Archive for January, 2008

Creating The Basic Earring Hook

January 26, 2008 at 5:17 pm · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged , , , , , , ,

EarringsThe “French Wires” or “Fish Hooks”, are often names given to this type of earring wire.  They only require a few inches of wire and a limited amount of jewelry making tools to complete.

The materials needed to complete this project are 3 ½” of the wire of your choice.  You will need round-nosed pliers, wire cutting tools, and a jeweler’s file.  Round-nosed pliers are a great tool for making a small loop in your wire.

The first step in this process is to cut your wire evenly in half.  It is recommended you file the ends to ensure their smoothness.  This may only be necessary on the cut ends and will give your piece a more professional appearance.

Next you will need to grasp your wire on one end.  Begin wrapping the end around the small part of your round-nosed pliers.  The object at this time is to make a small loop on the end.  Do one piece at a time.  Compare the wires to each other to make

sure they are uniformly created.

Now hold both wires together at the same time and in the same spot.  With the thickest part of your round-nosed pliers, approximately ¼ “ past the loops just made, grab both wires.  Use your fingers now to make a bend in the wires 180 degrees around the pliers.  It is crucial they both look the same.  Make sure you compare the wires before moving on to the each step.

The next step will be a slight bend and will help the wires look more rounded.  Again, you will do this part with both wires at the same time.  Place the larger part of the round-nosed pliers ¼” from the curl.  The nose of the pliers should point up to the

ceiling and the curl in the wire should be horizontal to you.  Very carefully squeeze the curl part and the flat part toward each other, making a slight bend.  This will be about a 5 degrees bend.

Once this is complete, hold the wires next to each other and make sure they are still looking the same.  To finish the wires place at the middle point of the round-nosed pliers, approximately ¼ “ from the ends.  Slightly bend the ends at the same time.

This bend will be about 25 degrees.

Your piece is now ready to add your beads and accessories to.  As you can see, the basic earring hooks are easy to make.   You may find even if you do not always make your own, it may come in handy knowing how to do it yourself.  You just

never know when time constraints and lack of materials may warrant the need for you to do it yourself! 

Amy

www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com

www.picturetrail.com/photos/aressa

   

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The Scoop About Earring Findings

January 24, 2008 at 3:59 am · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged , , , , , ,

Round Unakite Gemstone EarringsThe beginning basic components of most earrings are the part that hooks into the ear and a headpin, which is used to string your beads on.  Many refer these pieces as “findings”.

 

You can easily locate earring findings that are already manufactured.  They are often sold at your local craft stores and of course online.  The come in a variety of metals ranging from silver and gold plated to fine silver and gold.  It is a matter of preference and affordability.

 

You may also decide to make your own findings for your handcrafted earrings.  Earrings are easy to make on your own.  You may find yourself in a crunch and needing to make your own finds due to time constraints.  If you learn how to do this it could keep you from having to make a special trip to the store or place a special online order and delay the completion of your piece. 

 

You can cut the cost of your supplies by buying bulk precious metal wire.  It can end up being less costly to purchase it in this manner.  This is a great way to keep your costs down and not have to pass extra fees on to your customers.  This is an important factor

in making a larger profit, for those of us in business.

 

The jewelry business is very competitive.  To stay alive in this field you must produce quality work.  Creating unique pieces is another good way to attract customers to your product.  This also may allow you to charge more for your pieces, since your buyer knows they are not going to be able to find it at the next stop!

 

Learning how to create your own earring findings will also allow your creative side to emerge.  You will have the knowledge and flexibility will producing your designs. This is also a great way to achieve a since of accomplishment.

 

There are a variety of wire choices on the market.  Not only do you have to choose the type of metal, but the gauge that works best for your project.  It is popular today to even mix the metal types using different colors together and different gauges.  This adds more interest to your piece.  It is recommended to use 21 gauge half-hard and soft round sterling wire.   The 21 gauge fits well in the hole of pierced earring wearers, while being able to support the additional pieces strung on the wire.  20 to 22-gauge wire is also a good type to use for earrings. 

 

So, I would suggest you start collecting your wire and preparing yourself to learn how to Make wire earrings.  My next article will focus on a basic earring wire instruction.  Stay Tuned for future articles.

 

Amy

 

www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com

614-530-0219

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Should I Use a Jig?

January 12, 2008 at 5:12 am · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged , , , , , ,

December Swarovski Crystal Birthstone Bracelet

As with many parts of jewelry making, using a jig is a matter of preference.  You will find the longer you make jewelry, the more tools you will add to your collection.  This is especially true if you are intrigued by new projects you see in magazines and on the Internet.   There are just so many choices!

 

 

 

The experienced jewelry artists and the beginner, are likely to be comfortable using this tool.  The manufacturers are typically good about providing easy to understand instructions on how to use it.  They often supply the purchaser with free projects

 

 

There are different types of jigs.  The peg sizes will vary.  You will need to take this in to consideration, as well as the gauge of the wire you will be using on your project.  It is recommend you use cheaper wire in the beginning until you have the feel for it.

 

 

An experienced jewelry maker may decide to use the jig for production reasons.  This is a practical way to reproduce pieces quickly.   This is an easy way to make more than one piece at a time.  The artist who uses this tool accomplishes the desire for consistency.

 

 

Whether you use a jig or not is really a personal decision.  This tool would be an asset to your collection.  It is not limited to being used by an experienced artist.  Why not give it a try?

 

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Getting To Know Your Wire Before Making Jewelry Final Part

January 9, 2008 at 4:35 am · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged , , , , , , ,

Square Beaded Necklace

When you choose a project one of the most important decisions to make is what size of wire you are going to use for that particular project.  You will also need to decide what hardness of wire will work best.  There are mainly three types of hardness to choose from.  Which type is selected is primarily based on what part of the piece it will be used on, such as the clasp, connector, or jump ring.  You may find the need to use a mixture of hardness in the same piece of jewelry.  Thus, it is crucial to understand the differences and how each type works best.

 

The hardness of the wire will be related to silver or gold-filled wire.  Once you have gained experience, more than likely you will move on to wires that fall in this category. You now will need to select the wire that best fits your needs by size, type, and hardness.

The three degrees of hardness are dead soft, half-hard, and full-hard.

 

Part of the process of making wire includes the wire being pulled through a tool the diameter of the wire.  The more times it is pulled, the harder it will be.  Being familiar with the use for each type is important to the jewelry artist.

 

The first type of hardness is called Dead Soft.  This type of wire is easy to work with because it is soft.  It is also easy to locate.  Jewelry artists who work on wire sculptures normally work with this type of wire. 

 

The next type of hardness is Half-Hard.  This wire is harder than dead-soft.  It is strong yet it is still easy to bend into desired shapes.  This type of wire is used for many purposes including earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.  It can add an extra interest to any piece.

 

The final type of hardness is Full-Hard.  This type of wire is used by jewelry artists who do not want to solder pieces together.  They hold their shape nicely when wrapped.  This eliminates the need to be soldered.

 

There are many qualities to think about when selecting the type of wire to use.   Another one to remember is the shape of the wire.  You will see a variety of shapes including round, half round, and square.  It is very easy to create a different look of your jewelry just by merely changing the wire you use.  Before proceeding with a substitution of your wire type, make sure you consider what part it will play in your new piece of jewelry.

 

 

Amy

The Painted House and More

www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com

www.picturetrail.com/photos/aressa

614-530-0219

   

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Getting To Know Your Wire Before Making Jewelry Part III

January 7, 2008 at 11:43 pm · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged , , , , , , ,

Gemstone Bracelet and NecklaceThere are a variety of types of wire available for use by the jewelry artist.  It depends on the type of project you are working on.  After practicing with the different types, you might also develop a preference for a specific type of wire over another.  This is an option only if your project does not require a specific type.

If you are a person who likes to wear gold or want to give this option to your customers, gold-filled would be a wonderful choice.  This type of wire is only plated on one layer. Gold-filled is many layers of gold.

If you feel ready to step up to a more expensive wire, than gold would be a good choice. This is not recommended unless you have practiced and are feeling sure of yourself. There are various karats to choose from.  The karat range is from 10 to 24.  There are other colors to select also.  Other examples types of gold are rose and white gold.  It is a matter of preference.

There are many companies that sell the last type of wire.  These are fun to work with and are lower in cost.  You can find coated wire easily on the Internet and many craft stores. The main consideration when working with this wire is to be careful not to damage the

coating. 

A great tool to use when you work with coated wire is the nylon-nose plier.  Another option would be to cover your regular pliers with a cloth.  This too can help eliminate damage to your wire.  Do not let this concern keep you from trying to work with this type of wire.  You will find there are a variety of colors to choose from to create festive and beautiful pieces of jewelry.  Working with this type of wire can be fun for many ages. There is no limited to what you can make with it.  Jump in and have fun!

Amy

The Painted House and More

www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com

www.picturetrail.com/photos/aressa

614-530-0219

     

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Getting To Know Your Wire Before Making Jewelry Part II

January 7, 2008 at 4:21 am · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Oval and Diamond Shaped Agate Beaded BraceletPracticing is the key to becoming familiar with different types of wire.  The more you use them and try different types, the more you will learn the qualities of each type.  This will Also allow you to gain knowledge of which type works best for different projects.

The first type of wire is copper.  This is a great choice to practice with. It is easy to find, especially at hardware stores and is affordable.  It also looks great with earth tone beads.

Galvanized is also a good type to practice with.  It is a dull silver color.  You often are able to find it at your local hardware store. 

Sterling silver, which by the way is one of my favorites, is 92.50 percent pure silver.  The word sterling is what indicates the amount of silver there is.  The other part is a mixture of metal alloys.  This part of the make up is what adds strength to the wire.  Sterling makes beautiful jewelry, however it does tarnish.

Fine silver is almost 100 percent pure silver.  The actual percentage is 99.9.  Since fine silver does not have as many alloys a sterling it is softer.  The lack of alloys allows pieces made with fine silver to tarnish slower.

Keep in mind once you get in to the sterling silver and fine silver the cost goes up.  Make sure you practice until you are comfortable working with wire before moving up.  It is definitely less costly to make mistakes on the copper or galvanized wire.

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Getting To Know Your Wire Before Making Jewelry Part I

January 4, 2008 at 3:27 am · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Square Beaded NecklaceBeginning to work with wire to make jewelry designs requires practice and patience.  The most affordable wire to practice with is 18- gauge copper wire.  This type of wire is easy to find at hardware stores and often can be found at craft stores too.  Once you have practiced enough to feel comfortable with your design, there are a variety of wires to choose from.

There are many qualities of wire to consider when you are making your wire selection.  Part of your decision will be based on the project you have chosen.  You will need to know the size, type, hardness, color or metal type, and shape of wire needed.

The size of a wire is based on the diameter.   In the United States the size of the wire is referred to a gauge.  The smaller the gauge number is, the thicker the wire.

To determine the wire needed for a project depends on what it will be used for.  If you are using the wire to make jump rings they will warrant using a thicker wire, as opposed to earring wires.  They will need to be made with a smaller wire in order to comfortably fit through the ear lobe.  Fixed gauge copper is softer than silver, and silver is softer than gold.

There is so much to consider when you begin to make your beautiful wire jewelry pieces.  The best way to begin is to buy your practice wire and jump in.  The most important part is to have fun while you are creating your masterpiece!

Amy

The Painted House and More

www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com

614-530-0219

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Jewelry Making Tools

January 1, 2008 at 1:54 am · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Jewelry makers like any other craftsman needs tools to do their job.  If you are new to jewelry making, it is not necessary to start with a large amount of tools.  You do need a few to start off with, and then add more as you go.  This will also allow you time to research and try a few different types of jewelry before putting a large sum of money in to tools that you really do not need.

Wire cutters are essential to your collection.  The best type to purchase, are the flushed-cut wire cutters.  This type will allow you to make an even cut.  This makes a much nicer finished project.

Round-nosed pliers play an important part in jewelry design.  They are used to make hoops, loops, and wraps for attaching beads and making designs in the wire.  Solely jewelry makers use this tool.   They are sold at most craft stores and jewelry suppliers.

Jeweler’s files are use to smooth your wire ends.  This will make your finished product look nicer.  They typically are sold in sets of 10 to 12.

Crimping pliers are used to hold your wire to the clasps of your jewelry piece.  It is very important to use this tool properly.  If you use it incorrectly, you more than likely will not tighten the crimp and this will allow slippage of the wire.  The ends will come loose and the beads will slide off.  Another concern when using this tool is over working the crimp. If you squeeze and pinch it too much, the crimp will become brittle and fall apart.  This also will allow the wire to slip.  The proper way to use this tool is to flatten the crimp in ridge that is close to the handle part of the tool.  Once you have done this, make a ¼ turn and squeeze the crimp in the ridge closer to the front of the mouth.  This should fold the crimp in half making a nice finish.  Some jewelers choose to use flat-nosed pliers and just flatten the crimp.  Using the crimping tool will make a more professional crimp and will be a nicer finish.

Another jewelry technique uses knots to the beads in to place.  The tool used in this process is a beading awl.  It has a long pointed piece of metal and a wooden handle. This tool allows you to make secure knots against each bead. Nylon-nosed pliers are used to flatten wire without making marks on the metal.  Flat-nosed pliers can be used instead, but cover the metal with a cloth to avoid damage to the wire.  This tool is one that can be added later as you build your business.

If you are going to be working with wire to make jewelry, a polishing cloth is a must.  It may not be noticeable, however the wire is dirty and often tarnished.  The wire needs to be cleaned prior to beginning your design work.

To aid in your design process, it is important to either have a dowel or a pencil to use for coiling and circular designs.  These can be purchased in different dimension if you are making your own jump rings.  This will allow you to make different sizes.

A measuring tool is necessary too.  It is your preference if you use a ruler, yard stick, or a tape measure.  My preference is a tape measure.  It is easier to keep in smaller spaces.

Jeweler’s glue is another product that can be added later.  It really depends on the type of jewelry you are making.  Many styles do not require glue.  Some jewelry makers will add a touch of glue to their beading wire when they string bracelets or necklaces.  This helps to make a stronger hold and eliminates breakage.  The glue is also used on nylon knots if you are using this type of material.

Starting out as a jewelry maker is so much fun.  There are many varieties of jewelry to make.  Be open-minded and try the different types to find your niche.  It may take while, but do not be afraid to jump in and learn.  It has taken me over two years to determine the material I like to work with the best.  The main thing is to relax and have fun!

Happy New Year!

Amy

The Painted House and More

www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com

614-530-0219

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