Buying for the beginning wire jewelry crafter
Thursday, June 3, 2010 at 9:45AM The blog recently received a detailed comment (to this post) from MB, who is desperately looking to find just the right tools and supplies to help his wife get started making wire jewelry. He's already on the right track, looking at some of the great kits that are available online. He's in Canada and is focusing on Amazon and eBay listings that ship there.
OK, MB - here's what I recommend. :)
To save time, I've pulled together a number of things in the Amazon affiliate widget below, although you can find the same or similar items on eBay -- and don't forget that local bead shops typically carry at least some of these items, too. (I'll explain why I chose these after the widget.)
1. The pliers tools set by Beadsmith is an easy way to pick up all the basic wire work tools at once. They also have a Deluxe set with a few more options, but this one is more affordable, and I've grown to love the ergonomic handles.
2. Bead mixes from Beadaholique are perfect for gift-giving because they're economical and eclectic. (Of course, once your gift recipient starts experimenting, she'll develop her own bead preferences and tastes.)
3. Beadalon bead mats are the right size and texture for general use, and the different colors contrast with your bead colors (dark mat for light beads, and light mat for darker beads).
4. Needle files are important for smoothing jagged edges at the ends of larger-gauge wire (about 20 gauge and above) so they don't scratch skin.
5. Optionally, a half-dome chasing hammer and bench block can be a lot of fun, especially with that heavier-gauge wire. You use them for texturizing, flattening, and tapering ends.
6. As far as books go, of course I recommend the ones I've written. Teach Yourself Visually Jewelry Making & Beading covers a broad range of beginning techniques -- including bead stringing -- and provides some example projects. Wire Jewelry Quick Tips is smaller, more portable, and covers more wire work, but has no projects. Another hugely popular wire-work book is Sharilyn Miller's Bead on a Wire. Consider picking up that one, especially if your gift recipient is into the look of ethnic vintage jewelry.
That's a quick dirty list, but I hope it helps!
~Chris
getting started, wire jewelry, wirework in Getting Started
Reader Comments (6)
awesome, will be ordering the stuff. i hope she appreciates it
MB just shot me an email asking about wire. (Oops - I mistakenly thought he'd already found the wire!)
My recommendation for getting started is to look for a permanently-colored copper wire - such as Artistic brand - in at least three gauges: 24 gauge, 20 gauge, and 18 gauge. It's pretty affordable, available on Amazon and lots of other places, and easy to work with.
If you have your own advice for MB or beginners in general, please share! :)
Great article. This is exactly what I was looking for to start making jewelry. Thanks.
Hi! I just found your blog, and reading older posts.. I love your work! I'm making first steps learning how to make beaded jewelry and your blog is full of information I need! Have to go through briefly!
I love that you put this all into a nice list for us newbies! I've been looking for something a little more concrete and to the point. I haven't found it till now! Thanks so much!
Jewelry Making Books
I just realized now that you're the author of the book I talk about on my blog! So excited to have stumbled across this! I'm going to buy it this weekend! Let me know if I can do anything to help you sell more of those books! Have a great night!