aimeesrockworks
spending too much on rocks
I really do look like my avatar... it kinda freaks me out.
Member since December 2010
Posts: 458
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Post by aimeesrockworks on Mar 28, 2014 17:06:50 GMT -5
There's that deep breathing thing again... Thanks everyone for the advice on Parawire - got my order yesterday (from Bello Modo) so sat down to fling random bits of wire about. The Parawire is a lot easier to work with than the store craft wire for sure! Although I must admit that my husband wandered into the room when I was muttering naughty words under my breath as I was trying to do the side wraps. "Um... what on earth are you up too?? Are you injured?" I didn't have the wire left to do a lot at the top so I just got creative and started bending stuff around. Frustration was mounting and sometimes it's better for me to just go for it rather than piddle for ages and worry.   And the back...  *So am I supposed to tumble this whole thing now to harden the metal?? Won't that just chip off the finish of the wire? |
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lisemacfadden
having dreams about rocks
Member since November 2013
Posts: 66 
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Post by lisemacfadden on Mar 28, 2014 18:24:53 GMT -5
Nice work Aimee!
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meviva
Cave Dweller 
Member since July 2013
Posts: 1,474
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Post by meviva on Mar 28, 2014 18:25:02 GMT -5
Aimee…it looks great. I'm not sure if you're supposed to tumble the whole thing. I've just left mine as is. I would worry that the wires would get bent out of shape.
Andrea
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Post by drocknut on Mar 28, 2014 18:35:15 GMT -5
That looks great, you did good. I'd say the naughty words did the trick  . I don't tumble my pieces just because I don't have a tumbler but someone else who does will most likely chime in here. I know they tumble the whole piece but not like normal tumbling, using steel shot. Not sure if Parawire would hold up to tumbling but I don't know for sure. |
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Mar 28, 2014 19:44:35 GMT -5
That's really a great first wrap (dont look like a first at all). I tumble every piece I make. I only use solid copper and solid sterling silver so I am not sure what you mean about chipping off the finish? Is your wire plated? I would be interested in others responses too but I generally tumble for about 2 hours with one pound of stainless shot with water about a 1/4" above the shot in a 3 pound barrel. I also add a squirt of dawn dish soap as a burnishing aid. I have never had any wires bend out of shape in the tumbler but I also do not wrap with any loose embellishments at all so there's not much hanging off to bend.
Looking forward to your next dozen wraps!
Chuck
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Post by mohs on Mar 28, 2014 20:17:56 GMT -5
I took a deep breath
and still the pictures
haven't shown
must be tumbling ?
mostly
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Post by mohs on Mar 28, 2014 20:20:29 GMT -5
o now those pictures show up!
those binding are tight !
exhale
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riverrock
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since April 2010
Posts: 1,395
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Post by riverrock on Mar 29, 2014 9:07:21 GMT -5
Very nice , looking forward to more post.
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Post by gingerkid on Mar 29, 2014 9:19:42 GMT -5
Awesome work for your first wrap! Cannot wait to see others to follow!
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Tommy
Administrator 
Member since January 2013
Posts: 12,989
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Post by Tommy on Mar 29, 2014 10:32:35 GMT -5
Good first wrap Aimee! No way in hell I would have shown my first wrap - it got cut off and thrown away along with my second, and third...
All it takes is practice - and hopefully you improve ... unlike me who still makes them look as bad as the day I started haha.
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Post by rockpickerforever on Mar 29, 2014 10:59:52 GMT -5
Who says it's not great? I think it's fantastic, Aimee! Can't wait to see more...
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Post by rockjunquie on Mar 29, 2014 21:22:37 GMT -5
I think it is awesome!!! I can't believe it is your first! Great job Now that you are a pro, can't wait to see your next pieces. |
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aimeesrockworks
spending too much on rocks
I really do look like my avatar... it kinda freaks me out.
Member since December 2010
Posts: 458
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Post by aimeesrockworks on Mar 30, 2014 11:36:19 GMT -5
My next two attempts ended up in the 'trimming pile'... but that's okay, got me some more naughty word practice. |
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deedolce
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2006
Posts: 1,828
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Post by deedolce on Mar 30, 2014 15:36:31 GMT -5
Wow, that's a great first wrap!
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Post by wireholic on Mar 31, 2014 14:36:43 GMT -5
Great wrap! If it's Parawire you don't want to tumble it - you're right, it might chip the finish. Tumbling with steel shot only works with solid metals like copper or sterling. Argentium can react with chemicals in your water and turn dull so be careful. Gold filled & silver filled can be tumbled for a short time.
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. I don't tumble my pieces just because I don't have a tumbler but someone else who does will most likely chime in here. I know they tumble the whole piece but not like normal tumbling, using steel shot. Not sure if Parawire would hold up to tumbling but I don't know for sure. 
