nancyf
has rocks in the head
Wired Cowgirl
Member since April 2007
Posts: 629
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Post by nancyf on May 8, 2007 14:19:40 GMT -5
I thought you all might like to get a few tips now and then...if not, let me know and I'll knock it off!  I store my wire in Ziplock (double seal) freezer bags...I write the metal, gauge and hardness with permanent marker in that white rectangle on the front. Then, I place them in a file folder marked with the appropriate gauge number... Copper is written in orange, SS is written in Black numbers, 14k gf in Red and 14k solid in Green. I put all the colors that are the same together and put them in numerical order. The folders are kept in a small file cabinet with sliding file holders under my work desk. I also make a sticky label that I keep on the bag...when I get low...I stick that label on my computer. Then when I order, I have a ready to go list. I keep my tools in a desk organizer thingy from Wally Land (Wal Mart). It has 3 levels for files or paperwork and a drawer at the bottom...it's black and made of a metal mesh. I place my tools over the dividers...the drawer holds my files, rouge, etc...oh, and I keep some cleaning rags (small ones) in one of the divider parts that is above the drawer. It has been my favorite tool keeper ever. WEll...I hope this helps somebody! I'm not the best at descriptions sometimes.  Happy Trails, Nancy F |
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adrian65
Cave Dweller 
Arch to golden memories and to great friends.
Member since February 2007
Posts: 10,790
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Post by adrian65 on May 8, 2007 14:26:58 GMT -5
Thank you Nancy, I think this order also contributes to the quality of your wraps.
Adrian
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nancyf
has rocks in the head
Wired Cowgirl
Member since April 2007
Posts: 629
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Post by nancyf on May 8, 2007 14:31:15 GMT -5
lol...I was modifying my post Adrian when you replied. If I'm not organized...I can't work. I'm too busy thinking I need to put this or that up...or I just get side tracked period! ack...
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Post by hermatite on May 9, 2007 13:35:41 GMT -5
Hey nancyf...nice system. I use the time-tested "rip open the package and let the wire sproing into an almost unusuable coil" method. Then, because I have forgotten to mark what size they are, I just fake it until I run out one size and use another one that "looks about right" to finish a piece. Then I scream in frustration because it looks hideous. Then as the piece de resistance, I leave it all outside the bag until it tarnishes and I have to buy more.
Your system sounds better.
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Post by takilasunrise on May 9, 2007 15:09:16 GMT -5
Very organized..................nice! I try to be, but once I get into working on my stuff, it get's messy and then I have to organize/clean up all over again!
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Post by Tweetiepy on May 9, 2007 20:09:58 GMT -5
Herm you're a hoot - and you organize like i do! I don't know what I have, which is not much anyways, but I don't even know what that is
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nancyf
has rocks in the head
Wired Cowgirl
Member since April 2007
Posts: 629
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Post by nancyf on May 10, 2007 7:46:33 GMT -5
Hermatite...tooooooo funny! Thanks so much for the good laugh.
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Post by Cher on May 10, 2007 9:49:54 GMT -5
LOL Herm, I tried that method too and it can get really frustrating. I did learn to keep the wire in plastic bags and since they are all 22 gauge I didn't have to mark them. But they are in a heap on the floor next to my chair, next to my tools, next to the window where I work on them. Organized? NOT but I know where the stuff is. ;D
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Post by larrywyland3 on May 10, 2007 13:27:41 GMT -5
That was informative. My desk is a big mess; I could use some organization.
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LastsGal
having dreams about rocks
Member since March 2007
Posts: 57
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Post by LastsGal on May 10, 2007 19:15:51 GMT -5
What a great idea! I'm going to have to start doing that. I've already wasted a lot of time trying to figure out which is the 20g and which is the 22g.  Thanks for the tip! |
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Post by Jurrasic Jonje on May 10, 2007 20:37:15 GMT -5
I also store mine in ziplocs with labels. I use one of those 4 drawer containers to keep mine in. It really does help when you know what you need and they are all labeled.
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nancyf
has rocks in the head
Wired Cowgirl
Member since April 2007
Posts: 629
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Post by nancyf on May 11, 2007 6:38:45 GMT -5
WEll...I'm glad it helped you all.  I just remembered all the hassles when I first started with wire...learning that different things called for different tempers and gauges...dang, I now have all kinds of wire and HAD to develop a system to keep things straight. This system has worked well for me, therefore, I thought I'd share. If there are any other topics I can help you with, let me know and I'll do what I can to help. |
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Post by creativeminded on May 11, 2007 7:25:01 GMT -5
That sounds like a great idea, you mind me asking where you get your wire?
Tami
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nancyf
has rocks in the head
Wired Cowgirl
Member since April 2007
Posts: 629
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Post by nancyf on May 11, 2007 18:13:46 GMT -5
I think Foreign Source.com is about as good as any. They charge you the cost of whatever metal for the day it is ordered...meaning, that most will up your bill should the cost go up before they ship...Foreign Source does not do that. However...they do not discount for large orders...so, that is something to consider at times. brandywinejewelrysupplies.com has great products and excellent service...FAST shipping too. I've used them for small orders of wire...and also for snap sets, beads, and some tools. They carry a FAB wire cutter...Plato Model 170 that is CHEAP in my eyes...and they have tiny tips to get into the tight places. I've had 2 pairs in the last 5 years. DURABLE! Nice cameos...uh...oh shucks, they have some good products is all. |
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Thanks for the tip!
I just remembered all the hassles when I first started with wire...learning that different things called for different tempers and gauges...dang, I now have all kinds of wire and HAD to develop a system to keep things straight. This system has worked well for me, therefore, I thought I'd share. 
