Project 1004-2
 
 

Beading Lesson – Building Multiple Strand Memory Wire Designs
Designed by Katie Hacker
Sponsored by Beadalon

For tools and supplies visit:



www.beadalon.com

You're probably familiar with memory wire as a great material for making simple chokers and bracelets, but, did you know that it can also be used to make interesting multiple strand designs?

Memory wire is tempered wire that "remembers" its shape and retains its coiled form. The best memory wire is made from stainless steel and is corrosion and tarnish resistant. It's basically one-size-fits-all and comes in pre-formed necklace, bracelet and ring sizes.

To cut loops of memory wire, use shears that are made especially for hardened wire. Do not use ordinary wire cutters because the memory wire will cut into the blades and ruin them.

To make a cuff-style bracelet, start by sanding the ends of each piece of wire. Glue an end cap onto the end of each wire, and then string beads onto the wire. String a spacer bar onto the wires to hold the wires apart. Repeat this pattern until you reach the end of the bracelet.

As an alternative, you can leave some of the wire showing between the beads for a modern, architectural look. For a double-strand choker, use spacer bars or double-hole slider beads to hold the wires apart.

You can also use beaded eye pins to create multiple strand designs. To create a dynamic double-strand bracelet with a large center focal point. Use a long beaded eye pin in the center, with pins of descending size on both sides of the center pin.

For a larger cuff bracelet, you can create your own multi-loop spacer bars out of shaping wire. Use a jig to make small loops evenly spaced across a 4" piece of wire. Pass each memory wire strand through a loop on the bar and load the wire up with random beads. Voilå, you're done!

Links:
Memory Wire
http://www.beadalon.com/memory_wire.asp

Findings
http://www.beadalon.com/BaseMetalFindings.asp

Memory wire shears
http://www.beadalon.com/EconoTools.asp

For more ideas and inspiration visit: http://www.katiehacker.com/index.htm

 

Guest:

Katie Hacker


 
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