Wireworking

I like to make my own earwires and findings from sterling wire. I've heard of tumbling them to harden them, but is this necessary? If so, how do I go about doing that? What equipment do I need to strengthen sterling findings (without changing their...

When you need to work harden the entire length of wire or finished design, tumbling in steel shot is a great option. It will work harden sterling...

How do I use wire-wrapping pliers? Thank you.

Wire-wrapping pliers are designed with different sized barrels (4, 6 and 8mm barrels) to allow the wireworker to form coils or rings in many sizes....

While creating a wire wrap for a very large faceted lemon quartz briolette, I inadvertently caused chipping on each side of the top-drilled hole. I've decided not to use the stone as a briolette since the drill hole is no longer useful. Can I repair...

Every repair situation will be different depending on the fracture or fissure, but your best route may be to ''upcycle'' the briolette and use an...

Is Zebra Wire tempered as Full/Hard, Half/Hard or Dead Soft? Is Zebra Wire suitable for projects that need to be bent and will it stay wrapped?

Zebra Wire™ Colored Copper Wire is tempered as dead-soft. It is a malleable colored copper wire that is available in many gauges and colors. As you...

I'd like to make a very small simple wire chain base for a charm bracelet. Can size 30-34 gauge wire work?

30- to 34-gauge wire is very thin and is best suited for woven designs such as knitting and crocheting. A charm bracelet made from wire will need a...

I want to make my own pins using various wire and different gauges of wire, copper, sterling, etc. These pins would be made using one continuous piece of wire. What is the best way to sharpen the pin end?

Use a jeweler's file or a sanding disc accessory for a rotary tool to take down the end of any wire to form a sharp point. If using a jeweler's file,...

I need tips on how to use these pliers.

These wire working pliers work like parallel action pliers--where the jaws open and close parallel and offer even distribution of pressure throughout...

Is there an easy way to hold wires together when wire-wrapping? Could I use large crimp beads as a holder?

Many wire-wrapping artists use small strips of masking tape to keep multiple square wires together and in line when forming a wire-wrapped bezel...

How do you make your own headpins?

"Making Headpins from Wire" video how-to and instructions and "Making Ball-Tip Headpins with a Butane Torch" video how-to and illustrated...

When making wrapped wired drop earrings, how can I be sure they will be the same length? Thank You.

Using a wire jig can help you make a consistent repeatable pattern. It is also important to start with the same length of wire. To create consistent...

What is the best way to make a simple loop at the top of a headpin that will keep multiple beads on the headpin from twirling around (so that they stay stable and facing forward)?

The best way to secure a bead, or beads, in place on a headpin is to make the simple loop very close to and slightly inside the hole of the last...

I'm trying to solder Argentium Silver wire. Everything I have read says that I don't need flux, but when I soldered the wire it went black--like sterling--and didn't melt. Can you suggest a good flux and give some direction on how to solder?

Argentium® sterling silver has a lower melting point (about 60 degrees lower than traditional sterling silver), so the solder should flow a little...

Could you please do a video on twisting wire using a pin vise—I have a pin vise from Fire Mountain and do not know how to use it, the wooden knob just swivels but the wire does not twist. Thank you,

We will add this to our list for videos, thanks for the suggestion. Meanwhile, I hope the following will help:Cut a length of round wire and fold it...

Could you please tell me the best way to straighten wire for wrapping as coiled wire is still curved? Thanks,

Hold the spool of wire in your non-dominant hand and place the jaws of the nylon jaw pliers, a few feet down from the end, on the wire. Grasp firmly...

I am new to making jewelry. A friend of mine asked me to make a necklace out of an arrowhead. I told her I would try, but I have no clue how to start. Can you give me some ideas on how to do it? Thank you.

Wire wrapping is a great way to incorporate items without holes into strung jewelry projects. It's a freeform technique that utilizes your own...

I have a glass pendant that the loop broke off of. How can I wire wrap it and put a loop at the top, where the glass loop broke off?

Wire wrap the pendant, bridging the space between the bottom of the pendant to above the curve of the sides, like a bezel setting. Adding in...

What is Viking knit?

Viking knit is a chain-making technique that involves weaving a thin wire into a tube. The wire used for this type of chain is usually round in...

I'm just learning to work with wire. I'm ordering a jig, but have no idea what wire type, gauge, hardness, etc., to use. Can you give me some guidelines please?

Working with a wire jig is a great way to start wireworking. The best way to learn this technique is in a class or with a wireworking book. This way,...

Would you please explain the differences of sterling silver wire dead soft/half hard and what type of projects they are best suited for. Thank you much!

Precious metal wire is used for wire-wrapping, chain-making and other jewelry construction. Precious metal wire is available in:Two...

How can I keep my precious-metal wire organized and prevent it from tarnishing while in storage?

Keep your wire organized by storing it in Tite-lip™ top zip clear bags. Use a permanent marker to write the gauge and type of wire on the outside of...