This probably dates me but I remember string art. The version I recall involved small nails hammered into some wood. They formed a shape so that when colored string was wound around opposite nails, they formed intricate patterns. String art is still popular today.


Now jewelry artisans are applying the same technique into their designs. The pendant above is my first attempt generally following the video instructions given by Camille Sharon. It's rather abstract in design mostly because I was not patient enough to count the coils. I just went for a funky look by winding wherever my whim took me.



This instructor formed the tear drop shaped pendant with her hands. I used something round to form the lower part properly. She also showed how you could make your own DIY wire coiler from hardware store items. I coiled my wire using the Artistic Wire's Wire Worker kit for hand coiling (more about it in a future tutorial). You could also use a knitting needle provided the wire you use is soft like copper. The gauges I used were 20G for the form and 26G for the coils. Stretch your wire coil slowly to make sure the coils stay even.

I also used the shiny stuff - metallic embroidery floss called "Jewel Effects" which Camille advised beginners not to use when first starting out. She was right. It is stiffer and prone to break if you pulled too hard. The strands also do not separate out as easily as regular floss. I bought it because the thread looked so pretty and I couldn't resist! One further tip, if you aren't too happy about bail wire wrapping, just do some scrolls to hide the area!

Some wire work artisans are also using wire instead of string or thread. I like the threads better because of the color possibilities. Check out the beautiful string art earring designs in this video by Taheera.com and you'll see why I say so. They use silk thread.



Via

______________________________
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Wire JewelryTips  -Jewelry Business Tips