstore and pick up ( you may have to order it) Moods In Wire by Ellsworth "Ed" Sinclair. I got mine at Barnes & Noble, here in Orlando. It gives you very easy and clear instructions. You should use practice wire and follow his directions. Soon, you will be able to do it!! It's really not that hard, just time consuming and it can get aggrevating, mainly when they break! LOL Good luck to you and welcome to the site!! Tonja  |
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Post by Bikerrandy on Nov 1, 2006 20:46:48 GMT -5
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karenfh
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2006
Posts: 1,495
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Post by karenfh on Nov 1, 2006 21:14:55 GMT -5
Thanks so much for your info! I live in small town NE, and have to order books, the nearest B & N is 200 miles away in Denver, lol. I've ordered that book online. Hopefully it will tell me where to get the supplies? Especially cheap practice supplies? If I could use baling wire for practice, that would be cool, got a large supply, lol. Maybe I could master the basic techniques in baling wire prior to working with the gold and silver??
My extended family always admires the growing collection of 'pretty rocks' I have in a bowl, and usually I give them away to neices and nephews. Considered giving them to trick-or-treaters last night, but... what if someone actually tried to eat one?
My kids have made a few jewelry pieces w/the glue-on things that came in the kit, but I think I'm ready to take it to the next step.
The last batch I tumbled created a heart-shaped potential pendant, and 2 pieces that would match for earrings. How often does that happen? No way the glue-on fittings will work for the pendant, so I did some research. Drilling holes is not an option at this point (need a better drill, more drill parts etc.) and the wire wraps are simply much more beautiful!
I would love to create something special for my mother with the heart stone, it showcases all 'her' colors. It's not any special kind of rock, looks like some kind of agate. I pick up a lot of rocks in parking lots, where they've shipped in rocks from who knows where?
Once again, thanks for your help, and your patience. This site seems to be so friendly and helpful! I really appreciate that!
Thanks again,
Karen
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Post by ladyt on Nov 1, 2006 21:21:40 GMT -5
LOL I don't know how hard baling wire is to bend, but it might work. If there is a craft store or dollar store around, you can get some thin cooper wire or gold craft wire. It's good to practice on and very cheap. PM me if you need some help with that pendant. Tonja |
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Post by Jurrasic Jonje on Nov 1, 2006 22:39:00 GMT -5
I have a bead store close by and they have craft wire that looks like gold and silver. Here is the link. www.thebeadcottage.com/non-tarnish-craft-wire_496.html If you want some but don't want to order from them let me know I will be than happy to pick up some and mail it to you. |
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karenfh
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2006
Posts: 1,495
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Post by karenfh on Nov 4, 2006 18:03:05 GMT -5
Wow! Thanks for all your help! This reply is going to get a little windy. I was amazed at the response. I've checked out all your websites, looked at the beautiful pieces you have created. I really considered sending my stones to you experts to have you create a wonderful, one-of-a kind set for my mom, but then thought again. I need to do this for her, for myself, and for our family history. (Long story.) I have been doing more research, and found a place that described how to wrap a cab: jewelrymaking.about.com/library/weekly/aa112398.htm. It was helpful, and made me decide that yes, I could probably do this. After taking stock of the tools I have on hand, I do have all the pliers mentioned. However, there was a tool I am not familiar with, the 'hand-held wire twisting tool' which you use to create the curliques. What the heck is that? Jonje, there was a tool called the Coiling Gizmo at the site you gave me; is that what I need? Also a Wig-Jig Olympus Lite?? Like I said, I need the BASICS! I'm hoping the book I ordered will define how exactly to 'make the first wrap' without leaving a wire end sticking out to impale the wearer, and will also explain exactly what a 'bale' is. I'm sure you are all laughing right now.... and hopefully remembering when you first discovered your artform. I've decided to practice on my sons, since they have helped find and tumble all the stones. Also, they are guys (16 and 20 years old) and won't be too critical about technique, as long as the final product looks kinda cool. I'm thinking a leather thong choker with a simply wrapped stone to start? I do realize that I will need to practice, practice, practice prior to tackling the heart-shaped pendant for my mom. I would like to have all the materials, tools, and books assembled at close to the same time, so I can actually get started. Living where I do, that takes some ordering/shipping coordination. If I find that I have everything I need except for one integral tool, I'll be really frustrated. If any of you could help with that, I'd really appreciate it. Once again, thanks so much for all your help and interest. I feel like I've sort of 'come home' to a potential new group of friends, if that makes sense. Karen |
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Post by hermatite on Nov 4, 2006 18:26:16 GMT -5
I think the wire twisting tool you mean is a pin vise. It looks like a small tube, you put the wire in one end, hold the other end in some pliers, then roll it. It will create twists in square wire...but round wire wont twist. To make curls though you just need to make a little loop and bend the wire around it. I know some people use jigs for making chains ect, but if you're interested in wrapping stones, you don't need a jig. In fact, my advice would be to practice alot before you buy a pin vise too. then You'll fully understand the design elements it can add.
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karenfh
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2006
Posts: 1,495
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Post by karenfh on Nov 4, 2006 20:57:19 GMT -5
OK, so I've found that my on-hand craft pliers, a supply of round practice wire and the books, when they finally get here, are all I really need to begin. That's what I needed to know, for now.
Again, appreciate your time!
K
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Post by Bikerrandy on Nov 4, 2006 21:48:20 GMT -5
When you start to wrap, post pics!! Even if you don't like how they came out, post them anyhow. The coolest thing is to watch the progression of first timers. I've only been wrapping stones for about maybe 7 months, still getting better but some of these members here are real pros! They like pics too.
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Post by Jurrasic Jonje on Nov 4, 2006 23:26:11 GMT -5
Yea we all like pics. Plus by posting pics it is easier to give tips!!!!
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