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Daily Wire Tip Feb. 26: Keeping Square Wire Straight and Flat

By on February 26, 2010
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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
February 26, 2010

Question:

I am new to wire wrapping and would like to know how to keep multiple strands of square wire all straight and flat when adding your half round wraps when wrapping a cabochon.  I have tried tapping them together but some strands seem to twist even after straightened.

Answer:

The most important thing to do is to make sure that your frame wires are as super straight as they can possibly be! When you arrange the frame bundle in your hand, if the wires are not straight at least rearrange them so they are all going in the same direction. When they are organized, tape near one end and then draw the wires up through your fingers, making them stay together and tape again.

I have to tell you folks, especially any beginners, if you are serious about wanting to learn wire wrapping, please set aside the funds and purchase my first beginner DVD, the All Wire Unisex Bangle Bracelet. https://wire-sculpture.com/jewelry-making-dvds/Beginner_Series_Part_1-7435-126.html This is my absolute favorite beginners class as it covers ALL of the techniques necessary to continue in the art form of traditional wire jewelry making, including how to straighten, bundle and tape wide wire bundles together, as well as how to make straight, beautiful wraps with square half-hard wire. I have to quote internationally known jewelry artist, Robert Dancik here, who after seeing me do a demo on these methods three years ago said, “You have just cleared up the wire wrapping mystery that has been boggling my mind for years.”

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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3 Comments

  1. avatar

    Merlene Wall

    February 26, 2010 at 12:27 pm

    Another good source for learing wire wrapping is the Dale “cougar” Jewel School. My husband purchased this set for me around Christmas Time and I absolutely love them. Dale explained in detail all tips and needed information for a beginner that was very informative and helpful. Thanks again and I also purchased your wire wrapping book which I love.
    Keep on wrapping
    Thanks

  2. avatar

    Eldon Austin

    February 26, 2010 at 9:36 pm

    Dale; I have found that in making multiple wire rings I came up withthe idea of padding needle nose vise grips ( different sizes)(the jaws are long and flat) with vegtable tanned leather . The type used for carving and engraving. Or you could use some from an old pair of work boots. I filed knotches on the back of the jaws to hold the synthetic sinue I used to bind the the leather to the jaws. I am working on a pair of Cleopatra earrings right now and these work great for holding all the wires together. Necessity, the mother of all invention. Right?

    • avatar

      dalecgr

      February 27, 2010 at 11:16 am

      Yes Eldon, necessity does promote some great ideas – thanks!