512-2
Beading Lesson

Wire Wrapping Basics
By: Katie Hacker

Sponsored by:
Beadalon®

For tools and supplies
visit Beadalon.com

How To TV Online subscribers,
Watch the video for this
project online at howtotvonline.com

click to close this project window
click to print this project window

In today’s Beading Lesson, we will show you a couple of different types of wire and some wire-wrapping fundamentals. It takes a little practice but it’s easy once you get the hang of it!

Most beginners start with copper wire because it’s inexpensive and easy to bend. ColourCraft™ wire is permanently color coated, which adds a colorful, coordinated look to your wire-wrapped jewelry.

German-style wire is copper wire that’s specially plated and hardened to give the appearance of sterling wire without the cost. It looks and feels like sterling wire, which is great for people who appreciate the color and texture of sterling but are looking for an alternative.

Both of these types of wire are measured in gauges. As the number gets bigger, the wire gauge gets smaller. For example, 20-gauge is larger than 26-gauge.

This opera length necklace is created using colorful wire-wrapped bead links and steel chain. To make a bead link, cut a 3-4" piece of wire. Make a 90 degree angle about 1" from one end of the wire. Use round nose pliers to make a loop on one end and wrap the extra wire around the base of the loop. String a silver bead, a black bead and a silver bead onto the wire and make another loop. Before you wrap the loop, slip it onto a chain link. Use chain nose pliers to hold the loop as you use your fingers to wrap the extra wire around the base of the loop. Follow the same process to attach a bead link to the other end of the chain. Continue adding bead link and chain sections to complete the necklace.

You could alternate plain bead links with decorative ones. To make a decorative bead link, cut a piece of wire that's 4" long. Use round nose pliers to make a loop on one end and wrap the extra wire around the base of the loop. String a bead onto the wire and make another loop. Wrap the extra wire around the base of the loop and downward around the bead. If you’re going to attach it to a section of chain or another bead link, be sure to do that before wrapping the stem.

You can use the same technique to make simple beaded charms. Use round nose pliers to make a loop on one end of a wire, then hold the loop between your thumb and forefinger. Turn your wrist to make a spiral. Bend the end in a right angle and string a bead onto the wire. Make a loop above the bead and wrap any extra wire around the bead for extra decoration.

Project Images  

 


click to close this project window
click to print this project window