mandimoo5885
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2010
Posts: 3
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Post by mandimoo5885 on Aug 5, 2010 19:14:57 GMT -5
Hello Everyone! I was referred to this site by my boyfriend, Tortuga. I am interested in making jewelry. I want to do some wire wrapping and some silversmithing. I have read some of the tutorials about how to do some of the basics and I am ready to get started. What I need to know is what basic materials/tools am I going to need to get started practicing? Right now all I have is a single set of needle-nosed pliers . :blush: I also must say that I am a broke college student, so if you could point me in the direction of great bargains, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks for reading.  Thanks for reading. |
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Post by Roller on Aug 5, 2010 19:23:28 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum ... sorry I have not wrapped yet so no advice there ..Bargains can be found if you keep looking ... especially if you know exactly what you are looking for... otherwise pay full price ...lol
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deedolce
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2006
Posts: 1,828
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Post by deedolce on Aug 5, 2010 20:06:16 GMT -5
Some of the large craft stores (Michael's and Joann's Fabric here in CA) have 50% off coupons. You can use colored copper wire, and you'll need cutters, then I'd get the flat nose pliers. And the tutes here by Randy and others ARE a great place to start! And have fun. It's VERY addicting!
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amyk
fully equipped rock polisher
I'm a slabber, I'm a cabber, I'm a midnight wrapper.
Member since January 2010
Posts: 1,331
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Post by amyk on Aug 5, 2010 21:07:38 GMT -5
You can get a cheap set of tools at Walmart. It will come with a cutter, a chain nose plier and a flat plier. This can get you started. For wire check out these sites. Online is the cheapest place to get it. Copper is the easiest to use when you start out. Or Brass. Square and half round. I use 21 gauge wire for larger stones and 22 gauge for medium stones. The same gauge for the square and the half round. I have also used 24 gauge wire for really small stones. I get brass wire from beadstore.wigjig.com/Brass_Half_Round.html This is the only place I have found half round brass wire. cheap too. Sterling silver from www.monsterslayer.com this is good stuff, good prices, quick delivery, you can order any length you want, and they will give you credit for your scrap trimmings. I have bought copper and silver from www.brandywinejewelrysupply.com with no complaints. I have also bought silver and gold wire from www.firemountaingems.com with no complaints. You can also buy wire from www.Riogrande.com Almost all of these places also sell tools. Look at Randy's tutorial for the tools you need. Hope this helps, Amy |
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Larry
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2008
Posts: 267
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Post by Larry on Aug 5, 2010 21:15:57 GMT -5
I bought more tools than needed at first but basically just use 1) a flush-cutter (a wire cutter with clean cuts, not a mangled end), 2) round-nosed pliers and 3) flat-nosed pliers. I bought mine from a craft store. I started out using pliers I had in the tool box but they made a ton of marks on the wire. If cost is an issue, you can probably find some cheap sets on ebay. They may not be the best out there but better than nothing.
Being on a budget, one thing I'd stay away from is things like the bail tool, which is best used for just throwing money away. I do all my loops and curls and bails with basic wood dowels of different diameters. They are cheap enough to buy.
My whole wrapping kit is just the items listed above, some painters' tape (as seen in most tutorials), a mini tape measure and a pair of chain-nose pliers I never use... and wire of course. That's all I have and I the only thing I feel I am missing is more time.
Good luck and I hope you enjoy it.
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NDK
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Aug 5, 2010 21:33:13 GMT -5
I bought my plier set at Michael's, and the 50% off coupon is a good idea. One thing to remember is to polish the plier jaws. I've heard it told to polish them to a mirror finish, but I just used some worn 220 emery cloth and it worked fine. You want to get the casting ridges off so it doesn't mark the wire as much. As far as swirls and other rounds I use dowels, pens, or whatever happens to be the size I need.
Good luck!
Nate
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Post by sitnwrap on Aug 5, 2010 22:11:30 GMT -5
Yea! another wrapper/artist in the making. Looks like the info you asked for has been covered. I started out with just plyers and kitchen scissors. Don't use kitchen scissors. lol.
The best part about the wirewrapping section is watching each artist develope and attain their own sense of style so don't be shy posting pics when you start.
Welcome to the board.
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mandimoo5885
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2010
Posts: 3
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Post by mandimoo5885 on Aug 19, 2010 21:23:28 GMT -5
So here is my first attempt. I just got some 20 gauge silver-colored copper round bead wire. I thought this would be a good practice wire since it's cheap. Thank u all for the tips and special thanks to bikerrandy for the thorough tutorial. Attachments:
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mc2
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since April 2009
Posts: 1,147
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Post by mc2 on Aug 19, 2010 22:12:47 GMT -5
WooHoo! Looks like you are off to a good start! Keep it up, practice, practice, practice. You will be top notch in no time at all.
Mike
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Post by Toad on Aug 19, 2010 22:14:43 GMT -5
Definitely off to a good start.
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Post by frane on Aug 20, 2010 9:24:43 GMT -5
Now, that is a really great start! Keep up the wonderful work!
Fran
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