Like the basic and versatile seed bead, jewelry and craft wire is a simple material with endless uses in jewelry design. With just a few essential tools, anyone can turn an ordinary length of wire into gorgeous and unique components for finished jewelry. The core techniques are simple and easily interchangeable, so once you’ve learned a few key elements, you’ll be on your way to a vast treasure trove of designs.
In her new Craftsy class, Creative Wire-Wrapping Techniques, jewelry designer Debora Mauser guides viewers through seven informative lessons. Each lesson builds on skills learned in previous ones, and combines new techniques to create some stunning pieces. Starting with basic components like handmade earwires, headpins, and - my personal favorite - paddled wire, Debora shows beaders how to work safely with wire and create professionally finished pieces. Then it’s on to more complex pieces that can be used to make handmade chain, pendants, beads, and earrings. Later lessons also cover coiling, riveting, adding patina and so much more.
New and experienced beaders alike will marvel at the extensive repertoire offered in the class. You'll learn about using different types of pliers, hammering, working with torches, and getting great results with tumblers. What I like most about the lessons is that Debora encourages viewers to try their own variations and offers design tips for transforming the techniques learned into new styles with simple tweaks. She also offers plenty of trouble-shooting tips and ideas for getting the best results from your tools and materials. Like all Crafty classes, you can review lessons as often as you like, replay steps with a single click, and ask questions or share your creations.
If you’re looking to add some new handmade components to your jewelry designs, or want to practice some fabulous wire-work techniques, the Creative Wire-Wrapping class will not disappoint! You can see a class overview and learn more at Craftsy.com.
Want to give it a try? Leave a comment on this post letting us know what you'll make with your favorite wire-wrapping techniques, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win the complete class! Be sure to include a contact method with your comment if you do not have a profile with email enabled. One winner will be drawn on Saturday, March 28th.
I would like to thank Debora Mauser and Craftsy.com for giving me the opportunity to preview this class. Inspirational Beading has not received compensation for featuring products or content in this post.
Copyright 2015 Inspirational Beading, Debora Mauser, and Craftsy.com
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I really have not done very much wire wrapping, unless you count making a loop in a headpin to attach it to an earring wire --- I'd love to learn everything.
ReplyDeleteuse email crafty dot lady at sympatico dot ca plse & thnks
I would love to learn some techniques to wire up some pendants. Some of the filigree types wire wrapping is so nice.
ReplyDeleteHi, I am new to your blog, thank you for the opportunity!
ReplyDeleteI work with macramé, it would be nice to learn how to work with a new medium. I would do wire-wrapped glass beads focal pendants.
It sounds like a great class to take. I would love to learn to better write with wire. The written word is so powerful. I want to include it in my jewelry making. It would be lovely to win the class. Thank you, Mortira Van Pelt, Debra Mauser and Craftay.com for this offering.
ReplyDeleteI would like to learn wire wrapping to be able to make necklaces and earrings, (and even a ring?) with some cabs & beads & "chunky" stones I have. Thhe first thing I want to make is a pendant.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the opportunity to win a class!
I am not very good at wire wrapping and would love to learn more. I want to make a lovely trendy necklace for my daughter.
ReplyDelete