of BEADS & BEYOND!
I was unaware, until very recently,
that the magazine was under new
editorship - and it's definitely
had a makeover and is packed with
information and projects ...
well worth a look, if you haven't
seen a copy of it yet!
www.beadsandbeyondmagazine.com
... and if you go to page 62-63
you'll see my 'Meet & Greet' feature.
Also, if you haven't had a chance to see my new book yet -
well, all I can say is ... don't wait too long ... it's packed
full of projects, with a great diversity of techniques and
styles and will suit the beginner as well as the advanced
wire jeweller, as they will be able to improvise and customise
any of the projects!
I've also recently, had a spark of interest in
people wanting to know how to create a simple
R I N G. I have a whole chapter dedicated
to this in my book ... and in all my other
books too! However, if you're itching
to create something simple that's quick and
only involves one bead and a length of 0.8mm wire,
well, here goes:
MATERIALS: 1 x 8mm faceted bead, 12" (31cms) of
0.8mm silver wire.
TOOLS: Ring triblet or cylindrical mandrel, hammer,
chain- or flat-nosed pliers.
1. Start by cutting 31cms (approx. 12") of 0.8mm wire.
Thread your chosen bead onto the centre of this length
and place the wired bead onto your mandrel, wrapping
the wire around the circular shape, with the two cut
ends projecting out in the front by the threaded bead.
2. Holding everything tightly against the mandrel,
take one of the wires with the tips of your flat/or
chain-nosed pliers and wrap it around the perimeter
of the bead, as tightly as you can.
Keep your ring on the mandrel when you're wrapping the
wire around it - one wire should go around the top
of the bead and the other should be wrapped around the
base. Don't worry too much about keeping the wrapping
too neat - the randomness of it all, is part of the
'charm' of the design!
Use up all the wire, and push the ends into the back
of the ring behind the bead.
Keeping the ring positioned on your mandrel, spend a little time,
re-adjusting the wrapped wire frame by squeezing it with your
flat-nosed pliers around the focal bead until you are totally satisfied.
You can also gently 'stroke' hammer the back shank (2 wires)
of the ring to work harden them.
Alternatively, you can twist or tweak one of the
wires on each side bead, to produce a little
decorative detail - and this will also create a
space between the 'shank' wires at the back of the ring.
This is such a simple, yet effective ring for
a single bead - so have fun experimenting with it!
Variations can be created by using MORE or
THICKER GAUGE wire. Also, try wrapping the ends
around on each side of the bead, near
to the wired mount. Alternatively, you can use
the tips of your pliers to twist and tweak any wires
around the bead to produce wiggled shapes within
the frame surrounding the bead!
(Above) you can see a little bit of 'tweaking' has
been going on - using the tips of your round nosed
pliers.
(Above) You can use the projecting wires
to secure on either side of the wrapped
bead. Whilst the 'amber' ring, has also
been wrapped around the back 'shank' using
another length of 0.6mm wire, with the ends
securely finished with spiral finials which
are 'stroke' hammered.
... and back to the Spiral Bead Maker for a coiled wire shank.
This ring is created slightly differently and in two parts ...
but it might spark off a few more ideas!
*************************************************************
EXCLUSIVE TO GUILD MEMBERS ONLY!
F L O W E R RING PROJECT
If you are a Guild member and would like exclusive instructions
of how to make these fun flower rings, just:
Email: linda.jones@wirejewellery.co.uk
with subject heading: WWG Flower Rings
Thanks for the ring project, especially with all the alternatives - I'll certainly give it a go
ReplyDeleteThanks, Pixie Blue - it's definitely worth a try ... especially as it only takes 5 minutes to make! and it's a fun addition to a necklace & earrings set.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda. I LOVE your designs! How do I become a member of the Wire Guild in order to get some of the exclusive instructions not listed here? Please email me at LahDeeDahDesigns@outlook.com.
ReplyDeleteTjanks a lot, Lori