Wimmer - The Missing Link: From Basic to Beautiful Wirework Jewelry

Easy

Whirligig

Moderate

More challenging

Cindy Wimmer

Diane Cook

Kerry Bogert

Tracy Statler

Tracy Statler

Cindy Wimmer

Lori Anderson

Cindy Wimmer

Diane Cook

Kerry Bogert

Christine Damm

Lori Anderson

Cindy Wimmer

Christine Damm

Cindy Wimmer

For the Wimmer BoysRandy, Gabriel, Collin, Chandler, and Nathaniel. You fill my heart with pride and joy.

Cindy Wimmers bold work and strong personal style drew my attention several years ago after seeing so many of her stunning designs in various wireworking magazines. Then I won a blog contest she hostedthe prize was a double-heart pendant of copper and bronze, stamped joy. So simple, and yet the detail and perfect technique evident in the piece made it one of my favorites. After that, Cindy and I talked online and shared ideas: our friendship was born.

At about the same time we met, I had begun working in polymer clay and was making lots of beads as I experimented with different techniques. Cindy was the first wire artist I met who enthusiastically embraced my medium. In the course of our frequent jewelry collaborations, she worked her wire magic with many of my polymer beads and even included them in one of her projects for Wire Style 2. Just as she saw the design possibilities for using polymer in her designs, I discovered what a huge difference handmade wire links made in my necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. I no longer had to dilute my designs with bland commercial findings. And I had a large vocabulary of wire designs with which to craft chains, earring findings, bracelet charms, and even bails for focal elements. I started using wire links in everything I made.

Im thrilled that Cindy is sharing her latest designs and ideas with the wider world in The Missing Link. Whether you already work in wire; are someone who beads or makes jewelry; are a mixed-media enthusiast; or are an artist working in polymer clay, ceramic, or lampworkthis book will transform your finished designs. In fact, you might find that the links youll learn to make in this book will become the actual starting point for a design or even inspire a whole new style of working.

Im honored to write this foreword. I respect Cindy, her devotion to her art, and the way she lives in the world with integrity, gentleness, and strength. Her friendship means a lot to me. Im so impressed with the work shes presented in this book. I think youll turn to it often for inspiration and for ideas to spark your own jewelry designs.

Christine Damm,
polymer clay jewelry artist

The wire link as a functional component is at the heart of handcrafted jewelry. Whether you are an accomplished designer or just starting your adventure in wireworking, The Missing Link will introduce you to how wire links can enhance your jewelry designs.

My first forays into jewelry fabrication began with wire seven years ago, and wire is still the central element in my designs today. It didnt take long for me to realize that working with wire is like a long country road with many interesting forks. There is always a new way to work with wire, a new twist, a new way to incorporate it into your work.

Calling attention to the wire link as an important element in its own right pays tribute to wires boundless possibilities. Im excited to share with you thirty original wire link projects and fifteen creative jewelry projects that include one or more of those links. Wire links are relevant to any jewelry medium, from stringing to metalwork and everything in between!

Like many of you, my interest in crafting and creating can be traced back to a beloved family membermy grandmother. She took great pride in her handiwork and instilled in me a deep respect for the handmade. Guided by her exacting principles, I have written this book with detailed information on wire fundamentals, along with essential tools and techniques. You will learn how to make a wide range of wire links successfully through instructions that are accompanied by step-by-step photos. After you have enjoyed mastering each of these links (or maybe even sooner), you can test-drive the links in complete jewelry projects. This final collection by accomplished jewelry designers demonstrates the versatility and functionality of wire links as connectors, focals, chain, and decorative elements in your jewelry designs.

If you didnt realize all of the potential waiting for you within a single wire link, I hope that The Missing Link will help you see those pieces of wire in a whole new way!

Wire comes in an array of metals, hardnesses, and shapes. How do you know what type of wire to choose for your project? Here youll find an overview to familiarize you with the various types of wire used in this book and their pros and cons. No two types of wire will feel the same when you work with them; experiment and practice to get a feel for the different types of wire and to discover which one is most suited to your design style. The best way to learn is simply through trial and error. Buy a big roll of copper wire and get started. Confidence and creative freedom will follow!

sterling silver

brass

bronze

copper

dark annealed steel

anodized colored copper

Wire is available in various sizes, or diameters. Gauge is a term that refers to wires thickness. The lower the gauge number, the thicker and heavier the wire. Heavy- to medium-gauge wire, such as 12- to 18-gauge, is used to make jump rings, clasps, and to make strong foundations for wire links. Finer gauge wire, such as 20- through 24-gauge, is too thin for structural work but great for coiling, wrapping, and other decorative treatments.