Wire weaving question

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drocknut
no longer being taken for granite

I'd rather be rockhounding

Member since December 2008
Posts: 8,191

Wire weaving question Dec 26, 2013 13:20:51 GMT -5 GeorgeStoneStore likes this

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Post by drocknut on Dec 26, 2013 13:20:51 GMT -5

I have a question for the wire weavers on here. Do you use sterling wire or plated wire and if I have sterling for the main wrap but plated for the weaves is that going to pose a problem when someone wears it because the plating will eventually wear off while the sterling will tarnish but remain silver.
I did a weave using sterling silver wrap wires and silver plated weave wires (didn't have any small gauge sterling silver) but am not happy with it at all. I noticed when I took pictures of it that the weave is terribly wonky and some of the weave wire is showing it's copper core since I probably scratched it up. I'm a little embarrassed to show it but here it is:
The wrap:

I'm debating on getting some smaller gauge sterling but think I need a lot more practice weaving before I do. I think I also need to get some craft wire for practice although I do have small gauge craft wire just not larger for the wrap wires. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Diane

My shop on GoImagine: www.goimagine.com/Artisan-rockhound

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rockjunquie
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Member since March 2012
Posts: 35,018

Wire weaving question Dec 26, 2013 14:10:52 GMT -5

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Post by rockjunquie on Dec 26, 2013 14:10:52 GMT -5

I think my best advice is to try some weaving with copper. That way, you can practice and scrap it if you want, but if something comes out real well, you can give it a patina (or not) and keep it. I have used both solid sterling and copper. Both of them soft 24, 26 and 28 gauge. For practice, I think 26 or 28 would be best. It's not too hard to get the hang of. Just make sure you start with enough wire that you don't run out and remember not to over handle the wire. Sometimes, it can be habit to run the wire through your fingers as you work, but that work hardens it real quick. Try not to let the wires rub while you work- for the same reason.

I think this looks great esp for a practice piece. I don't think I would want to mix the metals, though- for the reasons you stated.

wireholic
has rocks in the head

Member since September 2013
Posts: 519

Wire weaving question Dec 26, 2013 14:56:00 GMT -5

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Post by wireholic on Dec 26, 2013 14:56:00 GMT -5

I agree with Tela - practice with copper! It's cheap & easy to work with and it's becoming more popular too so you won't have much trouble selling it. I have a hard time finding small gauge sterling so I use fine silver for weaving - it's a little pricier that sterling though. My own experience has been that craft wire gets brittle really fast and breaks. It also scratchs really easy as you found out.

Karen

drocknut no longer being taken for granite I'd rather be rockhounding Member since December 2008 Posts: 8,191	Wire weaving question Dec 26, 2013 17:54:54 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by drocknut on Dec 26, 2013 17:54:54 GMT -5 Thanks Karen and Tela. Great tips. I stopped using copper because people weren't buying any of my pendants in copper so I don't have any to practice with so may have to break down and buy some wire.
	Diane My shop on GoImagine: www.goimagine.com/Artisan-rockhound My Etsy shop: ArtisanRockhound.etsy.com Follow me on instagram: @artisanrockhound My blog: rockhoundramblings.blogspot.com/

wireholic has rocks in the head Member since September 2013 Posts: 519	Wire weaving question Dec 26, 2013 18:02:40 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by wireholic on Dec 26, 2013 18:02:40 GMT -5 I get mine at the hardware store. A spool of copper wire costs about $3 & they carry 16g down to 24 in copper
	Karen

drocknut
no longer being taken for granite

I'd rather be rockhounding

Member since December 2008
Posts: 8,191

Wire weaving question Dec 28, 2013 12:56:09 GMT -5

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Post by drocknut on Dec 28, 2013 12:56:09 GMT -5

Cool Karen, thanks for the idea. I also think the problem I had was round weave wire on square wrap wires doesn't work well.
I'm in the process of disassembling the piece and hoping the wrap wires aren't too nicked up so I can salvage most of the wrap.

Diane

My shop on GoImagine: www.goimagine.com/Artisan-rockhound

My Etsy shop: ArtisanRockhound.etsy.com

Follow me on instagram: @artisanrockhound

My blog: rockhoundramblings.blogspot.com/

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Wire weaving question

Post by drocknut on Dec 26, 2013 13:20:51 GMT -5

Post by rockjunquie on Dec 26, 2013 14:10:52 GMT -5

Post by wireholic on Dec 26, 2013 14:56:00 GMT -5

Post by drocknut on Dec 26, 2013 17:54:54 GMT -5

Post by wireholic on Dec 26, 2013 18:02:40 GMT -5

Post by drocknut on Dec 28, 2013 12:56:09 GMT -5

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