Katie Hacker - Live Wire Jewelry: Make Colorful Designs That Shine

The colorful wires that have hit jewelry supply aisles are the foundations of the designs in this book. You can create numerous design featuresfrom dainty spiraled dangles to sturdy foundationsusing this versatile material. I like using colored wire because its easy to manipulate and offers creative design options. Of course, you can use German style plated wire, steel wire, precious metal wire or any other shaping wire to create your own versions of the projects in this book.

The projects in this book feature Artistic Wire in various colors and gauges. Artistic Wire is the most extensive line of permanently colored copper wire for jewelry and crafts. The coating is specially engineered to resist tarnishing, chipping and peeling. It can stand up to coiling, twisting, wrapping and other wire-working techniques. When choosing a wire gauge, you have to find a balance between strength, malleability and personal preference. In general, 18-gauge wire is great for basic loops, 20-gauge wire is perfect for ear wires, 22-gauge is standard for wrapped loops and 24-gauge is useful for wrapping onto a foundation.

Spooled wire has a natural curve. Working with the curve results in smoother loops and spirals. If necessary, you can straighten spooled wire by running it through flat-nose nylon jaw pliers. Wire comes in a range of diameters, or gauges. The higher the number, the smaller the gauge: 28-gauge is thinner than 18-gauge. 1 5826 curved pearl
2 5752 clover
3 5020 helix
4 3700 marguerite lochrose
5 5810 round pearl
6 5301 and 5328 bicone
7 5040 and 5041 rondelle
8 5000 round
9 5523 cosmic
10 5203 polygon
11 5500 teardrop
12 5601 cube 1 4139 cosmic ring
2 4439 square ring
3 6012 flat briolette
4 6656 galactic
5 1128 channels
6 6240 wild heart
7 6621 twist I love sparkle, and Im partial to Swarovski Elements, which are the finest precision-cut crystals in the world. 1 5826 curved pearl
2 5752 clover
3 5020 helix
4 3700 marguerite lochrose
5 5810 round pearl
6 5301 and 5328 bicone
7 5040 and 5041 rondelle
8 5000 round
9 5523 cosmic
10 5203 polygon
11 5500 teardrop
12 5601 cube 1 4139 cosmic ring
2 4439 square ring
3 6012 flat briolette
4 6656 galactic
5 1128 channels
6 6240 wild heart
7 6621 twist I love sparkle, and Im partial to Swarovski Elements, which are the finest precision-cut crystals in the world.

These beads and pendants come in a dazzling array of shapes, sizes and colors, many of which are available to beaders under the Create Your Style brand. Alternatively, the projects in this book can be created with any of your favorite beads. Just keep in mind that you will need to test the projects recommended wire diameter in the holes of the substituted beads.

Many books on the market explain how to make wire jewelry in detail, but not many combine wire wrapping with traditional beading techniques. I blend other stringing materials with my wirework because its the kind of jewelry I like to wear. Soft and strong, flexible beading wire is nylon-coated wire that is made from stranded threads of miniature stainless steel.

This wire is not for wire wrapping! Its meant for stringing beads. The number of wires determines its flexibility: 49-strand is best for bracelets because it is much more flexible than 7-strand. Use crimp beads and tubes with beading wire.

Available in a variety of colors and diameters, I like to use hollow tubing to cover colored wire, memory wire or flexible beading wire. Cut it up to use it as spacers, or use long lengths to mimic the look of cord. Memory wire is tempered wire that remembers its shape.

Its much too stiff for wire wrapping, but its perfect for stringing chokers, bracelets and rings. Only use shears that are specially made to cut hardened wire because memory wire will ruin ordinary wire cutters. Finish the ends with a loop, Scrimp finding or end cap.

Single-strand stretchy cord is available in a variety of colors and diameters. Its great for making fun, stretchy bracelets. Soft and supple, round leather cord and flat suede lace add textural contrast to wire designs. Soft and supple, round leather cord and flat suede lace add textural contrast to wire designs.

You could substitute ribbon or another fibrous stringing material for a similar effect.

Oh, let me count the ways that I love chain. Whether you make your own or use a premade version, chain infuses instant style into your jewelry designs. Layer different styles like patterned links, small cable or polyester chain together for a luxurious look.