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Post by llana2go on Oct 20, 2010 17:04:57 GMT -5
I love these stones, but seriously hate the wirewraps! Man, I just can't do those corner things - can't get them even or straight and hate the binding on the bails. Too clunky. I AM embarrassed to show these things, but here they are in all their glory <uck!> As you can see, I accidently cut the bail.   When, or IF, I ever get better at this, I will be taking this apart and re-wrapping them. Ya'll have ruined me with all the beautiful wire wrapping ' cause I am seriously disappointed and frustrated that mine are so ugly! Oh well, practice makes perfect. |
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darrad
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2006
Posts: 1,636
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Post by darrad on Oct 20, 2010 17:25:54 GMT -5
Thoses look better than my first ones. Keep at it. It have done over 50 wraps and I'm still not quite good enough for silver or gold.
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Post by superioragates on Oct 20, 2010 17:26:09 GMT -5
well...they sure look better than my first ones did!!! Now THAT was icky!!! LOL seriously, tho, I think you have a wonderful head start on this, but practicing a lot makes it happen!!! You will get there...I promise!!!!
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NDK
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Oct 20, 2010 17:59:09 GMT -5
Looks like you've got the basics down, now you just need to refine it. I don't think they look that bad. I've only done maybe 10 wraps, and don't think I'll ever get used to it.
Nate
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dbrealityrocks
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since February 2010
Posts: 1,084
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Post by dbrealityrocks on Oct 20, 2010 18:01:57 GMT -5
A little helpful hint, if you use enough wires to cover the girdle (side) of the stone it allows for a cleaner wrap  |
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Post by llana2go on Oct 20, 2010 19:36:52 GMT -5
Well, ya'll didn't have to be so nice. They are so dang ugly, it hurts my eyes to look at them! LOL!
Not to make excuses, but I would have maybe done better if my nerves weren't so on edge. There was a gal in class that talked incessantly - NOT much about wire wrapping, but about selling half full bottles of Avon Topaz perfume on ebay and other crap like that. I really had to bite my tongue to keep from screaming "SHUT THE HELL UP!" I could not wait to get out of there.
Thanks on the tip of using more wire to cover the sides. I think I needed to do a small binding on the top too but Lee said I didn't need to. I did get some hands on training, so that helped a lot.
Now I just have to stay away from the cabbing and wire wrap, wire wrap, wire wrap til I get it down pat. That is going to be hard to do.
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Post by FrogAndBearCreations on Oct 20, 2010 19:45:47 GMT -5
you did fine for learning to wrap! give yourself a break, you should have seen my firsts! Just call your learning wrap "rustic"  |
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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 Oct 20, 2010 20:59:18 GMT -5
Wow, those look so much like my first ones it is scary. My hints are Practice and more practice and painters tape to hold it together while you do the bail. I use tape to hold it together at every step of the way.
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Post by drocknut on Oct 20, 2010 22:17:25 GMT -5
Your wirewrapping does not suck. We are our own worst critics so don't be so hard on yourself. Wraps don't have to be "perfect" to be beautiful. Uneven looks more handmade and with practice you will get better at the bails. Keep on wrapping.
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Post by llana2go on Oct 21, 2010 8:29:25 GMT -5
HMMMMM, seems that I'm the only one brave enough to post my actual first wire wrapped stones. I think ya'll should have to post your first ones too. You cowards!! LOL! Just teasing, of course.
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Post by FrogAndBearCreations on Oct 21, 2010 9:33:59 GMT -5
I would except they sold!
I still have a bunch in gold filled and silver that were done back in the early learning period
they are listed in my booth at bonanza, too much to do to post them here right now.
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Post by Roller on Oct 21, 2010 12:09:55 GMT -5
I know they arent straight but when I look at the overall design I see art ... I think when you get better at making these straight your gunna be great because you have that artistic touch !I really like design of number two .. Good job !
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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 Oct 22, 2010 23:37:51 GMT -5
I did post my first ones but that was a while ago.
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Post by frane on Oct 23, 2010 7:51:28 GMT -5
What I see here is an excellent first attempt so don't be so hard on yourself. This is how we all get started. I have to say that when I finally sit down in a couple of weeks to wire wrap some things, I am so out of practice, it will most likely be like starting over!
Now, for helpful tips, I notice that your binding wire end is not on the inside of the wrap (facing the stone). To prevent the wires from snagging clothes, you want to try to keep the ends on the inside of the wrap. It also looks like you are using round wire. It is a great wire to start with but the difference you will notice when you go to half round for the bindings and square for the wrap itself is just amazing and makes it so easy to work with! You will see some wonderful improvement as you keep trying.
Use the painters tape to hold the wires together for you (extra hands) and wrap the tips of your pliers in the painters tap also to cut down on the scuffs and knicks that you get on the wire when starting out. Try the tips you have seen listed in all these posts and you will amaze yourself! Just remember to have fun with it!
(my first wraps were cut away so many times until I finally could accept them as OK. Lots of patients and then you will get it!)
Fran
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Post by drocknut on Oct 23, 2010 21:07:17 GMT -5
HMMMMM, seems that I'm the only one brave enough to post my actual first wire wrapped stones. I think ya'll should have to post your first ones too. You cowards!! LOL! Just teasing, of course. I posted my first one a while ago too. But for your viewing (ahem) pleasure, here ya go.  See, yours isn't so bad after all. |
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jackie
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since May 2010
Posts: 132
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Post by jackie on Oct 24, 2010 11:19:20 GMT -5
You are Brave you post your first.My first was with Randy and He is a great teacher I am just a slow learner and I wouldn't have put mine on the site.Have on;y done a few since waiting on hubby to do my cabbing. Hope one day to post one.Keep wrapping everyone.
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jilly
off to a rocking start
Member since November 2010
Posts: 17
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Post by jilly on Nov 10, 2010 15:00:42 GMT -5
The instructor of the class I went to also only used 3 wires to wrap a cab. I think that works okay for small really flat pieces but I read a tip from Dale "Cougar " Armstrong that she never used less than 4 wires. I tried that and mine look a lot better. I have used 5 wires for really big chunky stones. She also said to use round nose pliers for the front pulls and the chain nose for the back. That helps the shape of the front and makes the back ones lay flatter and tighter. I don't go along with everything she says but those two tips sure worked for me. Hope this helps
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jerryde
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2005
Posts: 246
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Post by jerryde on Nov 10, 2010 23:58:33 GMT -5
I really hope you don't get discouraged... What it tells me that you are not afraid of stretching your imagination and with the goal to do better each time...
I remember "Bikerrandy" when he first started...and he will tell you just give yourself time and patience...Now he is one of the best...in fact you are comparing yourself with some of the best wrappers in the nation and beyond...
Just a hint...most wraps that look even and the stone is shinny...you are giving a gift most people don't have and are very pleased to wear...they don't look for imperfections...
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Post by llana2go on Nov 15, 2010 9:56:18 GMT -5
Thanks everyone for the encouragement and advice. I am in the process of rewrapping the first one. I used four wires and my fingers instead of the tools and am much happier with it. Just haven't finished the bail part - trying to figure out what to do with all those wires. LOL! So, rather than get so frustrated I could scream, I set it aside til I get a brilliant idea for those wires.
Kinda hard for me to get much of anything done these days. It's hunting season and my busiest time of the year. I'm so tired when I get home from work and the old body hurts in places I forgot I had, all I want to do is the couch potato thing on a heating pad.
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