|
|
Post by goldfinger on May 1, 2007 14:43:52 GMT -5
Hi Everyone:
What's the best way to learn wirewrapping? Buying a whole course from someone like Preston Ruether? Books? Individual Lessons?
Any suggestions?
Thanks
Steve
|
|
nancyf
has rocks in the head
Wired Cowgirl
Member since April 2007
Posts: 629
|
Post by nancyf on May 1, 2007 14:53:53 GMT -5
Buy some copper wire from brandywinejewelrysupplies.com in 21 gauge square, and half-round, and 18 gauge half-round. Then get either a book, or magazine...if you have to "see", then get a tape off ebay. Try it out first and go from there. You can also get some magazines off ebay like Wire Artist Jeweler (they are no longer publishing, yet have a site that you can order back issues...google their name). Good luck and have fun
|
|
|
|
Post by hermatite on May 1, 2007 14:59:24 GMT -5
I took a course at a local bead store ... it was only about $50 and gave me a good start.
|
|
|
|
Post by Cher on May 1, 2007 17:36:00 GMT -5
I spent hours studying pictures and practicing with craftwire until my fingers hurt.
To me, there's a difference between wire-wrapping and wire-sculpting which is what Preston Reuther does. His style has a basic "holding wrap" that's done on every piece, then you sculpt the wire around it for the design. With wire-wrapping (at least for me) you have to make your design hold the piece securely.
|
|
nancyf
has rocks in the head
Wired Cowgirl
Member since April 2007
Posts: 629
|
Post by nancyf on May 1, 2007 18:00:26 GMT -5
I will say this...if you can get a class with a GOOD teacher...go for it...and if you can find someone to teach you one on one...even better. You will learn more from either venue (last the best) in a shorter period of time. I've only taught one-on-one...my students leave very happy campers! lol... Preston's style takes practice...I enjoy doing it still and it is very fast for me to do compared to other techniques. I too call his style sculpting (I sculpt cameos mostly...sometimes other stones too.). However, he does all kinds...even what we call the "border wrap". Therefore, I think he is a sculptor as well as wrapper...me, I'm just a wire nut.  |
|
|
|
Post by Bikerrandy on May 1, 2007 21:19:48 GMT -5
I taught myself just by studying the pix right here on the board. Most of my ideas came from Kim and Banjocreek.
|
|
|
|
Post by rocklicker on May 2, 2007 2:17:24 GMT -5
I also taught myself from studying the wraps from the good ol RTH. I did end up taking a class, but in the end I went back to the way I figured to do it like I saw here (with some modifications). Lots of practice is the key. Also start with softer wire. It's a lot easier to work with.
Steve
|
|
|
|
Post by goldfinger on May 2, 2007 7:41:49 GMT -5
Wow ;D ;D ;D Thanks for all the suggestions.
Now for some more questions. The photos used on this board are blown up. Do any of you use some type of magnification when working with wire? I can't picture all this gorgeous work being done without some type of magnification. I used a optovisor a few times and hated it. Any other good suggestions?
Someone mentioned "a softer wire". What's the softest wire you can buy for practicing?
Steve
|
|
nancyf
has rocks in the head
Wired Cowgirl
Member since April 2007
Posts: 629
|
Post by nancyf on May 2, 2007 8:34:59 GMT -5
I use cheap reading glasses number 2.75 and sometimes with tiny detail work I use my magnifying lamp that I got at Office Supply. AS far as wire goes...it comes in soft, half-hard, and hard.
|
|
|
|
Post by creativeminded on May 7, 2007 8:51:05 GMT -5
Preston Ruther has some free videos that will give you some basics to help you get started.
Tami
|
|
