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Post by Deleted on Mar 5, 2007 12:10:04 GMT -5
Hi All! This is my first time posting on the wirewrapping board. Cher led me to this site. I am a new cabber and just recently started wire wrapping. I am still in the practice wire stage. Here is my latest. This is an Owyhee cab made by Joe and I wrapped it in 20g round copper colored wire. Sorry about the blurry photo.  It seems that everyone uses SS and GF wire. Is there a specific reason that no one uses nickel, brass, copper etc? It is much less expensive and still looks nice. Is it mainly because people want to buy jewelry that is gold and silver? Is it a status symbol for the wire wrap artist? Or is there an actual physical reason that you do not want to use those materials on anything other than practice wraps. I personally really like copper, brass, nickel etc. and was just curious why no one uses them. Thanks for your time and for looking at my photo. Shannon |
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Post by hermatite on Mar 5, 2007 12:55:30 GMT -5
Hi wee...I don't use copper or brass because, on my skin at least, they leave a nasty looking green spot. Alot of people have this problem and because I don't like it myself, and I have a hard time making anything I wouldn't wear, I don't use them. I don't use nickel because I think the shine isn't where I would like it. I like silver because of that shine! As for gold, I'm going to try some because...well...it's GOLD! and, of course, gold won't turn my skin green.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 5, 2007 13:07:33 GMT -5
Yes, green skin is not attractive lol. I guess I was thinking that with pendants they usually hang down on your clothing and not your skin. But that often isnt true with low cut shirts.....tank tops in the summer etc.
Shannon
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Post by akansan on Mar 5, 2007 15:21:42 GMT -5
I've developed an skin allergy to something in the "base metal" findings - break out in a nasty rash where the metal contacts my skin. I guess I just have snobby skin.  Anyway, all of my family has the same allergy. I like the look of copper and brass, but I know I can't wear it. Sure would make this hobby less expensive though! |
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Post by Jurrasic Jonje on Mar 5, 2007 17:52:33 GMT -5
When Joi and I first started we used copper nickel and brass. People didn't want it. Also those metals tarnish very quickly when worn. Your wrap is very nice. But imagine that wire turning black! Also copper nickel and brass are fairly hard to clean. We use gold and argentium sterling silver both of which can easily be cleaned with a jewelers cloth.
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Post by Cher on Mar 6, 2007 2:14:51 GMT -5
Shannon, you did a totally awesome job on those binding wraps, perfectly smooth, tight and straight. I don't know if you can get the half round in the other metals like you can with the sterling and gold filled but it really makes a big difference in the distance between the wire and the stone. I like the whole wrap, the bail needs some work though. I use the sterling and gold filled because I think they are better sellers than the other metals. I love the look of copper, if only it would stay that way and not turn your skin green. Keep at it girly, won't be long and you'll be putting out some great stuff.
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Post by creativeminded on Mar 6, 2007 8:17:32 GMT -5
You did a wonderful job on that wrap, keep up the great work.
I sell many of my wrapped stones and the reason I don't use nickle based metal because there are many people allergic to nickle. I have use copper in some of my pieces and plan on using it a little more especially with some of the turquoise cabs I recently got. I have one friend that has problems with most metals except copper so any jewelry I make for her is copper.
Tami
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Post by ladyt on Mar 6, 2007 11:32:53 GMT -5
Hi Shannon, Welcome to the wire wrapping section.  You did a wonderful job on the wrap!! I echo the comments on gold /silver vs other wire. I like the gold myself just because as Herm said, it's gold. LOL You keep wrapping and work on your bail alittle, ( bigger opening to work with any chain) and you've got it! Thanks for the pics and hope to see more from you. Tonja  |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 6, 2007 14:03:10 GMT -5
Thanks everyone! Yes, my bails need some work  Actually, this is the first time I did a twisted bail and I dont really like it at all. But by the time I got to that part, I liked everything else so I left it. It was good practice experience. I normally do little bunny ear type bails (not sure what the proper term is lol). Anyway, thanks for the comliments and tips. Im getting ready to place an order for "big girl" wire. I will post photos when I have one done. I think Im going to stick with ds wire and hh for the bindings to make it a bit more sturdy. I have issues with my hands because Ive been a pet groomer for 15 years and now Im cabbing and wire wrapping on top of it. I think my hands would hold up better to just bending ds wire rather than fighting the harder stuff. I was suprised at how sturdy my little copper wrap was considering it was just craft wire. Shannon |
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You did a wonderful job on the wrap!! I echo the comments on gold /silver vs other wire. I like the gold myself just because as Herm said, it's gold. LOL You keep wrapping and work on your bail alittle, ( bigger opening to work with any chain) and you've got it! Thanks for the pics and hope to see more from you. 
Actually, this is the first time I did a twisted bail and I dont really like it at all. But by the time I got to that part, I liked everything else so I left it. It was good practice experience. I normally do little bunny ear type bails (not sure what the proper term is lol). 
