Heidi Boyd - Wired beautiful : 30+ jewelry projects to hammer, coil, spiral, and twist

Until recently, I've been guilty of overlooking the wire displays in jewelry supply stores. Like a magpie, I was immediately drawn to the walls of sparkly, glittery beads. With a fistful of beads in hand, selecting stringing wire was almost an afterthought. My final stop would be to scan the jewelry findings racks where I often was unable to find exactly what I needed.

It took a complete shift in my focus to realize that wire could expand the possibilities of my jewelry design. Wire's design possibilities are limitless. A thicker gauge wire can become the core of a bangle, be wrapped into a link or be formed into a toggle clasp. Medium-gauge wires can be shaped into earwires, coiled into jump rings or even wrapped into a bead. Thinner gauge wire is so flexible it can be knitted and crocheted into intricate masterpieces.

Never again will I trek to store after store in search of a simple jump ring clasp or earwire; with wire, I can make them in any color and size I want.

With a single coil of wire and a few tools, you can twist, shape, link and hammer almost any jewelry component and save both time and money.

For starters, you'll need to equip yourself with a few tools. Wirework is very accessible; unlike other metal jewelry work, you won't need a soldering iron, anvil or torch. The basic pliers, a jump ring maker, hammer and bench block are readily available and will easily fit at the end of your worktable. Other user-friendly devices, like wire twisters and coiling gizmos, need only a simple turn of the handle. Go to page 11 to read about the tools you'll need to complete the projects in this book.

Knowing how to select the appropriate wire is the key to your success. The materials lists will help you choose the perfect wire for every task. Each wire variety has its own merits it's impossible to make a thin wire stronger or a thick wire more flexible so read through the wire descriptions on page 8 to learn more about them. Every project specifies a certain wire that will not only help you recreate the piece, but also spare you any guesswork or frustration.

And don't forget the beads! Adding beads to wirework can give your jewelry designs a whole new depth, dimension and sparkle. Pair crystals with bright silver wires, or choose ceramic beads to go with darker ones. Lampwork and handmade beads enhance more organic wire designs, while commercially produced beads can still pack a punch with whimsical styles. Page 9 features descriptions of beads perfect for the projects in this book.

On the following pages, I've shared every aspect of my newfound wireworking skills. After you work your way through some of the projects in this book, I hope you share my epiphany: Wire is an integral part of almost every jewelry-making project. It may take a little practice to familiarize your hands with the twists and turns of the basic wirework techniques, but I promise the rewards and sense of accomplishment will make your efforts worthwhile. Your imagination is your only limitation. Wire can be shaped into almost anything, from spiraled hearts to flying birds, while showcasing those beautiful beads!