Sunday, August 30, 2015

THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

beading gem's journal

2 Ways to Wire Wrap Irregular Gemstone Nuggets

I sometimes cannot resist a bargain at gem shows.  Some years ago I bought some lovely polished irregular gemstone nuggets because they were a steal.  So how did I manage wire wrapping these into pendants back then?  They have to be secure, mind so the nuggets don't fall out. I used the beginner friendly hippy twist!   The hippy twist is a simple and informal wire wrapping technique which involves some wire twisting!  The tutorial is by AncientTalien13.



Another way is to do a simple basket weave.  Check out Linda Jones' tutorial of the Wire Workers Guild for the how to and some fun suggestions at the end.



With either technique, you can go crazy have fun with the the bail end. The tutorials can also be applied to sea glass.

Photography Tips
Grouping similar items sometimes makes a bigger impact.  Top photograph taken with my iPhone 5, camera+ app and Modahaus TS300 Photostudio.  Click here to find out more about my How to Photography Jewelry webinars. 

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Saturday, August 29, 2015

THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL

beading gem's journal

Easy Peasy Wood Monogram Wire Bangle Tutorial

Like the minimalist style? Maybe with a bit of warm wood thrown in?  Then check out this easy peasy wood monogram wire bangle tutorial by Kim over on Made in a Day. This Mod Podge decoupage tutorial not only suits those who don't like elaborate designs but it also offers all sorts of potential depending on what you use to decorate the discs.  You can buy wooden blanks in different shapes if you aren't up to sawing your own. But you do need to know how to drill. Consider a manual spiral ratchet drill like this one if you can't use an electric one.



This tutorial is a good one for  those aren't familiar with working with thick gauge wire. I recommend you hammer/work harden the wire bangle which is not shown in this tutorial. Find something like a can to serve as a mandrel. I like using a  car exhaust pipe fitting (available from Canadian Tire or other hardware/car part store).  Do check the sizes available to ensure you can slip your hand through as the design is a bangle. This low cost bracelet mandrel is hardy for hammering.

Other suggestions include using stamped metal blanks which will require a hole puncher.  Or use some sweet handmade resin discs.

Before You Go:


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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips 

 
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