Daily Wire Tip Mar. 25: Wired Hat Pin Gauge & Temper

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
March 25, 2011

Question:

Hello Dale, I find your dvds very well done and watch each project several times until I have the instructions clearly in my mind. My skill level has certainly increased from receiving your instruction.

I have been asked to create about 100 hat pins for a women’s group. They are to be about 6" long each. I am wondering what gauge and temper you recommend. I am thinking 18-gauge and spring hard, but I wanted to be sure before I begin.

-Adrien in MacGregor, Manitoba, Canada

Answer:

Neat project order Adrien! Definitely 18-gauge or even 16-gauge, in either a full or spring hard, depending on how you plan to embellish them. (You’d need beads with really large holes!)

You didn’t mention which metal you are thinking of using. We had a small discussion about using Copper Wire for Hat Pins you might find helpful.

I always like to hear when my instruction helps someone move through this twisted wire world of ours – thanks!

Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

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5 Comments

1. 

   CHICAGO MARION

   March 25, 2011 at 3:03 pm

   JUST A THOUGHT — A 6-INCH HATPIN IS “SELF DEFENSE” LENGTH !!
   What are the ladies thinking of ?? I can’t imagine a hat that requires anything that large!!
   • 

     dalecgr

     March 25, 2011 at 6:44 pm

     Hi ‘Chicago Mario’, as this is a custom order, maybe the ladies are designing special hats – and thanks for the ‘self defense’ tip! Could come in handy one day : )
2. 

   Adrien

   March 26, 2011 at 12:14 pm

   Thank-you, Dale, especially for reminding me that twisting round wire can serve a useful purpose. I will be using argentium and opt for the 18g; 16g wire leaves a good size hole in the fabric.

   PS: For those who are wondering why!!!??
   Self-defense weapons were not mentioned in the design discussions with the women and I didn’t detected any sinister looks or innuendos, but then, I’m just a man!!!
   There will be about 2″ of wire sculpture on one end and a clutch pin on the other end, leaving less than 4″ to secure the hat. Mind you, I do need to “sharpen” the one end so that it will penetrate the fabric easily. Hmmm?
   • 

     dalecgr

     March 26, 2011 at 12:32 pm

     Um Adrien, Yes I think you need to sharpen the end : )
3. 

   Deborah

   March 29, 2011 at 5:39 pm

   I’m very excited to be a part of Wire-Sculpture.com and all of you who contribute. I love to read your questions and answers.
   Lately I have been watching Dale Cougar Armstrong videos. I’m sorry to say I’m envious. Dale, you are incredible. I love your workshop in the woods (it looks like it is in the woods anyway).
   A few months ago my husband asked me where I wanted to be in 5 years and I said … to have my own studio/workshop or to be involved in a serious one. Then a few days ago I happened to come across Dale’s. I showed him…he is very Artistic as well. (Now works with troubled youth…) someday we will have our shop.
   One more thing …I love the way Dale says, “me and my students…” I would love to come for a week or so to glean all I can.
   Thanks all.
   Sincerely, Deborah