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Wire Skills
Articles and tutorials related to the creation of wire art jewelry.
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Techniques
Wire Sculpture ~ Border Wraps ~ Other Wraps ~ Prongs ~ Chains/Chainmaille ~ Knots ~ Braids
Weaves ~ Crochet ~ Knits ~ Other Textile Techniques ~ Misc ~ Bead Components ~ Findings
Types
Pendants ~ Neckwires/Collars/Chains ~ Necklaces ~ Bracelets/Bangles/Cuffs/Anklets ~ Rings
Pins ~ Earrings ~ Hair ~ Misc ~ Additional Resources
Basics
Materials
Technicalities
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Techniques
Goal: develop a short written "definition" of each technique; "most typical" pictures showing each technique; inspirational pictures of more creative versions of each techinque; a more thorough written/image description of each technique, methods and variations; tutorials and tips on each technique; and a collection of links to books, videos, tutorials, classes, sites, etc for more pics, info, etc.
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 Wire Sculpture
Additional Resources:
Preston Reuther - instructional dvds.
- Border Wraps
  
Additional Resources:
Rock & Gem Online - a border wrap on a faceted gem by Mavis Llewellyn.
- Other Wraps (universal settings, shark's tooth, "crazy wraps", etc)
- Prongs
Additional Resources:
How to Wrap with Prongs / Finished Cab #1 / Finished Cab #2
Felicity - Creative Wire Jewellery Forum - cabs wraps held in by prongs.
- Chains/Chainmaille
Additional Resources:
Fusing Argentium Silver Rings - Leah Hitchcock
Urban Maille - Opening and Closing Jump Rings
Derakon's Library - Lot's of Weave Instructions!
- Knots
- Braids
- Weaves
- Crochet
Learn to Crochet:
Before you learn to crochet with wire, you should learn how to crochet with yarn and/or thread.
There are a lot of resources for learning, including the the kids section of the library and crafts
stores. Here are links to some of the better instructional sites for traditional crochet -
Annie's Attic - Crochet - Stitch Tutorials
Crochet Guild of America - Resources Tab
Lacis Publications
Additional Resources:
Dragonswire - Linda L. Hawkins - Tips & Techniques
"How To" with Wire - Wire Crochet on the Net
Un bijou de Cameleon - Johanne Brunet - Crochet Tutorials
Wild Poppy Designs - Pat Moses-Caudel
- Knits
Learn to Knit:
Before you learn to knit with wire, you should learn how to knit with yarn and/or thread.
There are a lot of resources for learning, including the the kids section of the library and crafts
stores. Here are links to some of the better instructional sites for traditional knitting -
Annie's Attic - Knitting - Stitch Tutorials
The Knitting Guild Association - Beginning to Knit
Lacis Publications
Additional Resources:
Fine Wire - Spool Knitting
- Other Textile Techniques
- Misc (freestyle, jigs, coiling, etc)
Additional Resources:
WigJig University - Projects for jigs, coilers, etc.
- Bead Components
  
- Findings (ear wires, clasps, cord ends, etc)
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Types
Goal: develop a short written "definition" of each type; "most typical" pictures showing each type; inspirational pictures of more creative versions of each type; a more thorough written/image description of the components specific to each type; methods, tutorials/tips, and variations for creating those components; and a collection of links to books, videos, tutorials, classes, sites, etc for more pics, info, etc.
- Pendants
  
 
- Neckwires/Collars/Chains
- Necklaces
- Bracelets/Bangles/Cuffs/Anklets
    
Additional Resources:
Jayatu (Connie Fox) - various tutorials at the bottom of the page.
- Rings
   
- Pins (brooches, stick pins, etc)
  
- Earrings (wires, posts, clips, etc.)
       
- Hair (barrettes, combs, tiaras, etc)
- Misc (bolos, hat bands, belt buckles, etc)
- Additional Resources for Project Tutorials:
- Follow the links from tutorials you like to see if the author
sells additional tutorials on their web site.
- Step-by-Step Projects
Lapidary Journal posts a wide range of jewelry projects.
- Creative Wire Jewelry Forum - Tutorial Folder
Assorted projects & information.
(When the window opens, click "start reading". Scroll down till you find the grey
bar for "Tutorials" and click on the word "tutorials". Browse the topics.)
- All Info About Jewelry Making
Assorted jewelrymaking projects & information. (but a lot of pop-ups)
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Basics
Things you take forgranted once you've been doing this for a while.
- Tools (what are they, when do you use each, etc.)
- Wire Working Tools – Getting Started - Mary Harvey
- Hand Tools – A Chain Maille Perspective - Jacqueline Lincoln
- Koil Kutter Tutorial - Felicity Rodda
- Tumbling (What/Why/How - rotary, vibratory, etc.)
- Polishing (What/Why/How - dremels, bench polishers, etc)
- Cleaning (What/Why/How - ionic, ultrasonic, toothpaste, etc.)
- Patinas & Other Finishes
- Oxidizing – Jaqueline Lincoln
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Materials
Goal: develop a reference libary about materials used to create wire jewelry.
- The Power of Knowledge - Mary Harvey
- All About Jewels: Illustrated Dictionary of Jewelry (external link)
- Metals (technical info, buying info, conversion charts, etc.)
- Centerpieces (stones, cameos, dichroic, fossils, etc.)
General Information
The Moh’s Scale of Mineral Hardness - Mary Harvey
Gemstone Clarity - Mary Harvey
Gemstone Treatments - Mary Harvey
"Stones"
Cameos - Did You Know...? - Mary Harvey
Gem & Mineral Resources - Links to Other Web Sites
Lore, Beliefs, and Other Non-Metaphysical
(birthstone charts, anniversary charts, etc)
Metaphysical/Spiritual Aspects of Materials
Traditional & Modern Metaphysical & Healing Properies - Robyn Harton
(general info re chakras, smudging, etc)
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Technicalities
(Federal regs, Copyrights, etc.)
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