Free Form Wire Wrapped Loop Bracelet Tutorials | Large Bail Forming Pliers
I've said it a number of times. The large bail forming pliers is my most favorite tool. It is very versatile as I use it not just to make bails but ear wires, clasps, custom jump rings and lots of wire loops. It is a tool worth investing in. This first tutorial by Kat Silvia is a great example of that versatility.
The wire loops are formed using 18G wire using both mandrels. I would not recommend using anything thinner as a) the wire will not be strong enough to withstand heavy wear b) the bracelet won't look as good. Going around the mandrels at least a couple of times also enhances the design. Like the instructor, 26G is great for wire wrapping as it more visible and stronger than 28G wire.
I would also recommend you use a nylon hammer and a metal block to work harden the wire loop sections before you start wire wrapping the 8mm beads in. Another consideration is to wire wrap all the loop sections together to ensure they stay put.
There is lots of room for customizing the design for yourself as you can create different loop forms and decide just how much bead wire wrapping you want to do and where. The designer used 8 mm druks but you can use gemstones and crystals as well.
If you want a simpler approach, check out this tutorial by Judy Mertz which just uses alternating loops of wire.
Before You Go:
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Wire JewelryTips -Jewelry Business Tips
The wire loops are formed using 18G wire using both mandrels. I would not recommend using anything thinner as a) the wire will not be strong enough to withstand heavy wear b) the bracelet won't look as good. Going around the mandrels at least a couple of times also enhances the design. Like the instructor, 26G is great for wire wrapping as it more visible and stronger than 28G wire.
I would also recommend you use a nylon hammer and a metal block to work harden the wire loop sections before you start wire wrapping the 8mm beads in. Another consideration is to wire wrap all the loop sections together to ensure they stay put.
There is lots of room for customizing the design for yourself as you can create different loop forms and decide just how much bead wire wrapping you want to do and where. The designer used 8 mm druks but you can use gemstones and crystals as well.
If you want a simpler approach, check out this tutorial by Judy Mertz which just uses alternating loops of wire.
Before You Go:
- Book Review - Weaving Free Form Wire Jewelry
- How to Make Wire Looped Flower Jewelry
- Easy Loopy Wire Wrapped Cuff Tutorial
- How to Coil and Wire Wrap an Easy Bangle
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Wire JewelryTips -Jewelry Business Tips
Investing in a good tool is well worth it if anyone is really serious about jewelry making.
ReplyDeleteSome of us see a tool and just have to have it (not looking in the mirror - ahem)....
I think if you're going to invest in a tool - then take time to get seriously get to know it and what it can do. It's amazing how one tool will work for so many things!
Taking that tool and using a tutorial such as this to play with and then expand with your own ideas often gives such wonderful surprises (not mistakes - never).
I agree! The large bail forming pliers is so versatile that I'd say it is a must after the basic jewelry making tools. I use this one all the time.
DeleteNo doubt a very useful tool. I have the small three-size ones and they do the job but wire tends to slide off the selected size.
ReplyDeleteI personally find the large bail-forming pliers to work best and they are the most useful size to have. You can make ear wires and clasps with them. To be honest, you can manage without the smaller ones!
DeleteI really need to get this tool! Thanks for sharing and for the great tuts. :)
ReplyDeleteYou'll not regret it. I use the large bail forming pliers a lot!
Delete