DIY Network

Wired for Style Wired for Style From "Jewelry Making" episode DJMK-308

Work magic with wire as jewelry designers demonstrate their favorite designs, all of which use wire in unexpected ways. Learn how to make wire beads, wraps and links using twisted wire as well as three different methods of coiling. Create a wired flower necklace using beads and wire. Design a bracelet that uses jump rings, bead dangles and toggle clasps, all made from twisted wire. And follow host Jackie Guerra as she makes an amber and garnet pendant that is definitely wired for style.

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Wire Wrap Necklace

Wire Wrap Necklace

Materials:

4' of 18--gauge wire
10' of 22--gauge wire
2 decorative-head pins
12 main beads
2 dangle beads
26 accent beads
Round-nose pliers
Chain-nose pliers
Wire-cutters
Piano wire or mandrel

Wire-Wrapped Coiled Beads

1. Cut 1' of 18-gauge wire.

2. Cut 11/2' of 22-gauge wire.

3. Starting in the middle of the 18-gauge wire, wrap the 22-gauge wire tightly around it, wrapping each half counterclockwise until the 22-gauge wire runs out.

4. Bend the 18-gauge wrapped wire in half over a piece of piano wire.

5. Start wrapping half of the wire clockwise until it's used up, then wrap the other half counterclockwise in the same manner. You should now have a 1-1/4" to 1-1/2" bead.

Coiled Bead

1. Cut 1' of 18-gauge wire.

2. Cut 1-1/2' of 22-gauge wire.

3. Bend the 18-gauge wrapped wire in half over a piece of piano wire.

4. Start wrapping half of the wire clockwise until it's gone, then repeat counterclockwise with the other half. You should now have a 1-1/4" to 1-1/2" bead.

Freeform Wire Pieces

1. Cut " to 6" of 18-gauge wire.

2. Form a loop at one end of the wire, using the middle to large end of the round-nose pliers.

3. Form another loop at the other end of the wire, using the same technique.

	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

4. Using round-nose pliers and/or chain-nose pliers, shape the wire into a freeform piece (figure B).

5. Place the completed form on a bench block/jewelry anvil and pound it with a rawhide mallet. Pounding work hardens the metal.

Figure-Eight Piece

1. Cut 1' of 18-gauge wire.

2. Bend the wire over the large part of the round-nose wire pliers (figure C).

3. In the opposite direction, bend the other end of the wire over the large end of the round-nose pliers.

4. Cut and adjust endings to make sure they are "closed."

5. Place each figure-eight piece on a bench block and pound with a rawhide mallet on each side of the piece to work harden the metal (figure D).

Assembling the Necklace

1. String one accent bead, one main bead and another accent bead on 22-gauge wire.

2. Form a wire link, making sure to connect it to a figure-eight piece.

3. Repeat step 1 at the end of the figure-eight piece.

4. Cut a 2" piece of 18-gauge wire.

5. Form a loop using the largest end of the round-nose pliers.

6. Slip on a coiled wire bead.

7. Form another loop at the end, connecting it to the next wire-linked bead on the necklace.

8. Continue this process, adding beads and wire pieces as desired.