Wire is a very versatile medium to work in and there are a countless ways to use it. The wire wrapping technique I outlined last week was designed to give you a very basic idea of how to work with wire. That method can be changed and built upon, but there are other ways of wrapping wire that produce very different results. Not to mention a myriad of other techniques that yield complex and stunning designs. I can't claim to have mastered or even tried many of these methods, but that doesn't stop me from admiring the results and sharing them with you!
You can also wrap wire using a jig. A jig is a tool that allows you to make the same shapes multiple times. The ones you can buy are usually squares of metal or plastic with a bunch of holes drilled in a grid pattern. They come with pegs of different sizes that you stick in the holes in whatever pattern you choose, then wrap wire around the pegs. I’ve seen a lot of jewellery made with a jig, with fancy loops and dangling beads. They are quite pretty, but I’ve always questioned just how stable some of them are. It looks like one good tug would undo the whole design, and if you’re anything like me, that one good tug is going to happen sooner or later!
Wire Weaving
Just like threads are woven together to make cloth, so wire can be woven to make jewellery. I tried my hand at it and discovered it’s a lot harder than it looks! It requires much practice and much patience, but it can produce some awe inspiring results.
Just like threads are woven together to make cloth, so wire can be woven to make jewellery. I tried my hand at it and discovered it’s a lot harder than it looks! It requires much practice and much patience, but it can produce some awe inspiring results.
Knitting/Spool Knitting/Crocheting
Did you know that you can also knit and crochet with wire, just like yarn? You have to use a much thinner wire of course, but the basic principles are the same. Pieces made in this fashion I find are very delicate, but beautiful.
Did you know that you can also knit and crochet with wire, just like yarn? You have to use a much thinner wire of course, but the basic principles are the same. Pieces made in this fashion I find are very delicate, but beautiful.
Chainmaille It might be stretching it to consider this wire work, but I wanted to mention it here as well. Chainmaille is made with jump rings, which technically are made of wire. Plus I believe a basic understanding of wire working is very helpful when doing chainmaille. Especially if you want to make your own rings. |
Wire work is a staple in almost every kind of jewellery making. Even if it isn’t your main focus, or the main part of your pieces, it’s a good bet that wire is involved somewhere. Next week I'll show you some of the wire working techniques that I consider essential for jewellery makers. Until then, happy creating!