Here, I have what I would call a "kick-it-up-a-notch" jewelry tutorial. If you make jewelry, than I bet you might know how to make wire wraps and bead links, but I really like the look of this wire-wrapped bead link from the new book The Complete Photo Guide to Jewelry Making, 2nd Edition. This is the perfect tutorial you can try to make your bead links just a bit more interesting.
WIRE-WRAPPED BEAD
Combine wrapped-loop techniques with a bead to create an interesting effect. Use this on all shapes of beads and types of metal. It takes a little more time than just adding the wire loops on each end of a bead, but the results are worth it. The amount of wire needed will depend on the size of the bead, but it is better to have a little too much than not enough. You can always trim off any excess.
YOU WILL NEED
- wire and beads of your choice
- round-nose pliers
- nylon-nose pliers
- chain-nose pliers
- wire cutters
1. First make a wire-wrapped loop on the wire, and then slip on your choice of bead.
2. On the opposite end of the bead, start another wrapped loop (A) and wrap the wire around itself a few times (B). Do not trim off excess wire.
3. Take the extra wire, and bring it down across the bead.
4. Wrap the wire around the wire-wrapped loop created in step 1.
5. Continue to wrap the wire around a few times, and if necessary, trim off excess wire.
6. Use chain-nose pliers to press and flatten the wire against the wire wraps.
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You can get yourself in the running for a copy of this new book at Goodreads:
Goodreads Book Giveaway
The Complete Photo Guide to Jewelry Making
by Tammy Powley
Giveaway ends July 06, 2014.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
More about the new CPi book in the Complete Photo Guide series:
The Complete Photo Guide to Jewelry Making, 2nd Edition
More than 700 Large Format Color Photos
by Tammy Powley
This is a comprehensive reference book on all aspects of jewelry making. This book provides a reference for all methods, including:
- Bead stringing,
- Wire work,
- Metal fabrication,
- Metal clay,
- Polymer clay,
- Fiber
- Resin
Includes step-by-step instructions for all the basics and 45 projects.
Now with:
- 15 new projects
- Expanded techniques
- All new gallery of jewelry by various designers
Tammy Powley is a writer, designer, and teacher. She is the author of several jewelry books, including The CompletePhoto Guide to Jewelry Making; Picture Yourself Creating Metal Clay Jewelry; Jewelry and Beading Designs for Dummies; Making Mixed Media and Memory Jewelry; Making Designer Seed Bead, Stone, and Crystal Jewelry; and MakingDesigner Bead and Wire Jewelry. Besides print publications, Tammy writes her own weblog about crafting (Crafty Princess Diaries) at http://www.tammypowley.com.
Tammy has studied a large variety of jewelry techniques, from beading to metalsmithing, and has worked extensively with glass, fibers, and paper art. After spending eight years on the art show circuit, she eventually turned to writing about art, though she continues to sell her work through special commissions.
Along with working as a freelance writer, Tammy is an Associate Professor of English and teaches composition, literature, and technical communications. She resides in South Florida with her husband, Michael, and a house full of dogs and cats.
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