Looking for a great class in Tucson?

by Judy Ellis, Wirejewelry.com

Wire Jewelry Tip for January 20th 2016

Still looking for a great class in Tucson?

We’ve introduced you to our amazing JewelryTools.com instructors at the JOGS Gem and Mineral Show in Tucson. Today I wanted to share a tip from one or our instructors – Rhonda Chase.

About Rhonda:

Rhonda Chase is an award-winning jewelry artist who began her career as a graphic designer. For many years, she owned a successful design and marketing firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, serving large corporate clients.

In 2009 Rhonda decided get her hands away from her computer and back into the art she loves. She focused on jewelry design and quickly gained recognition the field: winning awards and showing her work in galleries. She has been writing tutorials and teaching art classes in various disciplines for over 20 years.

Rhonda says:

A reader following one of my tutorials asked me about scratches while wire wrapping. Since scratches are a common problem, I thought I’d share my answer:

The softer the wire, the more likely it is to scratch. I generally use very soft wire, so I have to be extra careful about scratching my work. Usually scratches are combination of the pliers you’re using and how hard you’re squeezing the wire.

I use well worn, high quality pliers. The edges of my favorite pliers are dulled with use and the surfaces are very smooth. For a good pair of pliers, expect to pay $30 – $70 per pair. Some brands come with the edges already rounded.

As far as how hard to press on the wire, this is one of the skills that can take a long time to master. The more wire wrapping you do, the cleaner your wire will be. So practice, practice, practice!

I used to make dozens of tiny rosettes at a time out of scrap wire instead of doodling. This helped me get a sense of just how hard I could press on the wire before it would dent or scratch. And remember, how hard you press on the wire changes with the hardness, gauge and type of metal you’re working with.

The last thing is to make sure you’ve got good lighting and eye wear, if you need it. Seeing precisely what’s going on will help you avoid marring your projects.

Here are a few more feature images showing Rhonda’s process.  All are from projects that she will be teaching in Tucson.

Are you still looking for a great class in Tucson?

Why not trying one of Rhonda’s Classes?   Take a look at what Rhonda will be offering.

2/04/2016 10:30am – 2:00pm  Basic and Beautiful Wire-Wrapped Pendant

---

 

2/04/2016 2:30pm – 6:00pm  Basic and Beautiful Drilled Bead Wire Wrap

---

 

2/05/2016 2:30pm – 6:00pm  Tree of Life Pendant

---

 

2/06/2016 2:30pm – 6:00pm Wire Wrap Nest Pendant with Pearl Eggs

Don’t wait – classes are filing up – Get Registered Today!

Happy Wrapping!

Click to Receive Daily Tips by Email

Related Posts

• 

  Featured Tool: Anvils and Bench Blocks
  Featured Tool: Anvils and Bench Blocks
• 

  A Chainmail Bracelet: Start Narrow, Make it Wide
  A Chainmail Bracelet: Start Narrow, Make it Wide
• 

  Using Tiles on Tube Rivets and Eyelets
  Using Tiles on Tube Rivets and Eyelets
• 

  Using a Tile to Cut Rivets
  Using a Tile to Cut Rivets