Multi-strand twisted wire bangles and necklaces in the Celtic style are called torcs. You can see my past post - Watch this Curator Explain How Iron Age Celtic Torcs Were Made and Worn.
Want to learn how to make a bangle? Check out this awesome metal and wire work tutorial by metalsmith Suzanne Angle of Flatwareable Artisan Jewelry (specialty tool and suppliers for flatware jewelry makers).
She demonstrates how to make a 12 strand twisted wire bangle using 18 G and 14 G copper wire. She has a super tip on how to make and use a special acrylic template to hold all those strands of wire and keep them organized while twisting. An alternative and quicker way to make the template is to laser cut it.
Some of the strands consist of pretwisted 18 G wire. She uses a power drill to make quick work of twisting the wire together. But the final twisting with the template is done entirely by hand.
Torch work is necessary to anneal (soften) such a thick wire bundle. I really like how she constructed the end caps. These are jump rings soldered closed and together. Domed metal discs are cut and soldered to the ends. The end result is just gorgeous!
You can also follow her Youtube channel for other metal work tips and tutorials. Flatwearable Artisan Jewelry is also on Facebook.
H/T to Aims (BigBlueBarnDesigns) for this find!
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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
I've purchased a number of my favourite tools from Suzanne Angle! They are high quality and address many issues if you work with metals. Her tutorials are so helpful and she's always willing to answer any questions posed to her.
ReplyDeleteThat is good to know, Aims! Thanks!
DeleteI have followed and purchased tools from Suzanne since her start in her basement. Great teacher and innovator.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on recognizing Flatwearable on your blog! Suzanne is pure genius when it comes to working with metal and is the most generous teacher you’ll find! It doesn’t hurt that her products are outstanding either!
ReplyDeleteI use Suzanne's equipment in my studio and could not do what I do without her excellent tutorials! Thank you for recognizing her incredible talent!
ReplyDeleteI love Suzanne’s tutorials. She explains exactly how to do things without feeling like she’s moving too slowly. She is a genius as far as designing equipment to make it easier to create jewelry.
ReplyDeleteIf you want the best tools and instruction, ask Suzanne! Her Flatwearable 3D Bender is indispensable for artisans crafting jewelry from silverware, metal stamping and forming. Her innovation in new tools and design creativity are unmatched and have inspired thousands of artisans to develop their own unique style of craftsmanship. I'm thrilled you have discovered her and are sharing her talents here!
ReplyDeleteLove this design, especially the mix of twisted and untwisted wire. It adds so much interest.
ReplyDelete