Sure you can buy components like toggles, clasps and ear wires. But if you really want to make truly handmade jewelry, then making your own components is the way to go. You can customize your jewelry and make it distinctive.
If you want to hone your wire work skills to perfection for custom components, Lisa Niven Kelly's Make Your Own Wirework Findings class is definitely a good one to take.
Even you are experienced, there are always new tips and tricks you can learn from different instructors. I know I did. Sometimes, especially with self-learners, you pick up incorrect habits that are worth breaking if you are wish to do better at wire work.
Like all Craftsy classes, once enrolled, you can watch in whenever you want and as many times needed to understand the techniques being taught. Note that this coming Thursday through to Monday is their big Black Friday sale where every class is under $17.99!
Lesson 1
Here is where she shares what the top five wire work tools are. Note also she only uses round wire for her lessons. I agree with her emphasis on practice, practice, practice! She demonstrates using different metals - sterling silver, copper and fine silver. But as you all know, always practice with copper before moving on to more expensive metals.
Lesson 2
This covers the wire work basics for perfect spirals and loop making - regular loops as well as wrapped ones and spirals. She covers tips, beginner traps to avoid and problem solving solutions. Who knew using vernier calipers can help you mark your round nose pliers for consistent sized loop making? Her clear instructions on fool-proof loop making is the best I have ever seen.
She also thoroughly covers how to twist wire using a variable speed drill. Great tips on how to prepare the wire as well as good safety tip with the drill before you release the twisted wire.
Lesson 3
This lesson covers coiling wire and jump ring making using a variety of tools. The instructor carefully explains how to do this manually. A good lesson because it makes you appreciate the feel and look of the wire as you do so. She then covers the variable drill method for coiling wire. She also demonstrates how to use a ring clamp (optional) to make coiling easier and error free. Fast too!
Did you know it is also possible to make coils on a tapered round nose pliers if that is the only tool you have?
Lesson 4
Lisa covers headpin making from the basic ones to decorative examples. She covers quite a few - paddle headpins, diamonds, triple loop "flowers", funky clusters etc. Great tip on working from the spool so you can determine the exact length of headpins you want.
She does demonstrate how to make balled headpins using a micro torch - the best demonstration I have seen. She even includes a few ways to harden fine silver balled headpins.
I particularly love her set of safety tips which some instructors don't mention like tying back long hair and also wearing natural fiber clothes. Note, she doesn't go into how to use a micro torch. So she, like me, also recommends Kathy Richbourg's FREE Micro Torch Basics class.
Lesson 5
Classic Shepherd's hook ear wire making is covered here with loads of variations. She does not cover hoops though.
This balled ear wire is Lisa's favorite :
Lesson 6
Hook clasp making can just be as creative and useful as ear wires. These can be used for necklaces and bracelets. Like the previous class the instructor teaches numerous variations including single and double hooks. A little more demanding for beginners as 16 or 18 G wire is best for clasps. I like how she often works off the spool so there is no wastage - a good tip when you are using precious metals!
This was my favorite :
Lesson 7
A basic toggle clasp making clasp class using stronger 16 G wire. Again with tons of variations. I particular loved her inspirational bracelet which is made up of several coiled wire toggles!
My favorite section was her metal stamped and textures washers as toggles.
The matching T bars are covered at the end of the lesson. She also demonstrates how to make the T bars the correct size for the toggle.
Lesson 8
This lesson is so inspirational as Lisa teaches how to make sculptural wire toggles. Fun way to make a standout toggle clasp. The designs look so much better when the metal is patinated. And beads can be added for further embellishment.
Lesson 9
This is the finishing step for those who like to add depth to the work by antiquing the pieces. She demonstrates two different products for patina - one is hydrochloric acid based and the other is liver of sulfur. She explains why she uses each for different pieces or metals.
Just one thing I should add, wear an apron as well as gloves! You do not want to ruin your clothes if a drop of the acid should accidentally land on you.
This lesson also includes a great section on polishing products.
Conclusion
This class is highly recommended. The instructor is thorough and concise in her teaching. It is so useful for all jewelry makers, no matter your experience. Everyone needs components no matter what technique you use - clay, beading etc. If you've never been happy with how your work looks, this class is for you.
It's the sort of class I wish I could have taken when I first started out in jewelry making. Even with my experience, I discovered so many useful tips and tricks. Yes, even those first few classes aimed at beginners!
Giveaway
If you want a chance to win a free access to Lisa Niven Kelly's Make Your Own Wirework Findings class (and ask her any question about wire work), please make a comment below. Make sure you leave contact info below if you do not have an online shop or blog. The class is currently on sale too.
Email subscribers need to scroll down the post they receive, click on Share Comment and enter your comment. Pick Name/URL. If you don't have a store or blog, leave the URL blank.
This giveaway is international.
Extra entries if you become or are a blog subscriber or follower etc. If you also do shout outs about this giveaway, those will count as additional entries too! Please say so in the comments. (The exception is Facebook - just like/comment on the giveaway status there!!)
It ends in a week's time at 6 pm EST Monday, November 28, 2016. I will pick the winner randomly and announce the results as soon as possible after. So be sure to leave a contact email if you don't have an online link or make sure you come back and check! Otherwise I will redraw in a week. Good luck!
SEE ALL MY PAST CRAFTSY REVIEWS ON PINTEREST
Disclosure
I do receive a small fee for any products purchased through affiliate links. This goes towards the support of this blog and to provide resource information to readers. The opinions expressed are solely my own. They would be the same whether or not I receive any compensation.
Before You Go:
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Wire JewelryTips -Jewelry Business Tips
If you want to hone your wire work skills to perfection for custom components, Lisa Niven Kelly's Make Your Own Wirework Findings class is definitely a good one to take.
Even you are experienced, there are always new tips and tricks you can learn from different instructors. I know I did. Sometimes, especially with self-learners, you pick up incorrect habits that are worth breaking if you are wish to do better at wire work.
Like all Craftsy classes, once enrolled, you can watch in whenever you want and as many times needed to understand the techniques being taught. Note that this coming Thursday through to Monday is their big Black Friday sale where every class is under $17.99!
Lesson 1
Here is where she shares what the top five wire work tools are. Note also she only uses round wire for her lessons. I agree with her emphasis on practice, practice, practice! She demonstrates using different metals - sterling silver, copper and fine silver. But as you all know, always practice with copper before moving on to more expensive metals.
Lesson 2
This covers the wire work basics for perfect spirals and loop making - regular loops as well as wrapped ones and spirals. She covers tips, beginner traps to avoid and problem solving solutions. Who knew using vernier calipers can help you mark your round nose pliers for consistent sized loop making? Her clear instructions on fool-proof loop making is the best I have ever seen.
She also thoroughly covers how to twist wire using a variable speed drill. Great tips on how to prepare the wire as well as good safety tip with the drill before you release the twisted wire.
Lesson 3
This lesson covers coiling wire and jump ring making using a variety of tools. The instructor carefully explains how to do this manually. A good lesson because it makes you appreciate the feel and look of the wire as you do so. She then covers the variable drill method for coiling wire. She also demonstrates how to use a ring clamp (optional) to make coiling easier and error free. Fast too!
Did you know it is also possible to make coils on a tapered round nose pliers if that is the only tool you have?
Lesson 4
Lisa covers headpin making from the basic ones to decorative examples. She covers quite a few - paddle headpins, diamonds, triple loop "flowers", funky clusters etc. Great tip on working from the spool so you can determine the exact length of headpins you want.
She does demonstrate how to make balled headpins using a micro torch - the best demonstration I have seen. She even includes a few ways to harden fine silver balled headpins.
I particularly love her set of safety tips which some instructors don't mention like tying back long hair and also wearing natural fiber clothes. Note, she doesn't go into how to use a micro torch. So she, like me, also recommends Kathy Richbourg's FREE Micro Torch Basics class.
Lesson 5
Classic Shepherd's hook ear wire making is covered here with loads of variations. She does not cover hoops though.
This balled ear wire is Lisa's favorite :
Balled ear wire |
Lesson 6
Hook clasp making can just be as creative and useful as ear wires. These can be used for necklaces and bracelets. Like the previous class the instructor teaches numerous variations including single and double hooks. A little more demanding for beginners as 16 or 18 G wire is best for clasps. I like how she often works off the spool so there is no wastage - a good tip when you are using precious metals!
This was my favorite :
Lesson 7
A basic toggle clasp making clasp class using stronger 16 G wire. Again with tons of variations. I particular loved her inspirational bracelet which is made up of several coiled wire toggles!
My favorite section was her metal stamped and textures washers as toggles.
The matching T bars are covered at the end of the lesson. She also demonstrates how to make the T bars the correct size for the toggle.
Lesson 8
This lesson is so inspirational as Lisa teaches how to make sculptural wire toggles. Fun way to make a standout toggle clasp. The designs look so much better when the metal is patinated. And beads can be added for further embellishment.
Lesson 9
This is the finishing step for those who like to add depth to the work by antiquing the pieces. She demonstrates two different products for patina - one is hydrochloric acid based and the other is liver of sulfur. She explains why she uses each for different pieces or metals.
Just one thing I should add, wear an apron as well as gloves! You do not want to ruin your clothes if a drop of the acid should accidentally land on you.
This lesson also includes a great section on polishing products.
Conclusion
This class is highly recommended. The instructor is thorough and concise in her teaching. It is so useful for all jewelry makers, no matter your experience. Everyone needs components no matter what technique you use - clay, beading etc. If you've never been happy with how your work looks, this class is for you.
It's the sort of class I wish I could have taken when I first started out in jewelry making. Even with my experience, I discovered so many useful tips and tricks. Yes, even those first few classes aimed at beginners!
Giveaway
If you want a chance to win a free access to Lisa Niven Kelly's Make Your Own Wirework Findings class (and ask her any question about wire work), please make a comment below. Make sure you leave contact info below if you do not have an online shop or blog. The class is currently on sale too.
Email subscribers need to scroll down the post they receive, click on Share Comment and enter your comment. Pick Name/URL. If you don't have a store or blog, leave the URL blank.
This giveaway is international.
Extra entries if you become or are a blog subscriber or follower etc. If you also do shout outs about this giveaway, those will count as additional entries too! Please say so in the comments. (The exception is Facebook - just like/comment on the giveaway status there!!)
It ends in a week's time at 6 pm EST Monday, November 28, 2016. I will pick the winner randomly and announce the results as soon as possible after. So be sure to leave a contact email if you don't have an online link or make sure you come back and check! Otherwise I will redraw in a week. Good luck!
SEE ALL MY PAST CRAFTSY REVIEWS ON PINTEREST
Disclosure
I do receive a small fee for any products purchased through affiliate links. This goes towards the support of this blog and to provide resource information to readers. The opinions expressed are solely my own. They would be the same whether or not I receive any compensation.
Before You Go:
- Dawn Horner's Wire Weaving Cabochons Craftsy Class Review
- Sarah Thompson's Wire Weaving Bracelets Craftsy Class Review
- Melody MacDuffee's Twisted Wire Jewelry Craftsy Class Review
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Wire JewelryTips -Jewelry Business Tips
I would like to learn how to make long coils that could be used as links or spacers. Cmcoconatgmaildotcom
ReplyDeleteYou will definitely learn that in this class!
DeleteWould love, love, love to win this class.
ReplyDeleteThank you,
Julie
I would love to take this!! I've played around trying to make my own findings and while functional, they're not very professional! Think this could be my ticket to a more polished look!
ReplyDeleteDenise Kunz
demontwostep@live.ca
I am a full time seed beader but would love to learn the trade of wirework!!!! This class would be the best way ever to start wire work!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love to make findings, cheaper, too. And these are so original!
ReplyDeleteThis looks amazing! Spend so much on clasps and have so much wire so to learn how to make better sturdy and beautiful clasps would be so ideal. Am a subscriber, blog follower and Facebook fan, can be reached at retro-grrl@hotmail.com.
ReplyDeleteI love her work, would love to win this class.
ReplyDeleteI'm a blog follower.
ReplyDeleteJust tweeted about your post and giveaway.
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/kayzkreationz/status/800746611529908224
Would love to win this. If I don't win I may just have to buy it. It seems so informative.
ReplyDeleteI'm a blog subscriber too.
ReplyDeleteGreat to be able to make your own findings...I'm a blog follower, karlynr@gmail.com...Thanks
ReplyDeleteWOW!! What an incredible opportunity to learn some good techniques and add to your jewelry making skills.
ReplyDeleteHand made components - especially clasps and earwires really make your jewelry stand out from the rest. Throwing on mass produced clasps after you work hard to make your original necklace really doesn't make a lot of sense. The finished product has a glaring flaw to it - and it's always the clasp. Learning how to make your own unique design would only make your finished product really stand out.
Chuck my name in there Pearl. I'm always eager to learn anything new and brush up on what I already know - that only emphasizes those techniques to me.
would love to win this - would give me sooo many new ideas - thanks heaps Pearl - Jill Norman www.beadbugs.co.nz
ReplyDeleteWire work is something I really want to start doing. The class looks like it would be so informative... I believe I'm a follower but here's my email just in case. sdona_snrse@ymail.com. Oh and thanks btw...
ReplyDeleteWould love to learn how to make those findings in her book. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI would love this to learn these wirework techniques. Thanks for another awesome giveaway Pearl!!
ReplyDeleteGreat looking class.
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog.
icbnett (at) gmail.com
I love to win end learn more about wire findings!
ReplyDeletechirvasasma@yahoo.com
I love making my own findings but find my creativity limited-love new ideas and ways to do wire work. blog folllower
ReplyDeleteThis class sounds awesome! There is always something new to learn.
ReplyDeletecmbmattos@aol.com
I think I would love this class. sboblit@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThis wire working class sounds perfect... I'm very interested in making my own toggles and earring wires! Would enjoy winning this give away. Amytich@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteWhat is a must have tool when working with wire making jewelry ?
ReplyDeleteActually Laurie, your 3 basic tools - round nose, chain nose and flush cutters are the absolute must have for any wire work.
DeleteThis sounds wonderful. It would be lovely to get the benefit of her wire wisdom.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win a class. Much appreciated.
ReplyDeletealikat2004 on Ravelry.com
I have learned a lot from her classes for Beaducation.com. She is such a good instructor! Apart from the practical tips, her designs are very unique! I am a blog follower.
ReplyDeleteI need to refresh my wire working skills.
ReplyDeleteInoreader subscribe.
ReplyDeleteWould love to take her class.
ReplyDeletejdbabygirl57@yahoo.com
So many great tips to learn in this course.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win.
Doinwire at gmail dot com
Sue
Wow. I've got this class on my wishlist and I've thought about buying it a few times now but your review has definitely given me the push I need on this. I hope I win, but even if I don't I'm getting this class :)
ReplyDeletelee.5thgen at gmail dot com
Because I jump in with both feet (without looking), I feel like there are basic things about working with wire that I don't know and should. It would be great to have some building blocks and learn some fundamentals.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a great class! Thank you for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog thru Bloglovin as Shaiha
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog thru email as blogbaby (at) comcast.net
ReplyDeleteI shared this contest thru Pinterest.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.pinterest.com/pin/40039884167325343/
I'd love to win this one Pearl!Thanks for the opportunity. ttangles@yahoo.com
ReplyDelete