J. Marsha Michler - Bead & Wire Art Jewelry: Techniques & Designs for all Skill Levels

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Delica, E-6000, Fimo, Nymo. Library of Congress Catalog Number: 2005935069 ISBN 13-digit: 978-0-87349-976-7
eISBN 13: 978-1-4402-2078-4 ISBN 10-digit: 0-87349-976-X Designed by Emily Adler Edited by Sarah Brown Printed in China
Table of Contents Introduction Your jewelry-making experience requires that you go shopping and collect some stash: gorgeous beads, wires and threads. Buy what strikes your fancy! If you are an absolute beginner, start by making a Classic Beaded Necklace on page 34. Make one or more, and when you feel comfortable with the wire bending process, move on to more involved pieces. Throw the very idea of achieving perfection out the window at first, and focus instead on learning how to bend, twist and wrap the individual pieces. Your work will improve the more you practice.

Many beautiful findings can be purchased, but if you are seeking handmade quality or need a part in a hurry, check the Wireworking Techniques and Findings on page 14. Ninety-nine percent of the parts you need to assemble complete pieces of jewelry can be hand made. Split rings, clasps and cord ends are just a few of the many things you can make yourself. Use the designs in this book as inspiration. It may not be possible to find exactly the same beads that I used, so adapt the designs to suit your style and bead collection. Decide on your own unique approach to jewelry making.

Seek your muse, free your soul, let your creativity dance and have fun in the making! SAFETY FIRST Safety is a primary consideration because of small pieces and sharp edges. Take the following precautions: Always wear safety glasses when working with wire. When cutting wire, place your hand over the cutters to prevent cut pieces from flying. Keep food and drink out of your workspace. Clean up thoroughly after each work session, keeping small beads and wire bits vacuumed up. Store small parts, tools and sharp pieces out of reach of young children.

Use ventilation when using adhesives; follow the manufacturers instructions for these substances. As you make the projects in this book, you will notice underlined words; these are topics that have more detailed instructions in either the Wireworking Techniques and Findings section or the Beading Techniques section. Please refer to the more detailed instructions as needed. Getting Started TOOLS Purchase the pliers, cutter, chasing hammer, jig, needle file, polishing cloth, jewelers vise and small anvil at a jewelry supply store. You can find a cutting mat at a craft store and wire at a wire supplier or bead store. FLAT NOSE PLIERS Use for wire wrapping to smooth wraps, and to make angular bends and flatten wire. ROUND NOSE PLIERS Use to make curved shapes like jump rings and split rings. SIDE CUTTERS Use to cut wire. SIDE CUTTERS Use to cut wire.

Hold the pliers perpendicular to the wire and squeezing firmly. A clean cut makes a sharp snap sound. CRIMPING PLIERS Crimps crimp beads, usually at the beginning and end of a piece to hold beads on the wire. CHASING HAMMER Use to flatten and strengthen wire. BEAD SORTING TRAY Use to sort beads and measure the length of bracelets, necklaces, etc. HAMMERING BLOCK Surface on which to hammer wire. JEWELERS VISE Holds small pieces and holds wire for twisting. NEEDLE FILES Use to smooth wire ends. RING MANDREL Use to form rings to desired sizes. JIG Use to form wire into various shapes. BEADING TWEEZERS Features very sharp ends for accurately making and placing knots.