Wire Whimsy Pattern

Category:

Jewelry

Type:

Necklace

Skill Level:

Novice

Basic Skills Necessary:

• No prerquisites at all!

Pattern Description:

Learn how to make all of these basic shapes in wire. With this tutorial you will learn how to make any shape you want perfectly every time.

This tutorial is at an Introductory Sale price for a limited time only!!! Full price will be $7.00.

This tutorial is based on a class that I have been teaching to absolute beginners for many years. I created this project, the class and this tutorial with the purpose of teaching those new to wire work how to handle tools and how to make some basic shapes in wire.

I cover how to construct each of the shapes shown in the neck piece pictured. You can construct the neck piece or just make the charms. I also will show examples of those shapes used in finished pieces in different gauges of wire and in different metals.

This tutorial is geared for the beginner so every step is covered in detail with step by step photos. Although the photos are in full color they print very nicely in black and white. The tutorial is broken down into sections so that you can just print and work with one section at a time.

In addition to learning how to make all of the shapes shown in wire, students will also learn about different of wire gauges and tempers and identification and use of basic wire working tools.

I use 12 gauge aluminum wire when I teach this class but you can use any wire you like. I use this wire because it is very pliable and just plain fun to work with. I recommend that you use a dead soft wire (definition in tutorial). Aluminum wire can be found in many bead stores and major craft store chains.

These shapes can be made in any wire. You may just want to adjust the size of your components to match the thickness of the wire.

The neck piece in the photo is constructed of 12 gauge aluminum. The remaining photos are close ups of the components covered within the tutorial. The last two photos show two of the handmade clasp designs l and a simple yet sturdy chain that. All of these and more are within this tutorial.

The amount of wire needed varies depending on what gauge you choose and how big you make your components. The necklace pictured took about 15 to 17 feet of 12 gauge aluminum wire.

***ABOUT THE SUPPLIES AND TOOLS***
This tutorial uses the Six Step Bail Making Pliers heavily. You can accomplish the same thing with round nose pliers. This is discussed within the tutorial.

You can use any wire you prefer. I have found that my new students do very will with 12 gauge aluminum as it is very soft. Any of these shapes can be made with any wire in any metal or any gauge. You would just want to adjust the size of the components accordingly.

The amount of wire used will depend on how large of a project you pursue. It is all in components so it is really up to you.