WireWorkers Guild

The WireHeart Guild

2012-01-25T08:30:00.000-08:00

I did promise you more HEART designs
this month. Hopefully, this should
top you up with inspiration to enable you
to create something traditionally heart shaped
and uniquely special in time for
St.Valentine's next month ...

This style of design is a great way of using up
left-over beads. You can create a frame in any
size you wish, depending on how much wire
you use and load it with colourful beads (just
like colouring in!!).

0.8mm
(20-gauge)
or
1 mm
(14-gauge)
wire is
just right
for the
frame.

1. Cut the length desired and fold in half,
ensuring the projecting wires are running
straight and parallel.

2. Use a cylindrical mandrel (such as a pen, if it's
a small frame) and bend the projecting wires around
to create the 'shoulders' of the heart. Straighten
the projecting wires down the centre of the frame.

3. Create a small coil (that is wide enough to thread
through both wires - just like a jump ring coil) and
thread this onto the end of the projecting wires.
Using your round nosed pliers, create links with the
cut ends. Alternatively, you could thread the wires
through large hole bead instead of a wire coil.

4. Hold each of the circular links in your flat nosed
pliers and create spirals, curling the wires up (in
opposite directions) towards the top of the heart.

This is not mandatory! But if you're a hammer-
head like me, hammer the top 'shoulders' of the
frame to work harden it - but avoid touching
the central coil! Now you're ready to start
beading! Using 0.4mm wire you can wire a
selection of beads into the frame, filling it up
with colour and texture! Have fun trying!!

Here's a brooch a created in a similar way (although
without the central coil).

There's no end
to variations
and styles!

You can also bind on shapes within the frame
and add a spot of colour through the addition
of a bead.

Just play
around
with the
wire and
you'll probably
come up with
something
unique and
interesting!

Small heart motifs look great
on handbag charms - here's
something I designed for
my latest WEDDING book.

Did you know that Rose
Quartz was the stone
of LURVE!

You might have
seen this tutorial
already - as it was
a Christmas project,
although, it could
be suitable for a
wedding theme too.

However, why not
have a go at binding
the frame with
colourful beads to
see how different
it can look!

You could always get your JIG out and have a go
at making a shape to wire within a heart frame.

You might
also have seen
this design before
in Make Jewellery
magazine ...
I created 2 versions
with red and pink
beads using black
iron wire on a 'Vintage'
Valentine theme. I
even made a heart
shaped ring to match!

Here's
my PUFF
HEART!
Any coloured
wire can be
used and
beads can
also be
woven in
if desired.

THAT SHOULD BE ENOUGH INSPIRATION FOR ONE
BLOGGING!

PLEASE DO POST YOUR HEART DESIGNS ON MY
FACEBOOK PAGE TO SHARE!

The WireHeart Guild

2012-01-14T08:26:00.000-08:00

If you create and design jewellery to sell,
I bet you are currently all consumed with
Valentine themes for next month. Also,
if your hobby and creative escape involves
jewellery making ...
I've put together all my HEART shaped
projects spanning several book projects to
help ignite inspiration.

HEART motifs are so popular and such recognisable
symbols, epitomising: love, fondness, desire,
attachment, affection, passion ... need I go on?

So, for the love of wire, why don't you create your
own Heart designs and share them on my Facebook
page.

The first ever heart design I created, is this chain bracelet.
You'll find all the instructions in 'Creating Wire & Beaded
Jewelry' page 76.

Here's a
beaded
variation
key-ring.

There's no end to variations!!

This heart
shaped
pendant
was designed
for my Special
Occasions Book.

The design was called 'Love Eternal' and
you'll find it on page 45.

Still in the same 'Special Occasions' book
(on page 35) in the Valentine's chapter,
I designed this 'Lover's Knot' bracelet chain,
using some gorgeous multi-coloured
Swarovski crystal heart beads.

Then, on page 30, you'll find this Sweetheart Necklace
project with matching earrings.

I also want to show you my 'Cupid's' Chain. This works well
made in the pinky tones of copper wire.

These earrings
were made to
match.

You'll find full instructions to make these on
at Bead TV.

In my Celtic themed project book, I created these Shamrock
style hairgrips, which can be made beaded, or with coloured
wires.

Great for Bridal Hair Combs too!

Here's another project from the Celtic book, a simple
cord style bracelet.

This was a Jig project called 'Chain Reaction' which can
be found in 'Making Beautiful Bead & Wire Jewellery'.

And ... from my new Wedding project book, which
is just out! Here's is a bridal necklace design!

I CAN HEAR A YAWN CHORUS NOW ...
THAT'S PROBABLY ENOUGH HEARTS
TO VISUALLY DIGEST IN ONE SITTING!

HOWEVER, I WILL POST SOME MORE
UP SOON TO KEEP YOUR LEVEL OF
INSPIRATION ON A HIGH WIRE!!

OUT NOW!!
Ready to purchase.

The WireWorkers Guild

2012-01-10T07:39:00.000-08:00

A HEARTY 'HELLO' to anyone
who wants some inspiration for
a Valentine project for next month ...
on February 14th!

I notice that all the beading magazines
are focusing on heart-shaped designs -
as is traditional of course! And with
the current trend of 'vintage' (nostalgia)
and 'steampunk' styles, I've designed
a VINTAGE VALENTINE
Necklace as my next tutorial.

So, if you're sitting comfortably... ? here's
how it goes:

1. Cut approximately 7" (17.5cm) of 0.8mm (20-gauge)
black wire ... although, if you want it larger cut more
and thicker or of a different colour, use a different gauge and
type of wire ... (simples!)

Place your round nosed pliers at the centre of the length
and cross the wires around the shaft to create a central
loop, straightening out the wires into a 'V' shape on either side.

2. Find a cylindrical mandrel of about 1/2" (1.5cm) diameter
and use this to curl the projecting ends of wire around, towards
each other, forming the top of the heart shape.
(*Optional: you can hammer the outer frame on steel bench
block to work harden.)

3. Now cut another length of wire - approximately 5"
(12.5cm) and placing the tips of your round nosed pliers
at the centre of this length, bend it in half, straightening
out the projecting ends.

4. Use your round nosed pliers to create circular loops
curling in towards each other on either side.

5. Hold the circular loops firmly in your flat nosed pliers and
continue curling the wire around to form a small heart shaped
frame (as shown above). *Optional: you can hammer the
wire frame on steel bench block to work harden.

6. Using the tips of your round nosed pliers, curl the ends
of the larger heart frame into small links and connect the
top part of the small heart into these, suspending it within
the frame.

7. Cut a long length, say 10"-12" (25.5c-31cm) of 28-gauge
(0.4mm) black wire and use it to bind the two frames
together, threading it with small red seed beads as you go ...

8. It is completely up to you how many beads you wish
to attach, or how much binding you want to do and if
you run out of wire, just secure the end to the frame
(cutting off any excess and neaten the end) and attach
another length, continuing the binding and beading
exactly where you left off.

9. Once you've finished weaving beads to the interior frame,
you can use the tip of your chain nosed pliers to tweak and
neaten all the wires so that you're satisfied with the overall
look.

10. All that's left for you to do now, is to suspend it
from some 'gunmetal' coloured chain and if desired,
attach a bead from the tip of the heart.

You could also suspend a bead from the centre of
the frame? The variations are endless! Just have a play!

Here's ("one I made earlier"!) a classic version in black. Which
incidentally, looks great against a red top!

********************************************************

I'LL KEEP YOU POSTED ON MORE 'HEART'
THEMED DESIGNS SOON ...

H A P P Y W I R E W O R K I N G

... keep the passion of wire-art burning!

The WireWorkers Guild

2011-12-31T08:02:00.001-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR
to all fellow wire artists!!

As is traditional, this is a time to take stock and start afresh
with new plans and ideals, so I felt my wire LEAF designs could
potentially provide possible inspiration to "turn over a (proverbial)
new leaf" for the coming year!!

"An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in.
A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves."
(quote by Bill Vaughan)

Handbag
Charm

The tutorial for this handbag charm can be
found in an older post (Friday 7th January 2011).

A cascade of hammered leaf frames and open
swirls can make a pretty necklace centrepiece.

Circle of Leaves Necklace:
Wire and beaded leaves connected as a continuous
chain for the front of a necklace. (Or, why not create this
in a smaller scale, for a bracelet or ankle chain design!).

Copper
Leaf
Earrings

There's something so elegant about this tapered shape
for earrings and if you wish to see instructions, you can
view them on Bead TV in the 'Wirework Projects section.

Leaf Fringe Necklace.
This design has an almost 'tribal' appearance and
looks great as a choker necklace.

Why not create a gold leaf necklace using ready made
components?

It's also possible to create delicate and elegantly
flattering long chain designs with wirey leaf frames ...

... with, or without beads!

Or ...
use beads
to add a
dash of
extra
colour
and
boldness
to the
centre
of the
leaf frame!

Here's my Autumn Leaf Tiara. You'll find full
instructions for this and a necklace and matching
earrings in my latest book:
Creating Wire & Beaded Weddings.

SO ...
START AFRESH AND
TURN OVER A NEW LEAF FOR 2012!!

The WireWorkers Guild

2011-12-23T12:05:00.001-08:00

Here's a little present - a speedy make project - to ALL fellow
wireworkers. I will call it the KISS-ME-QUICK NECKLACE
as it's based on the MISTELTOE plant, which traditionally at
Christmas is used as a decoration under which to kiss your
loved ones! I believe the tradition ultimately derives from some
ancient Norse myth of Baldur ... which is far too long and complicated
a story to tell here. So, if you're really interested, you'll have
to 'google' it!!

All you need for this, is your thickest wire to hand: I used
1.25mm, however, 1mm is perfectly adequate too. Also, some
0.8mm wire, 2 white pearly beads and a chain. As for tools, your
round and flat nosed pliers, wire cutters, hammer and steel
stake.

Now, are you sitting comfortably? Then, please read on:

1. Cut 3" (7.5cm) of 1.25mm wire (or 1mm) and placing
your round nosed pliers just off from the centre of the
length, wrap the wire around, bringing both ends back
down. Using your fingers (or mandrel), shape the projecting
ends into a curve on each side (as shown above).

2. Place the wire unit on a steel block and hammer the
ends in a spreading/stroking motion so that they 'mushroom'
out. Also tap the top of the link to flatten (but avoid the
crossed over wires as this will weaken them).

3. Cut 6" (15cm) of 0.8mm (20-gauge) wire and wrap
the centre of the length around the base of the top link
to secure, pulling the extending wires out in either side.

4. Thread one of your pearl beads (about 8mm diameter)
onto one of the projecting wires and push it right up to
the link. Press and wrap the wire around the perimeter
of the bead and with your round nosed pliers, create a
small circle at the very end of the wire.

5. Continue curling the wire to create a spiral at the
end, right up until you reach the pearl bead ...

... press the
spiral over the
front of the
pearl.

6. Thread a second pearl bead (mine was
slightly smaller) and wrap the end around
the perimeter of the bead (as before) and
continue wrapping it around the back of the
bead. Press the end against the back of the bead
with your chain nosed pliers to ensure that there is
no spiky end protruding.

7. Now all you have to do is attach it to
a jump ring and suspend it from a chain!
And 'hey presto'! you've made a "Kiss-me-
Quick" Necklace!!

8. P.S. If the hammered ends don't 'mushroom'
out quite as expected on your first attempt ...
(because after all, hammering IS an acquired
technique and does take a little practice !) ...
just curl them up with the tips of your round nosed
pliers and you've got a new unique beaded
charm!

AND ... also, here's another idea ...
how about making it a little more
festive with a red ribbon!

WISHING YOU
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
AND GOOD HEALTH
AND HAPPINESS
FOR 2012!!

The WireWorkers Guild

2011-12-09T05:38:00.000-08:00

The little ones are all counting their 'sleeps' to
CHRISTMAS, whilst us bigger folk are planning
and working hard to prepare to enjoy a few days
off work and a family catch up and then it's a
brand new start in 2012!

If you're stuck for what to put on your Xmas
WISH LIST, I've got the perfect solution.
Did I mention I have a new book coming out?

It's out in January and can be purchased on both
"amazon.com" as well as "dot co dot uk"
and it's entitled:
WIRE & BEADED WEDDING JEWELRY
...34 step by step projects for tiaras, necklaces, hair
accessories, table decorations, and MORE ... !!!

Published By Cico Books

Now, I know what you're thinking ... "I don't want
a wire project book that just specialises in wedding
projects!" However, I can guarantee the projects
are very adaptable to every day wear. O.K., you're
right ... you wouldn't wear a tiara to the supermarket!
However, have you thought of adapting a tiara design by
wearing it upside down, around the neck as a choker necklace?

The book is broken up into 4 main seasonal chapters, with
each chapter using a themed colour palette: Spring has green,
ivory and white combined with silver and Autumn or Fall has
ambers, golds and creamy pearls, etc..., etcetera-ra-ra ...

The projects not only include jewellery but card designs and
table accessories for the Reception, all of which can be adapted
to other special occasions and gifts. I've tried to pour in every thing
I've gleaned throughout the years when designing for brides,
bridesmaids and Mother's of the bride ... I promise you wont be
disappointed, especially as the photography by both Geoff Dann and
Stuart West is stunning!

As a little teaser, here's a little glimpse at some of the projects
included:

A little
taste of
SPRING
...

... and below, a 'wee' peep at SUMMER ...

... and now for a key hole glimpse
of AUTUMN or FALL ...

... and finally ... a tiny peep at WINTER!

There's everything from: a corsage, a hat pin,
to favour bag charms, tea light holders, shoe clips,
hair comb decorations and fascinators, bridesmaid's
wands, handbag charms, cake topper, table decorations
and place name holders, to jewellery ... not to mention
the obvious: bridal tiaras!

Each seasonal chapter also has a design idea for a
invitation card. These can be adapted to suit many
other occasions such as 'Get Well Soon', 'Happy Birthday',
Wedding Anniversary' and 'Christmas"!!!!

So what are you waiting for? If you enjoy creating
beautiful pieces with wire, it doesn't matter if
you're a complete beginner, intermediate or
advanced, there's something in this book for
everyone which will sparkle and ignite creativity
and boundless inspiration!

You can pre-order NOW from "amazon" and it will
be with you for the dawning of the New Year!

***********************************************

BEST WIREY WISHES &
HAPPY CHRISTMAS
TO YOU ALL!!
******************************************************

P.S. There are always a few projects that don't make a book
and here are a couple of pieces that didn't get aired in the final draft,
however, I thought I would share them with you now ...

A hair-vine
that's wraps
around the
side of the
head ...

This Bridesmaid bangle also ended up on
the cutting room floor and missed being
in glorious technicolour published print!

The WireWorkers Guild

2011-11-22T12:51:00.000-08:00

It's coming up to that time of year again ...
I've been madly busy taking and doing
C H R I S T M A S
commissions ... and filming jewellery and
accessory projects for BEAD TV
... but ... I haven't forgotten you! and just
when I was trying to think of a new Xmas tutorial,
a good friend turned up to my studio with
something she had made that had been inspired
from a Xmas decoration in her local shop ... and
then I was inspired too! So, I'm hoping (in big hopes)
that the cycle of inspiration continues and that you
all become inspired to create your own unique
Christmas decorations. So, without further ado:

here's my PEARLY HEART decoration that could be
created to suspend from the tree, or from anything
you so wish! (Answers on a postcard please!
... No! Only joking!!)

Gather together some: 1mm & 0.4mm silver plated wire.
Assorted pearl and crystal beads and a piece of ribbon.

1. Depending on the size of the heart frame you wish to create ...
cut a length of 1mm wire (I used about 10") and place your
round nosed pliers at the centre. Bring the wire around your
pliers, so that the wires cross over on either side.

2. Place a circular
mandrel (such as
a fat pen, etc...) on
each side of the
central loop and
curl the wire around
to form the 'shoulders'
of the heart frame.

Bring the wires together to form the end point of the
heart.

3. Where the wires cross over, wrap one wire
around the other to secure.

4. Place the heart frame on a steel block and hammer
the outer edge to toughen and work harden it. (Avoid
hammering any areas where the wires cross over as
this will only weaken the frame!)

5. Spiral the end of the projecting wire up to the tip
of the heart and flatten it over the wrapped wires to
conceal them underneath.

6. Cut a long length of 0.4mm wire and secure the
centre around the top of the central loop of the heart
frame. Begin threading one side with beads (crystals
and pearls of assorted sizes ... although, any colour
will do!!). Bind them to the framework as you go.

7. Keep binding and threading assorted sized beads
as you go, working from one side and then the other ...
Cut off any excess wire and neaten the ends.

8. Create some jump rings (or use ready made!) and
find a space to link into the central loop from the back
of the heart frame. You will need 3 or 4 to create a
suspension chain.

9. Thread your
last chain link
with some ribbon
of your choice
so that it can be
suspended from
the branch of your
Christmas tree!

... and if you wish to vary the style - you can create a
more decorative version by attaching more crystal
beads from the centre and base.

Scale it up or down and use this as INSPIRATION for
a card decoration, window ornament, necklace pendant,
handbag charm, not to mention Wedding embellishment,
etcetera, etceterara ...

FOR MORE XMAS PROJECT IDEAS you will find
tutorials on Bead TV for:

Simple CHRISTMAS TREE EARRINGS
and ...

HOLLY LEAF NECKLACE ...
as well as ...

SNOWFLAKE DECORATIONS!

and keep watching for more projects coming up ...

HAPPY WIRE WORKING!!

The WireWorkers Guild

2011-11-01T13:01:00.000-07:00

CHAIN~o~CHAIN~o~CHAIN~o~CHAIN~o~CHAIN oOo~oOo~oOo~oOo~oOo~oOo~oOo~oOo~oOo~oOo

It's only the 1st November but I'm so busy with
Christmas projects, preparing for Bead TV filming
with 'seasonal greetings' and getting ready for my
Open Studio sale ... that, I've hardly got time to surface
for breath! (Where have I put my wire & beaded snorkel??!).

So, in the interim, to keep you inspired, here are some
images (like wallpaper) of some of my handmade chain
designs...
(Incidentally, a lot of the tutorials for these can be found
on BEAD TV.)

However, as soon as the chaos dies down at this end,
I will be return with some fun Christmas project inspiration!

But ... in the interim, here are some images of chains (and if
you suffer from insomnia, this may be your best cure!!).

Art Deco (like apple slices!) Chain

Egyptian Butterfly Chain (based on the ancient
Egyptian Spiral design).

... and here it is! The wonderful Egyptian Spiral Chain!!

Chain-Reaction-Chain-Reaction-Chain-Reaction-Chain

CHEAT
Chain
Maille!!

"E" for easy Chain

Figure of
* 8 *
Chains
with
beads

Friendship Coils

Classic Greek Key

Loop-de-Loop Chain Necklace

'Lucky'
Horse-Shoe
Links

Spiral
Chains

The Oracle Chain

Wavy Wiggle Chain

... and with a 'wave' and a 'wiggle' I must be off to
my studio to finish what I've started and to get done
what I've begun ...

oOo~oOo~oOo~oOo~oOo~oOo~oOo~oOo~oOo~oOo~oOo

KEEP WIGGLING THOSE WIRES AND STAY HAPPY!!

The WireWorkers Guild

2011-10-24T02:52:00.001-07:00

Due to popular demand ... here are the instructions for
the WIRE SKELETON,
which is an excellent decoration for Halloween!
You could create a hanging mobile with a few of these
suspended at different lengths ... also great for witches
earrings, necklace pendants and hand-bag charms!
Boys will also love these on key rings and belt clips
and great to clip onto the zip of a pencil case!!

So if you're sitting comfortably on your pumpkin,
I will begin:

You will need 0.8mm wire (silver-plated
or coloured), round and flat nosed pliers,
wire cutters and a measuring tape.

1. To make the 'head' - cut approx. 4" (10cm) or
more if you want it larger. Place the tips of your
round nosed pliers at the end and create a circular
link.

2. Hold the circular link firmly in your flat nosed pliers
and curl the projecting wire around it to form a tight,
flat spiral, leaving at least 1.5" (3.5cm) projecting.

3. Place your round nosed pliers by the spiral and curl
the projecting around them, creating a circular link.

4. Push the projecting wire around the perimeter of
the spiral, leaving just over 1/2" (1cm) protruding.

5. Use your round nosed pliers to create a second
link opposite the first.

6. Cut 2" (5cm) of 0.8mm wire and placing your round
nosed pliers at the centre of the length, bring the wire
around the shaft of the pliers until they cross over on each
side.

7. Using your round nosed pliers, create links at each
end - to make a 'hanger'.

8. Now, cut 8 x 1" lengths of 0.8mm wire and using
your round nosed pliers, create centralised links at
each end.

9. Cut 2 x 2" (5cm) and 2 x 3" (7.5cm) lengths
of 0.8mm wire and create spirals with end links
(these will be the hands and feet).

10. Connect the 'head' spiral made in steps 1-5
to the 'hanger'. Twist the end link of the spiral
90 degrees before attaching.

11. To form the 'arms': connect 2 of the
double 'eye'pin wires (created in step 8)
to each side of the 'hanger'.

12. Attach the pair of smaller spirals to each end
link to create the 'hands'.

13. (Hands Up!!). Connect a jump ring to either
side of the hanger links to attach a double
eye-pin horizontally across.

14. Continue connecting jump rings
and double eye-pins, until you have
a row of 4.

15. Lastly, attach the 2 remaining double
eye-pins directly to the last links in the
horizontal 'rib' unit, so that they hang
down to form the 'legs' and then connect the
last 2 spirals to the end links, to make the 'feet'.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

The WireWorkers Guild

2011-10-10T13:08:00.000-07:00

..................
CHECK
THIS
OUT
..................

I've just discovered a new U.K. BEAD SUPPLIER!!
Their swift service is impeccable, supported by their promise of:
ORDER BY 2pm ON A WEEKDAY and THEY GUARANTEE to dispatch
on the same day - or ... THEY WILL REFUND YOU £10!!

"What are they called?"
I hear you cry ...

www.beadcrafty.com is definitely worth a visit!

Their Home page makes online shopping so easy, with a beautiful hand-picked image selection of beads, so clear and uncluttered. Definitely a case of 'less is more'! And ... to top it all, FREE DELIVERY!

(Abalone Shell Pendant)

I recently caught up with Steve from BeadCrafty to find out a little more
about their business ...

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO SET UP BEADCRAFTY?

The business was set up as we recognise that there is a very large and fast growing jewellery making community. We notice that many bead sites are not offering FREE DAY DELIVERY and SAME DAY DISPATCH and we felt that we could offer something more to our customers. We also wanted to hand-pick a selection of beads (we have about 500) rather than offering a huge (and sometimes daunting) range.

(Key Charm)

DO YOU HAVE ANY FORMAL TRAINING OR EXPERIENCE IN JEWELLERY MAKING OR JEWELLERY SALES FROM A PREVIOUS WORK BACKGROUND?

We have no formal training in creating jewellery but we have many creative people within our company who have various outlets for their creativity, one of which is creating jewellery. This helps us understand our customers and know exactly what they want. Our background is in T-shirts (our managing director started an online T-shirt business while he was a student).

(Shell Disc Beads)

WHAT IS YOUR BEST SELLING PRODUCT?

Our best selling products are the FIMO FRUIT BEADS - probably because
they look good enough to eat! Our cute BELL BEADS and
PORCELAIN OWL BEADS also sell very well.

(Fimo 'Apple Slice' Beads)

HOW DO YOU PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS?

We promote the business by visiting craft fairs, writing blog posts to help
give our customers ideas of how to use the products that we sell.

(Porcelain Owl Bead)

WHAT AMBITIONS AND GOALS DO YOU HAVE FOR BEADCRAFTY
FOR THE FUTURE?

We want to become the number one bead selling site! We want to offer the best customer service, the fastest dispatch time and excellent quality products!! We have a long way to go, but we are dedicated to treating our customers how we like to be treated!

(Bronze Padlock Charm)

********************************************************************************

SOooo ... WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR ? ... GIVE
www.BeadCrafty.com a go - I'm sure you wont be disappointed!!

Pink Fimo Flower Beads

The WireWorkers Guild

2011-09-27T09:49:00.000-07:00

SATURDAY - 15th OCTOBER 2011

THE BIG BEAD SHOW hits Sandown Park in Esher!

Not only will there be a stunning mass and eclectic choice of delectably gorgeous beads from top class suppliers and exhi bitors!! ... this year, for the first time ... the show is holding WORKSHOPS and I am delighted to be one of the tutors!

So do please come along and take part in a "Taster" WireWork Jewellery Workshop
as I will be running 3 workshop sessions throughout the day:

10.30am-11.45am * 12pm-1.15pm * 2pm-3.15pm

The workshops are already getting booked up quickly, so if you confirm your place NOW, you wont be disappointed on the day!

These 'taster' workshops will cover essential techniques such as 'MAKING LINKS ON BEADS' 'FORMING SPIRALS', 'CREATING BEAD CAGES' and 'MAKING JUMP RINGS', which will enable and provide you with the opportunity to make a very special and unique piece of finished jewellery to take home. I will also be happy to divulge any of my wirework tips and tactics, so please feel free to ask when you attend!

Below are some samples of the types of pieces that could be created within the workshop session:

Bead Cage & Spiral Necklace

Plaited Cord with Threaded Bead Pendant

Corded Bead Bracelet

Bead Cascade Pendant on Chain

Beads Unlimited of Brighton are very kindly providing a fantastic choice of beads for you to make your pieces and they will have wonderful offers to hand out on their stand throughout the day! So, don't miss out!
The whole event is being organised by BEAD MAGAZINE

who I am sure you are already familiar with for their inspirational magazine
and for BEAD TV!

******************************************************************

To avoid complete despair and years of regretful disappointment
pre-book the workshops for £10.00 by emailing:
Elizabeth@ashdown.co.uk
or else ... (and that's only IF there are ANY places left ...)
pay £12 at the show.

ALL the tools, gorgeous choice of beads and worksheets required,
will be available for your use on the day –
provided by Beads Unlimited of Brighton
So, if you don't want to miss your place for this very unique opportunity ...

... before all the places get taken!

I very much hope to see you there!!
(Guaranteed Creative Fun and a uniquely original piece of jewellery to take home!)

The WireWorkers Guild

2011-09-13T09:59:00.000-07:00

I am often asked
if I have a favourite
wireworking tool
or gadget?
It's always difficult to
name just one ... but
as far as gadgets go ...
I think it would have
to be the -
COILING GIZMO or
SPIRAL BEADMAKER.

This brilliantly simple device, was invented by a talented
Canadian artist called LEROY GOERTZ, who worked in
many different media. His first love was wood (making furniture)
and later he used wood in his sculptural work . In the early '70's
he began experimenting and working with glass (this was as a
result of teaching at Oregon's school for delinquent children)
and developed his lampworking skills using a torch flame and
molten coloured glass rods. In the early 1990's he gained an interest
in bronze sculpture, which led to working with wire, evolving techniques
for creating jewellery using coiled wire ... hence, the invention of his
COILING GIZMO!
His most recent work involves casting in precious metals for a wearable
line of sculpture.

You can read all about his COILING GIZMO and other
coiling inventions here:

http://www.coilinggizmo.com/

Now back to the gadget, you can purchase this in the
U.K. from: www.wires.co.uk (my very favourite wire supplier!)
Also, www.gjbeadeads .co.uk supply a 'deluxe' 5 handle mandrel
coiling tool ... and so do many other bead suppliers on the internet
around the world. So there is no excuse for NOT being able
to purchase one!

Even though it is possible to coil wire by hand, it is a labour
intensive process and this gadget will provide you with a device
to create coils for mass producing jump rings, creating spacer
coil beads, beaded beads, spiral beads and 'pompom' beads ...
amongst other wonderful wirey things!! It just consists of a
couple of crank handles and a bracket, but it does the job!
It's such a time saver!

You can follow so many tutorials on 'You Tube', so if you are a
complete beginner that's where you can learn how to make
your first spiral beads.

Also, just cut the coils into segments and use them as
'spacer' beads. Below is an example of an eyeglass
chain using this technique:

Or, here's an example of a Choker Necklace (and I have
made a Gallery Bangle using this method too).

It's also great for making shapes: thread the
coils onto wire wiggles and curly coils and you
can create a variety of Necklace, Earring and
Bangle designs ... here are just a few to whet
your appetite!

(Above) A Red & Black Necklace Design

(Above) Crazy Coil Bangles

I have even use use coiled sleeves for some of my ring shanks.

You will also
find some
more images
on an older
post of this
blog - dated
Tuesday
22nd June
2010 ...

Not only is the Coiling Gizmo great for making
spiral beads and wire spacers, etc... but it will
provide you with instant gratification, when creating
POMPOM beads!

If you're wondering how these POMPOM Beads
are created: they are made from a stretched out coil which
has been wrapped around itself to form a ball!

What are waiting for? Go and crank that handle and
make some colourful Pompom Beads with
different gauges and colours, with, or without beads ...

... and PLEASE do send in your images to my
FACEBOOK page as I would love to see and share them!

Happy curly C O I L I N G !!

The WireWorkers Guild

2011-09-03T02:39:00.000-07:00

AS THIS IS A 'ONE-OFF' EXCLUSIVE!
Not something I do very often.
Purely because I am so happy and
satisfied in my own studio space and teaching environment ...

HOWEVER, when the lovely and talented
Jessica Rose

from The London Jewellery School

asked if I would run a 2 day WireWork Masterclass ...

ON: WED. 5TH - THURS. 6th OCTOBER

I had to say "YES"!!

There are limited spaces, so if you are interested, please
BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment. Also, I can guarantee
that I shall pack these classes with as many techniques, tips and
design inspiration to re-ignite your inner 'beading souls'!!

Just click on this link to share in this wirework experience:
http://www.londonjewelleryschool.co.uk/

I don't need to tell you that the venue is in London. Just the
experience of being in the buzzing heart of the city's jewellery
Quarter is exciting enough!

If you are a complete beginner, I will help you with your
first 'Bambi' steps, however, it is helpful if you already have
some experience of using pliers and manipulating wire ... but
it's not completely essential.

On the first day, I propose to give you a general introduction to
tools and materials and basic set up: starting with elementary
techniques such as 'making bead links', 'spirals',
'cages for beads' and 'clasps':

Bead Cage
& Spiral
Projects

Above, are some of the types of pieces you will be able to
create with these fundamental skills.

Following lunch, I am going to cover 'WORK HARDENING'
and tempering of wire.

These circular
links are created
from compressed
hammered wires.

You will learn to make various shapes and motifs,
such as 'hearts' and 'wiggly~squiggles' (that's a technical
term!!) and with these shapes, you will be able to create
unique chain links.

Wire motifs
& shapes

You could also, just stick to one linking system and
create a simple 'S' link bracelet (as shown below):

DAY 2: will start with an introduction to creating Frames for
Bangles and Pendants. Everyone will have the opportunity
of creating a unique beaded cuff bangle.

Beaded
Cuffs

Following lunch break, I am going to encourage some
free-style designing, using all the skills you have learnt.
There will be the possibility of designing a 'torque' style
choker necklace:

Blue Bead
Torque
Frame
Choker

Alternatively, you could make pendant frames for necklaces:

Beaded
Pendant
Frames

Or, have a go at making some exclusively
original BROOCHES!

These beaded frames not only make good brooches, but
stunning necklace focal pieces, can be wired onto ring
shanks and bangles, etc..., etc..., need I go on!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I DO HOPE THAT'S GIVEN YOU A 'TEASER' OF WHAT'S IN
STORE ON THE 2 DAY MASTERCLASS...

I CAN GUARANTEE THAT YOU WILL LEAVE WITH RECHARGED
CREATIVITY, NEW TECHNICAL SKILLS AND A MASTERY
OF WIREWORK ... AS WELL AS SOME BEAUTIFUL PIECES
TO 'SHOW & TELL'.

I VERY MUCH LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU!
xxx

The WireWorkers Guild

2011-08-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful day I've had!
Fiddling with a CHALLENGE PACK
of beads and findings, playing with
design ideas ... Not everyone's idea of fun -
but it's definitely mine!

The CHALLENGE PACK is the brilliant
invention of:
www.beadsdirect.co.uk
and will be available to order on a
monthly basis from their website.
It only costs £9.97, which I thought was
FANTASTIC value for quality and quantity ...
and wait until you see what I was able to
create with it! ...

Each month's pack will be completely different, inspiring and pushing you
to create pieces with materials you might not normally put together, or even
ever personally choose - which to my mind, is the perfect way of propelling
your skills and techniques to another level!
If you're not already part of a beading group, why not use these monthly
challenge packs to start one??! ... they are your perfect monthly Muse ...

You'll also be able to showcase the pieces you create on BeadsDirect
FACEBOOK page - so not only will you have made some stunning new
pieces ... you'll become famous in your own lunchtime !!

Below is what I received in my Challenge Pack:

I used every component to create 5 new jewellery
items and all I added to the pieces from my own
stash, was ready-made chain, earring posts
and some wire!!

On first opening the pack, I was happy to see
the beautiful turquoise beads, as this is my favourite
(& birthstone) colour! So, I began by separating the
green coloured beads from the turquoise blue (as I knew
I had to make a bold, statement piece with these),
therefore, the green beads, ribbon and findings found
natural ground together.

In my personal 'stash' of materials, I found a length of
plumbing chain that toned well with the findings and set to
work on making my first challenge ... an asymetric style
necklace. (Keep reading ... and I will show you how it was made!).

(Above - Emerald Garland Necklace)

Next, I couldn't wait to use the gorgeous turquoise
teardrop beads ... I had quite a few ideas for
earrings and matching necklace, but in the end
I decided on a really bold designer statement piece,
which I'm really pleased with and I promise you
it looks 'WOW' with a suntan and white T-shirt
(not on me - I'm talking hypothetically!!).

(Tie-On 'Beach Babe' Necklace)
The turquoise teardrop and white beads are threaded
onto nylon filament and connected in tapered
layers. I've made decorative suspension 'hangers'
out of 1mm silver wire and attached these to each
side of the necklace. The white ribbon was then threaded
and doubled through the top loops, so that the ends can
be tied into a decorative bow at the back of the neck with
the beaded shell-like embellishments hanging down from
each ribbon tip. This makes it look interesting and
decorative from the back as well as the front!
("Give us a twirl").

Included in the pack, were some small round turquoise beads,
so, having made the 'Beach Babe' necklace, I was inspired to
create some 'bunch' style earrings to complete the set!

(Oceana Earrings)
The only addition from my personal stash in these earrings
was the wire I used to thread the beads, the 2 pearl beads
suspended at the ends, plus 4 silver beads (2 in each bunch),
as well as the earring findings.

Now for my next challenge: I was still left with the Kilt Pin
finding and luckily, I still had a few left over beads to play with ...

(Fortune Charm Pin)

And here is my Lucky Charm Pin design. I used the
crystal 'treasure' bead for the centrepiece, to symbolise
wealth and prosperity for the future, the turquoise teardrop
represents my Birthstone and the shell bead expresses
my love of nature (hence the little blue heart bead),
not to mention memories of happy seaside holidays!

And would you believe it? There were still a few more beads
left in the pack to create one final piece ...

(Hand Bag Charm)
... and here it is, a Hand Bag Charm or Key Ring!
In fact, this could be a great accessory for a bride
at her wedding, if she wanted to add: ..."something old, something
new, something borrowed, something BLUE"!!

Well, that's it! I managed to use
everything up and create 5 distinctive
new pieces. Go on, what are you waiting for ...
give yourself, or your beading group
a new challenge too!
It's such fun and very rewarding!
(Keeps the brain cells functioning and more enjoyable than SUDOKU!)

*******************************************************************
*******************************************************************
If you're interested to know how I created the first piece, with the
green, crystal, pearl beads and findings ... read on:

Above, are the pieces I used - all of them came from the
Beads Direct Challenge Pack, except for the plumbing chain!

1. I began by threading the green faceted pear-drop
crystal beads with the headpins and pushed them through
each side of the circular coil finding.

2. I then secured the headpins at the back of the unit
by spiralling the ends and pushing back into the coils.

3. I cut a small piece of masking tape and wrapped this around
one end of the green satin ribbon, and with my scissors, tapered the
end into a point (to make it easier for threading). I then began threading
the ribbon through the chain links.

4. I continued threading the ribbon in and out of
each chain link, to the length of the necklace I desired.

5. Then, I threaded the 2 round crystal beads with 0.8mm wire,
creating links at each end. I also used all the headpins from the
pack to thread the pear-drop green crystals and white pearls, making
top links with my round nosed pliers. In fact, the pearls are threaded
onto one headpin - so they are co-joined in sets, like Siamese twins!

6. Now, getting back to the necklace ... I cut another length of
plumbing chain and attached this to the central part - leaving
a space at the centre (for my beaded embellishments!).

7. Now, I set about embellishing the front of the necklace.
For this, I cut some more chain and connected the crystal
beads to it and attached the green pear-drop crystals and
pearls at various intervals to the chain. This is not a very
good image of the piece, as it's lying flat ...to be honest, it
looks much better suspended - as gravity gives it weight,
balance and overall proportion! The coil spiral decoration
at the side (created in step 1-2) was initially attached with
jump rings, but when worn, it tended to dip forward, so I
ended up cutting a length of 0.4mm wire and binding it to the
back and onto the chain and ribbon necklace, so that it was
totally secure.

8. Finally, I added the decorative toggle clasp
from the Challenge pack and tied the green
ribbon around the last links at the ends of the chain
and created some coils out of wire to garnish
the dangling ribbon ends.
This makes the back of this necklace as decorative as
the front!!
***************************************************
***************************************************
THANK YOU, Claire, from
BEADS DIRECT!!!!
I love your CHALLENGE PACKS ...
and I'm already looking forward in
anticipation, to next month's beady
surprise!!

The WireWorkers Guild

2011-07-24T08:34:00.000-07:00

If you're feeling a bit 'down' and need
a little summery 'lift' ...
come and join me for some
WIRE THERAPY and create a
BUTTERFLY BANGLE!

All you need is:

Round, Chain
and Flat Nosed
Pliers, Wirecutters,
Hammer & Steel Stake.

0.8mm & 0.4mm silver-plated wire
and some 0.8mm gold-plated wire.
So now, if you're sitting comfortably ...
LET'S BEGIN!

1. Cut 3 x 5" (12.5cm) lengths of 0.8mm wire:
one in silver-plate and two in gold-plate.

Place the centre of the silver-plated length around one of the shafts
of your round nosed pliers and use your flat or chain nosed pliers to
PINCH the wire around the circular shaft to create a central loop.
Straighten out the projecting wires so that they run parallel
from the loop.

2. Place the two 5" (12.5cm) straightened lengths of gold-plated
wire on each side of the doubled piece and bind together,
using approximately 4" (10cm) of 0.4mm silver wire.

3. Create open spirals with the gold wires on each
side ...

4. Repeat, by creating open spirals with the gold wires on the opposite
side and slide the binding with the spirals down towards the looped end.

5. Using your round nosed pliers, create links
at the end of the projecting silver wires.

6. Continue curling the ends of silver wires to form the butterfly antennae.
(*Optional: if you're "hammer happy" like me, you can hammer the ends
of the golden spiral 'wings' to work harden and toughen the unit).

7. Create some more 'butterflies' and some jump rings so that
you can link them together to form a chain, (as shown above)
by connecting into the 'antennae' from one unit and through into
the base spirals of the next.

You might need to shorten the antennae, by spiralling them a little more,
so that the units sit closer together when connected.

Finally, once you've attached the units into
a chain to the required bangle length, create
a double fish-hook clasp (or use a ready-made
lobster safety clasp) and attach to the very end.

You will also be pleased to find that the butterflies can FLAP their wings!!

And here are some fancy earrings to match!!

HAVE FUN EXPERIMENTING WITH THIS DESIGN
USING DIFFERENT COLOURED WIRES TO COME
UP WITH YOUR OWN VARIATIONS ... and don't
feel shy to send your images to my Facebook page
to show and share with everyone!

HAPPY WIREWORKING!!

The WireWorkers Guild

2011-07-14T07:52:00.000-07:00

*TWEET * TWEET*
I am always on the look out for
design inspiration and recently
I've noticed that a lot of High
Street fashion jewellery, contains
bird motifs. It's not something
that I am naturally drawn to as
a shape - but as I am always up
for a challenge ... I thought I would
try to design a BIRD CHARM.

The evolution of this piece went
through many stages with my
first attempts looking like weird
bird/fish mutation comedy characters!
They made me laugh, so I thought you
might like to see them and have a
giggle too!!

However,
I finally settled on one design and here's
the tutorial (just hope you like it?!).

You will need: 0.4mm & 0.8mm
silver-plated wire, round, flat &
chain nosed pliers, wire cutters
(Optional: hammer & steel stake).

1. For a 5cm (2") bird ... Cut approx. 15cm (6") of 0.8mm wire. Using your flat or chain nosed pliers, bend the length in half, creating a point at the centre.

2. Place the tips of your round nosed pliers next to the central
point and bend the wire up and around the side of the circular
shaft to create the rounded 'head' shape of the bird frame.

3. Use your fingers to shape the extending wires to form
the 'body' of the bird ...

4. In order to create the 'tail', use the very tips of your round nosed
pliers to bend a kink in the top part of the frame.

5. Using the tips of your round nosed pliers, bend the
wire back down towards the base of the frame.

6. Use the very tips of your round nose pliers to create
a crinkly edge to the 'tail' wire - bending it backwards and
forwards.

7. Using the tips of your round nosed pliers, create a tiny link at the
end of the crinkly edge wire and thread the base wire through this loop.

8. Create a bend in the base wire to form the 'tail'
end of the bird frame.

9. Connect the base wire around the end link to secure it
together and cut off any excess and neaten the ends.
(Optional: gently stroke hammer the outer frame - avoiding
the link - to work harden).

10. To make the 'wing' - form an open spiral, working directly from a spool of 0.8mm wire.

11. When the spiral is large enough, initially bend the wire outwards away from the spiral and then immediately back towards it to create a small tip or 'channel' end. You can use the tips of your flat nosed pliers to squeeze the tip into a neater point.

12. To complete the 'wing' shape, use the tips of your round nosed pliers to create a tiny link which can be attached and secured to the outer frame. (Optional: gently stroke hammer the spiral wing frame - avoiding the link!).

13. Cut a short length of 0.4mm silver wire and use this to bind and attach the spiral wing to the bird frame.

14. Once the binding of the wing is secure and you've cut and
neatened the ends, you can secure the spiral onto the top of the
bird frame (like a paper clip).
Now, you can also cut more 0.4mm fine binding wire and create
a woven wire tail ...

15. Once you've bound the tail and you feel the wing is secure - don't forget you can always use more 0.4mm wire to secure the spiral wing and lovely coloured wires for the tail end ...
cut off any excess wire and neaten all the ends.

16. Now, all that is left to do, is to bind an 'eye' bead onto the frame
with a short length of 0.4mm wire. If you wish, use a coloured bead
for extra interest, rather than my neutral 6mm silver bead!

The bird is now ready to FLY!
So you can suspend it from a
chain by a couple of jump rings
and let it soar ...
*************************************************************

These motifs also look great fixed to cards:

The title of this
card could be:

BIRD
WITH
LARGE
JUGS!!

The WireWorkers Guild

2011-06-27T10:39:00.000-07:00

As there is a HEATWAVE
here in the U.K., I reminisced on
my wonderful summer holidays
on the Greek Islands in year's
gone by ... and thought I would
share this classic bracelet design
with you ...

THE GREEK 'KEY' DESIGN

This motif originates from the
River Meander, a river with many twists,
mentioned by Homer in Iliad. 'Meander'
was the most important symbol in Ancient
Greece, symbolising infinity, or the eternal
flow of things. As you probably already
know, many temples and objects, especially
pottery, were decorated with this symbol.

The Greek Key symbolises the bonds of
friendship, love and devotion, therefore,
it is the perfect bracelet to make for someone
who is special to you!

Also, I'm about to do some filming for
BEAD TV on the subject of
MAKING CHAIN LINKS .... so
do keep a keen eye out, as they will
be uploaded in the next couple of weeks
and there's gallons more inspiration and
ideas coming up there!

This one didn't make the film titles, I used the
variation below instead:

Anyhow, are you sitting comfortably?
Bead mat, round, flat and chain nosed pliers
poised for action ... and some 0.8mm (20-gauge)
wire at the ready, not to forget those wire cutters ...

Well here goes -

1. Working from a spool of 0.8mm (20-gauge) wire, use
the very tips of your round nosed pliers (or if you prefer,
the tips of your chain noses) and create a tiny hook at
the very end of the wire.

2. Using your flat nosed pliers, squash the doubled
end together ... SQUISH!!

3. Using the tips of your chain nosed pliers, create a right
angled bend in the wire, pulling and straightening the
projecting wire as you bend it.

4. Once again, using the very tips of your chain nosed pliers
(or round nosed pliers) create a second right angled bend
in the wire, pulling and straightening the rest of the wire
as you go ...

5. Once again ... using the tips of your chain nosed pliers -
positioned just after the last bend - create another right
angle in the wire, pulling and straightening the wire as
you go ...

6. Now you've got the idea!! Just keep creating these
angular bends - it's really up to you how large you want
to make each chain unit, but I made about 9 bends in
mine.
*(Just a tip - if you make the units too big, you could
have problems later where they could catch on things
when worn!).

7. Using your round nosed pliers, position them at the
last bend and bring the wire around to form a back-loop
that is parallel to the top of the square.

8. Now cut the unit off the wire spool, leaving just enough
of a tail to create a link.

9. Create a link at the end of the wire, curling
it back towards the unit.

10. Create about 11 more units in a similar way
(or as many as you need for the length of a bracelet)
and connect them together as shown above. (If you feel
the units are weak, you can gently 'stroke' hammer
them to work-harden and temper them.

11. Now all that's left is to make a fish-hook clasp, or,
use a ready-made one and it's ready for wearing!
Equally, use jump rings on each side to attach to a
ready-made chain so that it can be the front of a
necklace!

HAPPY WIRE WORKING !!

The WireWorkers Guild

2011-06-09T02:34:00.000-07:00

As all you
crafters
and makers,
groovers
and shakers
out there
will know,
there are
always a
few special
designs
that you
come back
to again ...
and again ...

My
NAUTILUS
SHELL BROOCH
is no exception
and as I have had so
many recent requests
for the pattern,
here is a tutorial to
show you how it's made.

TO GET STARTED ...

All you need are
wire cutters,
round, flat and chain
nosed pliers,
1mm silver plated wire,
2 or 3 choice
coloured wires in
0.4 or 0.5mm gauge,
a focal bead, and a
ready made
brooch finding.

1. Working from the end of your
1mm spool of silver plated wire,
use your round nosed pliers,
to create a circular link.

2. Hold the link firmly in
your flat nosed pliers and
continue curling the wire
around to form a open spiral.

3. Once you've created the
open spiral, bend the wire
back towards the base of the
spiral and using your wire
cutters, snip it off the spool,
leaving just enough
projecting wire to create
a small link.

4. To complete
the outline frame:
use the tips of your
round nosed pliers
to create a small link
at the end of the wire
and connect this
to the base of the
spiral frame.

5. Cut a workable length of
your chosen coloured wire
(say approx. 10"-25.5cms)
and secure it to the centre
of your spiral frame.
Begin weaving this in and
out of the framework
securing it to the top and
base frame wires as you
go ...

6. ... Keep weaving
the wire around the
framework ... and if
you run out of wire,
just cut another length
and continue where
you left off ...

7. Once you've
wrapped the spiral
frame in one colour
wire, you can use a
second or third
contrasting
coloured wire to
wrap as an overlay.

You don't have to double-
bind this to the top and base
of the frame as before,
just wrap it around more freely,
and sparsely over the top of
the first wire.

8. Now for your centre
feature bead! Cut a length
of coloured or 0.4mm/0.5mm
silver plated wire and thread
this through the middle of
your spiral.

9. Pull the wire through
and around to secure it
into place (rather like
sewing!) and if you're
left with extra, just
add this to the
surface wrapping.

10. Once the bead is
secured, use your flat
nosed pliers to twist and
'tweak' the coloured wires
around the framework,
creating kinks on the wire.

11. Attach your brooch
finding with wire (either
the fine coloured wires or
0.4mm silver plated)
and then wire it onto
the back of your brooch
frame, securing it firmly
in place.

*OPTIONAL*
12. If you wish you,
you could wire some
small seed beads
around your focal
bead ...

Try experimenting with different colour schemes and vary the sizes!

OR ... use beads instead of coloured wires to create
visually colourful creations ...

How about an Earrings and Necklace set ...

The combinations are ENDLESS and will keep you
busy for hours!!
(This is when the housework will get left,
the washing load will double,
the ironing pile will become a 'mountain',
the kids will be allowed to watch more
videos than they should ...
and supper will have to be something
very speedy and quick to make:
like omelette, baked beans and salad!).

However, you'll have some lovely brooches to show for it!

The WireWorkers Guild

2011-05-24T02:10:00.000-07:00

F E A T U R E
A R T I S T :

**************************
VAL ZDERO
**************************
I would like to introduce you to an incredibly talented artist/ jeweller from Australia. Read on to hear about her work and approach to her craft ...

HOW, WHEN AND WHY DID YOU START WIREWORKING?

Well, first of all, I started painting! That was my first artistic outlet ...and after two years of painting, I started dabbling in jewellery. I loved working with clay and wire from the very start, it just took a bit of time to gain experience and teach myself how to make the clay canes as well as various wire wrapping techniques.

DO YOU HAVE ANY FORMAL TRAINING OR EXPERIENCE FROM A PREVIOUS WORK BACKGROUND?

I don't have any formal training whatsoever - I am basically a self-taught
artist with my painting and jewellery making.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU MOST WHEN YOU ARE DESIGNING?

That's a very hard one to answer. I imagine certain designs in my head and once I am happy with what I have imagined, I try to replicate that image using wire and gemstones. I love filling my hours with this artistic outlet as it helps me relax and unwind after a busy day with the kids. Also, when I was painting, I always painted dragonflies ... at times I have tried to replicate my painted dragonflies using wire and clay.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE DESIGN AND WHY?

I love wire wrapping Goddess pendants as well as the Tree of Life symbol. There is something very relaxing about making these pretty pieces. I am constantly striving to make new and unique pendants and right now I am making wire wrapped Seahorses - I have had a few requests for these pretty ocean dwellers from a few Facebook friends and right now, I am experimenting making those. I just jump from project to project ... that's just my way.

HOW DO YOU SELL AND PROMOTE YOUR WORK?

I sell my work privately as well as on Etsy. Most of my free time is spent on Facebook networking, meeting new artists, joining jewellery groups and taking custom orders. I occasionally go on Twitter as well and just recently, I have joined Deviant Art too. The main thing is to get my jewellery seen ... the rest falls into place on its own.

To see my Etsy shop, go to:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/vaniasartshop/

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE TO PASS ON TO SOMEONE JUST GETTING STARTED?

Don't give up! It can be very disheartening when you first open up an Etsy shop and there are no sales for months ... but it all takes time. I was on Etsy for 8 months before I started getting any sales! Also, you have to enjoy what you do. I found in the end that it did not matter whether I sold my jewellery or not, as long as I was happy spending hours making the pieces ... a lot of my friends have received very pretty and unique jewellery pieces for birthday pressies, as well as Christmas's these last two and a half years!!

DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER INTERESTS BESIDES WIRE JEWELLERY MAKING?

I help my husband with our agricultural business, as well as running the house and keeping up with 2 children. I love reading too.

WHAT AMBITIONS AND GOALS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE FUTURE?

To keep making unique jewellery ... and to be happy within myself :D

************************************************************************************
Thank you for sharing and showing your
beautiful designs with us all, Val!
Your work is distinctly original and stunning!

The WireWorkers Guild

2011-05-01T04:43:00.000-07:00

This is an announcement
to let you know that the
Guild blog will be rather
quiet for the months of
May & June, due to the
fact that I have quite a
large workload, notably:

RUNNING WORKSHOPS,
TEACHING & DEMONSTRATING

If you're interested in booking
a day session for the summer:
please don't hesitate to email me :
linda.jones@wirejewellery.co.uk
or click on my CONTACT link
http://www.wirejewellery.co.uk

*****************************************************

FILMING for BEAD TV

If you subscribe to Bead TV you
will know that I have already
demonstrated quite a few projects and
there's plenty more to come ...

See: http://www.bead.tv
for more details.

*****************************************************

EXHIBITING & SELLING

I am also busy designing and creating
pieces for my annual show:
SOUTH EAST OPEN STUDIOS
which takes place from 4th-19th June
Take a look at:
www.seos-art.org/
for full information.

It's a time when artists and makers in Kent
(South East region of the U.K.) open their
studio doors and work places to openly share
their work, passion and skills so that the public
can visit and meet, as well as purchase their
work).

So, if you're visiting the Kent area in June ...
get hold of a Guide with an Artist Directory -
there are hundreds of artists studios open to the public!

*****************************************************

'MAKE JEWELLERY' MAGAZINE

I've also been busy designing and contributing
some new projects for magazines, most
notably to 'Make Jewellery' - which has my
AZTEC Pendant being published very soooon ...

... plus
some
other new
pieces that
I can't reveal
just yet ...

***************************************************

So now you can see, I am quite a busy 'girl' these next
2 months ... however, do feel free to send in any announcements
YOU wish to make, as long they relate to wire work!

HAPPY WIREWORKING!

The WireWorkers Guild

2011-04-28T08:12:00.000-07:00

R O Y A L
WEDDING
MANIA !!!
I have to admit that I have been trying to
avoid the media hype and constant talk of
The Royal 'you know what' ...

I was determined not to be drawn
into all the gossip and speculation
of the event ... but now that this
great historic moment is here, I can't
help but feel excited and happy for
the wonderful couple:
William & Catherine
and I'm sure, like me,
you would want to wish them every
happiness for the future ...

As a little patriotic gesture, I have
designed a 'flag' style decoration that
can be worn as a pendant, brooch,
attached to your key chain, etc...
to celebrate and commemorate the
historic and happy day!

To make this, you will need:
- 50 x RED seed beads
- 19 x WHITE seed beads
- 30 x BLUE seed beads
0.6mm & 0.8mm silver plated wire
Round and flat nosed pliers and wire cutters.

1. Begin by threading 0.6mm wire with 9
seed beads, using your round nosed pliers
to create links at each end. Follow the
grids below to help you thread the beads
in the correct order:

Alternatively, use the grid below if you find it easier:
this is marked with B=BLUE, R=RED and W=WHITE.

2. Once you've threaded all 11 rows of coloured beads,
cut 2 x lengths of 0.8mm wire, creating a link at the end
of one and a flattened headpin at the end of the other ...

3. Thread the beaded lengths (in the order of the grid)
onto the wires, pushing top links onto the wire
with the circular link and the bases through the second,
parallel wire. Add a blue seed bead in between each beaded
stem as you thread onto the top and bottom wires.

4. Once you've threaded all the beaded stems onto
your wires, you should end up with the flag pattern
as shown above.
Using your pliers, secure the opposite ends, by creating
a link on your top wire and another flattened headpin
on your base wire.

5. You are
now ready
to attach it
to a chain to
suspend as a
necklace ...
or, thread it
onto a safety
pin and wear
it as a brooch
... just let your
creativity run
royally amuck!

**********************************

Last year, I designed a project for 'MAKE JEWELLERY'
Magazine which had a Brit Pop 'Punk' theme and this
shows a range of co-ordinated pieces that can be made
using the same technique. Alternatively, you can thread
your chosen beads onto Safety Pins!

OR ... JUST CREATE A JAZZY NECKLACE
& EARRINGS SET USING SIMILAR COLOURED
BEADS!

The WireWorkers Guild

2011-04-21T13:42:00.001-07:00

H A P P Y
E A S T E R
Here's a little eggstra project to keep you inspired over the
Easter break ... a special Feather Necklace, delivered to you
by the easter bunny, direct from the easter chick ...

My Easter 'CHICK' Necklace

To make this, you will need: Round, flat, and
chain nosed pliers, wire cutters, 0.6mm (24-gauge) &
0.8mm (20-gauge) silver-plate wire, a few beads, a little
bit of black cord, coloured feathers and some Superglue.

If you're sitting comfortably ... I'll begin:

To make the
double spiral
chain units:

1. Cut6"
(15cms) of
0.8mm silver
wire.
Now, fold
it in half.

2. Squeeze the
doubled end together
and straighten the
projecting wires
so that they run
parallel to each
other.

3. Using your chain nosed pliers (or your
round nosed pliers ... whichever you find
easier), hold the doubled end VERY firmly
in your pliers and curl into a hook, keeping
the wires flat and parallel.

4. Once you've got the start of spiral
in the making, you can swap to your flat
nosed pliers and continue curling the
wire around itself ... but grip the wires
very FIRMLY, as you must keep them both
tightly together and flat.

5. ... and
if you keep
going you
should achieve
a tight double
spiral, with 2
loose ends.

6. Use your
round nosed
pliers to create
links with the
loose ends. (*If
the links don't
end up opposite
each other - don't
worry, just roll
the link around
until it sits
opposite the other
link and cut off
any extra with your
wire cutters.)*

If you have the
patience - make
9 more!

7. Now to attach those feathers: Wrap
some 0.6mm (24-gauge) wire around the very
tips of your round nosed pliers to create
a tight, even coil of approx.1/2" (1cm).

8. Once you've
made the coil,
cut the wire
from the spool
leaving a 'tail'
of about 1/2"
(1cm).

9. Using your
round nosed pliers
make a link with
the projecting
wire, that sits
at right angles
on top of the coil.

10. Push the tip of the feather through
the open end of the coil and use the tips
of your chain nosed pliers to squeeze or
'crimp' ONLY the last link of the coil
tightly to the feather stem. Once the
feather is fixed in place, cut off any
extending stem and dab a little Superglue
around the base of the coil and feather
to ensure it is completely secure within
the coiled crimp.

If you have the patience and energy ...
make 6 more!

11. Now, back to your double spiral chain
links. Create some jump rings and attach
8 double spiral units together to form a
continuous chain.

12. Using a few more jump rings, start attaching
your feathers to the connecting links
of the chain ...

13. ... and
you should
end up with
something like
this!

14. Now it's
up to you as to
how you wish to
finish the sides
of the necklace:
but here's an
idea - some beads,
another double
spiral and a bit
of cord for the
back ... I'll
leave you to create
your own versions
and variations!

AND IF YOU DON'T WANT TO MAKE SOMETHING WITH
FEATHERS ... just a create a chain with the double spirals.
Here's a version with & without beads:

BACK TO FEATHERS ... DID YOU SEE MY
LATEST PROJECT FEATURED IN 'MAKE JEWELLERY'
MAGAZINE (Issue 25 - May 2011) ...
A DreamCatcher Necklace (with Brooch & Earrings):

AND IF YOU DON'T HAVE FEATHER'S TO
HAND ... MAKE YOUR OWN IN WIRE
(although I realise it looks more a LEAF!!)

... and finally, a project from my 'CELTIC' book!

An idea for a bracelet created with shells, buttons,
plaited cord and of course ... as we're on the subject:
FEATHERS!

8888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888

HAVE AN EGGSELLENT EASTER!!
and keep 'loving the wire'.

8888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888
!!! C A L L - O U T !!!
Any Guild members that would like to be considered for
future Artist Features, or any Bead Suppliers that would
like to 'shout' about their wares ... please contact me
and I will happily consider them.

The WireWorkers Guild

2011-04-13T06:52:00.001-07:00

FEATURE ARTIST

L Y N N E
C I R I L L O
______________

I stumbled across the beautiful fern-like
curls of Lynne's wirework recently and
know you'll all be inspired by the unique
quality of her jewellery.

She kindly agreed to give an interview, so
please read on to discover a little more
about her ...

WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND?

Nursing is really my background. I have also
been a Director of Activities for an Assisted
Living Facility for a number of years and
taught pre-school at a children's Early Learning
Centre.

WHAT INITIALLY INSPIRED YOU TO MAKE
JEWELLERY?

I have always been creative in one way or another; painting,
airbrushing and in the '80's I was making Dream Catchers!
I would see something and think, "WOW, I could do that!"
Initially, I started making jewelry as gifts for friends and
then their friends and other people wanted to pay me for it.
It kind of took off on its own ...

ARE YOU SELF-TAUGHT OR HAVE YOU ATTENDED ANY
COURSES?

I am mostly self-taught, but I have used books and magazines
on the subject to inspire and further my development.

WHAT THEMES OR IDEAS INSPIRE YOU MOST?

I live in Florida, on the Gulf side, so my inspiration comes
from things and colors around me. The sand, water,
seashells, the bright greens of the plant colors and flowers
here...

SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES FEATURE A LOT IN YOUR
WORK - DO YOU COLLECT THEM AND WHAT DO YOU
LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING STONES?

I collect shells, beach glass, rocks and coral that I find
on the beaches in my travels up and down the coast.

HOW DO YOU SELL AND PROMOTE YOUR WORK?

I display my creations each week at an open-air market
in my town. In October, I started a business page on
Facebook:

LYNNE CIRILLO CREATIONS

and I have been blessed with a lot of new friends
and customers.

DO YOU TEACH OR SELL YOUR TUTORIALS ON LINE?

I now teach classes at a few local bead and glass shops.
I also do private home lessons and parties. I have a
weekly open creative group that meets every Friday -
and sometimes we plan a project and other times, we
just wing it!

WHAT ARE YOUR ASPIRATIONS AND GOALS FOR
THE FUTURE?

My wish list for the future would be:
An Online Tutorial for those who would like to come
to classes but are too far away.

A book with my original designs and instructions. In fact,
this has been brought up for discussion at my weekly
group and I'm seriously thinking about working on that
this summer.

I am sure you will all agree, that Lynne won't have any
problem fulfilling her dreams and aspirations ...
Her wire appears to flow so organically and her
designs are uniquely inventive!

The WireWorkers Guild

2011-04-13T06:52:00.000-07:00

The WireWorkers Guild

2011-04-05T00:39:00.000-07:00

Wendy McLean's Jewellery as featured on The WireWorkers Guild Gallery

Recently, I stumbled across some beautiful and highly
distinctive coiled wirework jewellery by an innovative
U.K. based jeweller. She has kindly agreed to be the Guild's:

F E A T U R E
A R T I S T
and her name is:

§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§
WENDY McLEAN
§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§

WHAT'S YOUR BACKGROUND AND WHAT
INSPIRED YOU TO MAKE JEWELLERY?

I have always been involved with traditional crafts such
as knitting, crochet and dressmaking since I was a child.
I have a scientific background (I worked as a scientist for
15 years) but my hobbies have always involved crafts and
working with my hands. I was drawn to making my own
jewellery, as I had always enjoyed wearing good quality
pieces, but realised that the jewellery I really liked, I could
not afford. Initially, I bought the 'starter packs' for making
beaded jewellery and found that I enjoyed the process of
putting beads together and creating my own original items.

Multi-coloured tourmalines bracelet by Wendy McLean

ARE YOU SELF-TAUGHT OR HAVE YOU ATTENDED
COURSES AND CLASSES?

My own current style of jewellery using wire winding and coiling is a
development that is completely self-taught, starting in 2009.

Subsequent to my initial beading with starter packs, I signed up for
a weekend jewellery course at 'In the Studio' and learned how to do
'repousse' (hammering metal into relief) and make a basic cabochon ring setting
using sterling silver. I was hooked!

I then completed a couple of City & Guilds Certificated Jewellery
evening classes at the Cambridge Regional College (2004-06).
At these classes, I learned many of the traditional jewellery making
techniques including metal piercing, soldering and lots of filing.
From here, I decided to create my own designs, with significantly
less soldering, yet still producing high quality jewellery pieces.

To this day, I am constantly increasing and widening my jewellery
knowledge base through reading books and attending short courses.

WHAT THEMES OR IDEAS PARTICULAR INSPIRE YOUR
DESIGNS?

I am particularly inspired by ancient jewellery as found in artefacts
from Egypt, other ancient civilisations and European Medieval work.
I am also a fan of modern, contemporary jewellery. I aim to create
a specific look and feel, which largely depends on the wire, gemstone
or pearls that I am using. I lived in South Africa for nearly two thirds
of my life, so some of my designs may also have an African influence.

Shell and natural Agate Bracelet by Wendy McLean

YOU SPECIALISE A LOT IN WIRE WINDING AND
COILING - DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE DESIGN
IN THIS TECHNIQUE?

I have developed several techniques using coiled wire.
At the moment my favourite is the use of a double wire
coil, also knows as bifilar coils. I found a way to manipulate
this to make two of the designs that I entered into the
WWGuild "Spring Challenge".

Pearl and Silver Pendant by Wendy McLean

WHAT TOOLS DO YOU RECOMMEND?

A few pairs of good quality round nosed pliers, bent snipe
nosed pliers, parallel (flat) pliers and good metal wire
cutters, a metal ruler, a rotary power tool (such as a Dremel),
and a wire coiler (for example, a cordless drill, hand-drill or
a hand-held wire coiler). You also need a good selection of
mandrels of various diameters and thicknesses. I have found
that knitting needles (you can get some at Oxfam charity shops!)
make perfect mandrels. You also need plenty of PATIENCE!

Peridot and Aquamarine Earrings by Wendy McLean

HOW DO YOU SELL AND PROMOTE YOUR WORK?

I have held a number of craft fairs and exhibited at Open Studios
over the past 6 years to sell my jewellery, however, it is only
in the last year or so that I have endeavoured to turn my
jewellery making into a business. Currently, a shop in
Stamford sells selected items. I still sell through crafts fairs
and customers can buy directly from me, however, from May
2011 onwards, I hope to open an online shop. For promotion
of my work I use my website:

http://www.designbywendy.co.uk/

I also use networking events and social media
like LinkedIn and Facebook to promote.
I plan to use the Internet and other advertising
media much more in the future to assist with
marketing ... and I'm sure a lot of footwork will
also be involved!

Multi-coloured natural stone bead Bangle by Wendy McLean

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT THE WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES
THAT YOU TEACH?

The workshops will start during the month of April in Nassington,
a lovely village near Peterborough. Essentially, there will be a
short Introductory Course (2.5 hours during the mornings,
afternoons or evenings). Advanced Day Courses will run from
10am to 4.30pm.

The Introductory Workshops aim to teach the basics of working
with wire, beads and tools. The students will be enabled to make
their own wire coils, using only hand tools and a hand-held coiling
gadget. The Advanced Classes follow on from the Introductory
ones, depending on the level of the student's capability and what
they wish to learn. My workshops will not only offer Wire Coiling
Techniques, but also students will also have the opportunity to learn
to make Woven Wire Chains using the Viking Knit Technique
(see image below), plus other wire weaving techniques ...

Viking Knit Bracelet by Wendy McLean

The classes will be kept small to ensure plenty of individual
attention. The cost will also incorporate the loan of hand tools
and a few basic materials which will be supplied. Extra
materials will be available for purchase at each workshop.

WHAT ARE YOUR ASPIRATIONS AND GOALS FOR THE
FUTURE?

My short term goals for this year are to successfully launch
the jewellery Workshops, open the Online Shop and expand
my jewellery Business.

In the longer term, I hope to further develop my untapped
ideas and to improve and evolve with my current work,
as well as attend more courses in the trade.

Silver weave cuff bangle with Peridot by Wendy McLean
§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§

I am sure you'll agree that Wendy's
work is stunning and we wish her
every success for the future ... !
§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§

The WireWorkers Guild

2011-03-31T04:43:00.000-07:00

The
*WIRE ARTISTS*
G A L L E R Y
_______________

Everyone who enjoys creating wire art
can see just how unique and inspiring
it is to show and share your designs
with others.

Here is a collection of images, contributed
by some of the Guild members, demonstrating
the talent and skill around - showing
stunning pieces that they have designed
and created!

You can also look forward to more profile
artist features coming up soon and
anyone who wishes to become a future
featured artist, please don't hesitate to contact
me and I will definitely consider you ...

So, sit back and ENJOY!

(The list of designs have been placed in alphabetical order
of artist's name).

ALI 'Beadgirl' BICKELL

ANNALIESE

DEBBIE POYNTER

EMMA VIDLER

GILLY SANDFORD-BATES

KELLEY POUNDS

KIMMY SAYERS

KRISTIN SMITH

LINDA DOUBEK

LYNDA GOODSON

LYNNE CYRILLO

MASTURA MUSTAFA

SALLY PITMAN

SAMANTHA TAYLOR

SUSIE HARRIS

SUE MASON-BURNS

TRACY SMITH

WENDY McCLEAN

Be very proud of your talent and don't give up
developing and evolving with the craft ...
see your jewellery making design skills as a
form of self-expression in small scale
sculpture, or body adornment!

... take out the pliers and start fiddling with those wires! ...

The WireWorkers Guild

2011-03-20T13:22:00.000-07:00

!! DON'T FORGET !!

If you want to be part of the WWGuild GALLERY
Remember to send in a JPEG image of a piece you've
made BEFORE the end of March!

***********************************************

I've been rushed off my feet this week and wasn't sure
if I would have time to provide you with a project ...
working for BEAD TV (you'll see me demonstrating lots
of new earring projects and techniques from my book!),
I've also been writing the text for another new book on
'Weddings' (more will be revealed on this later on in the year),
not to mention working on some exciting new designs
for MAKE JEWELLERY Magazine ...
Never a dull moment! However, here's a quick little
bangle to make with any beads you've got lying around ...

So if you're sitting comfortably, read on and find
out how to create your own:
ROAMING WIRE
b a n g l e t t e

1. Cut approximately 25" of -0.8mm silver
wire. Place your round nosed pliers at the
centre of the length and create a loop.

2. Place your round nosed pliers on each side of the
loop you've just made and create 2 more loops on
either side.

3. Cut a second length of wire of approximately
12" long and create a link at the end which can be
connected to the central link of your doubled
wire.

4. Thread a bead of your choice onto the central wire
and bring one of the doubled wires around the side
of the bead (to frame the perimeter) and wrap it just
underneath the bead.

5. Repeat with the other projecting wire, wrapping this
around the opposite side of the bead to frame it and
secure it on the central wire.

6. Thread a second bead onto the central wire
and once again, wrap one of the projecting wires
around the perimeter ...

7. Repeat, as before, wrapping the second wire
on the other side of the bead.

8. You've got it!
Just keep threading
beads onto your
central wire and
wrap the side
wires around
the perimeter of
each bead, thereby
framing them and
securing each one
in place ...

9. When you
have a created
a beaded length
of about 7" (this
is for a standard
bangle length),
secure the ends
of the wire
at the base of
the last bead.

Cut off any
excess and
neaten the
ends.

10. Before creating
my clasp, Ive added
just one more bead
and then doubled
the wire back
onto itself.

The doubled end
should be at
least 1.5" in length.

11. Wrap the
end of the doubled
wire around the
stem and if you
have any left-over
wire, just keep
wrapping it around
the top of the last
bead.

12. Place
your round
nosed pliers
about a third
way up on the
doubled wire end
and form a hook.
Create a little 'lip'
at the tip of the
hook, to complete
your clasp.

13. Find a cylindrical object (something smaller in
diameter than the final bangle diameter) and wrap
the beaded unit around to shape and form it into a
circular bangle frame - ready to wear!

Once it's shaped, adjust the clasp so that it sits
neatly together.

***********************************

HAVE FUN EXPERIMENTING WITH
THIS DESIGN USING DIFFERENT
COLOURED BEADS AND WIRE!

The WireWorkers Guild

2011-03-12T08:33:00.001-08:00

LOOP
- DE -
LOOP

Here's a design challenge ...

*Come up with a wire shape.
*Check this shape can be linked from both ends.
*Duplicate the shape ...
*Connect the units together to form a unique chain.
*Attach a clasp at the ends - et voila! - you've just
created an original linking system.

That's how this LOOP de LOOP design was born.
It began its embryotic life as a chain unit and
developed into being used in Earring designs,
necklaces, bracelets, etc...

To make this simple Loop de Loop pendant, you will need:
1mm (14-gauge) silver-plated wire (or 0.8mm if preferred),
some beads, ribbon (chain or cord), 5mm silver bead,
round, flat and chain nosed pliers, wire cutters,
cylindrical mandrel, hammer and steel stake.

1. Depending how large you wish to create the unit,
wrap some 1mm wire around a cylindrical mandrel
to create an even coil.

2. Snip the coil into pieces with your wire cutters. Each
piece should have one full circle at the centre with an
overrun on each side.

3. Using your round nosed pliers, curl links at each cut end.

4. Using your fingers, gently pull the circles apart
on each side, leaving an oval of wire at the centre.

5. This is optional, but it does help to make
your unit much firmer and more functional:
Place it on a steel block and hammer the outer
edges of the unit (do not hammer any crossed
over wires as you will weaken them!).

6. Using your flat nosed pliers, twist the top loops 90 degrees
to the rest of the unit.

7. Thread 3 beads (about 6mm diameter) with different
lengths of wire (short, medium and long stems) and
create headpins at one end and links at the other.

8. Connect the beaded stems onto a jump ring
and suspend from the centre of your wire unit.

9. For the top of the unit, you will need to
create a large jump ring and get a 5mm
silver bead (or, colour bead of your choice)
ready for threading ...

10. Thread one end of the large jump ring through
one of the top links of the unit - then thread your
silver bead onto the jump ring - and continue threading
the rest of the jump ring through the second
top link of the unit. Close the jump ring.

Your unit is now
ready to be
suspended on a
ribbon, cord or
chain.

However, if you wish to add a little more colour:
Cut a small length of 0.4mm (28-gauge) wire
and bind a bead within the centre of the unit.
(see: below)

Once you practice creating the unit, you will find
it can be utilised in so many designs. Below are
some ... to fuel your creativity.

Here's a bracelet I designed with the original unit to create
a simple, but effective linking system.

Here you can see
how to duplicate
the unit for a
stunning beaded
bracelet.

and make some matching earrings!

Above, is a pendant design, using 2 of the units
wired together at the centre with beads.

**************************************************
I HOPE THIS INSPIRES YOU
TO CREATE YOUR OWN WIRE
SHAPES - THAT CAN BE
MULTI-FUNCTIONAL AND
UTILISED IN A VARIETY OF
DIFFERENT DESIGNS!
**********************************
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

At the end of March I will publish
a GALLERY of Guild Members work
so that you can share and inspire each
other! All you have to do is send
1-2 JPEG images of a piece of work
by email (to:
linda.jones@wirejewellery.co.uk).
You can choose to send a project that
you've attempted from the blog, an old
or recent piece ... ANYTHING that you're
proud of! The only criteria is that you
MUST be a Guild Member,
sent in not later than 29th March and the
piece must contain some wire art!

What are you waiting for ... have a GO!

The WireWorkers Guild

2011-03-01T01:26:00.000-08:00

*D E S I G N E R*
C H A L L E N G E

Thank you to everyone who has taken part
in the first WWGuild challenge for 2011!
The entries are beautiful, diverse and extremely
original! You ALL need to pat yourselves on the
back - it's just wonderful to see all this budding
talent and I'm so pleased to able to showcase your
work to hopefully inspire others to pick up their
pliers ... ready for another Challenge later on in
the year!

The pieces are published in alphabetical order of the
designer's first name - this is not a competition,
just a personal mission to create a piece with a theme.

So, sit back and enjoy the talent
and individual creativeness of all
those who took part ...

ALISON BICKELL

ALISON BICKELL
Ali is a past Featured Artist - you may remember
seeing her talent and very original jewellery
on 6th February blog.
Her entry for the Challenge is predominantly created out
of 0.9mm green coloured wire with 3 fabric flowers and a
sprinkling of budding beads ...

ANNALIESE

ANNALIESE
This pod of Spring is Annaliese's first ever attempt at
a wire weave pendant. She has used copper wire to
frame a gorgeous Chinese green jade coin bead.
You can find more information on Annaliese's work
at: http://www.jewellerybyannaliese.co.uk/

DEBBIE POYNTER

DEBBIE POYNTER
A beautiful asymetric necklace design
packed with references to Spring, in its
colour and use use of shapes and findings.

Above, is a closer look at Debbie's work and you can see
more, by linking onto:
http://www.greenshoot.blogspot.com

EMMA VIDLER

EMMA VIDLER
Emma's gorgeous bracelet began as a necklace design but
turned into a sumptuous charm bracelet when she realised
she needed more beads. She's used a combination of
Springtime colours to match her favourite Spring flowers, there
are also little silver melon beads next to the 'flower' beads
to add the essence of budding leaves.

(Right)

Those little silver
buds are more
obvious in this
second image
that she sent me.

JUNE CHARTERS

JUNE 'CHARTERS'
June has introduced a warmth of colour with her very
unique bangle and ring design. Her inspiration is derived
from tulips and hyacinth flowers breaking through the
early frosts. The bracelet and ring were created from
Polymer Clay and are in one piece, embellished and wire-
wrapped with coloured wire and bud-like faceted beads.
June says, she finally added some ribbon, for a touch of
softness and variety of texture.

You can see more of June's work at"
http://www.charterscharm.blogspot.com

LINDA DOUBEK

LINDA DOUBEK
All the way from Southern California, Linda has submitted
this elegant pendant design - an Obsidian wrapped in
silver wire. When she told me it was the first time she
had ever attempted a wire wrap like this, I was amazed!
Keep up the wonderful work, Linda!

LYNDA GOODSON

LYNDA GOODSON
This dramatically stunning Necklace and Earring set was
accidentally created by coiling a piece of wire and before
Lynda knew it, she found she had formed a double 'S'
shaped coil ... and the rest is history! Considering this
was her first wirework creation ever ... we're incredibly
impressed!

SALLY PITMAN

SALLY PITMAN
Sally (aka: Sky Pixie) has submitted a visually
stunning necklace which was inspired by a Weeping
Crab Apple Tree that she planted a couple of year's
ago in her garden, in memory of her little Jack Russell
dog, Britt, who had passed away. She says the tree is
in bud now and when it flowers it has lovely dusky
pink blossom which she has portrayed in the pearlised
beads with copper wire for the twisting branches.

Sally says it really
does bring back
memories of her
perky little dog,
Britt, who could
sometimes be
quite 'crabby'
hence the choice
of Crab Apple
Tree!

Here's a great close up of the stunning twist and linking
system that Sally has used.
To see more of her work, go to:
http://www.skypixie.co.uk/

SUSAN AVERY

SUSAN AVERY
This very original brooch design has such a Japanese
flavour. Susan says that her inspiration was the blossom
on the trees. She has used 0.4mm green enamelled wire
with white seed beads - which she recycled from a necklace
purchased at a Boot Fair last year! It's a wonderful example
of creating something beautiful, for next to nothing!

SUSIE HARRIS

SUSIE HARRIS
Here's another example of a stunning brooch (this time,
a Shawl Pin), which is full of symbolism and creativity.
Susie has entitled her piece: CORNUCOPIA OF SPRING.
She was inspired by memories of violets hidden in the Spring
hedgerows and liked the idea of a 'Horn of Plenty' filled with
sweet smelling violets as a promise of the seasons to come ...

Susie says, the Amethyst stone chips represent the 'flowers'
(amethyst being the gemstone for Spring), whilst the green
garnets symbolise 'leaves', which are hiding the flowers below
them. The 3 wire heart shaped 'leaves' amongst the amethyst
'flowers' are representative of the wild violet's leaf shape.

TONYA GREEN

TONYA GREEN
Tonya who has recently discovered wirework has given
us complete originality in creating a card, with the theme.
This would bring a beaming smile to anyone receiving it!

WENDY McLEAN

WENDY McLEAN
Wendy who will be a future Featured Artist (so look out
for more of her stunning coiled wire art! coming up ...)
couldn't choose which of her 3 pieces to enter ... so, submitted
all three with each containing the essence of SPRING in the
coiled wirework.
The wonderful silver-plate coil bracelet (above) has got
a very unique focal feature twist clasp, unique to Wendy.

This stunning pendant and earrings set designed by
Wendy, is created with coloured enamel wires and
freshwater pearls.

More superbly artistic coiling by Wendy, in this
freshwater pearl set pendant and earrings.

Take a look at Wendy's website on:
http://www.designbywendy.co.uk
__________________________________________

THANK YOU ALL AGAIN FOR SHARING
YOUR STUNNING CREATIONS WITH
THE REST OF THE GUILD MEMBERS!

The WireWorkers Guild

2011-02-27T08:50:00.000-08:00

The next post, will be the publication on
M A R C H 1st
of THE DESIGNER CHALLENGE
entries ...

You've still got a few more hours to
enter, by emailing your JPEG images
to: linda.jones@wirejewellery.co.uk

So watch this space .....

The WireWorkers Guild

2011-02-19T10:42:00.000-08:00

REMEMBER!!
REMEMBER!!

DON'T FORGET!

TIME IS RUNNING
OUT ...

GO ON!

HAVE A GO -

at the
WWGuild:

D E S I G N E R
C H A L L E N G E
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Theme:
"SPRING IZ SPRUNG"

All entries must be emailed to me by the end of
F E B R U A R Y
and I will publish them all at the beginning of March.

The email to send your JPEG images and piece description is:

linda.jones@wirejewellery.co.uk

GO ON, have a GO!
Make it your personal mission for this month!

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And .... NOW ... what to do with those left
over pieces of wire and loose sprinkles of
odd, orphaned beads .... when you've got
30 minutes to spare?

Here's a Pendant project, which I've named
R A N D O O D L E D O M
(you've guessed it! - as it's completely based on a
random doodle of wire!).
However, you could turn it into a brooch, earrings,
focal piece of a ring ... just use the basic idea and improvise to
your heart's content!

TO GET STARTED:
You will need some 0.8mm wire (but 1mm,
1.25mm or 1.5mm gauge will do just as well!), also
some 0.4mm wire, a sprinkling of small beads,
round nosed and flat nosed pliers, wire cutters,
hammer and steel stake.

1. Using your round nosed pliers, create a circle at the end
of your wire.

2. Create a RANDOM shaped spiral, bending the wire
into angular curves with your flat nosed pliers and
fingers.

3. Depending on how big you wish to make the overall
pendant, cut the wire at this point.

4. Bring the end of the wire through and over the
outer frame.

5. Place your random spiral onto a steel stake and
'stroke' hammer to flatten and spread the outline -
however, don't hammer the top wire, or, where it crosses
the frame, as you will weaken it!

6. Use your round nosed pliers to create
a double link (or wrapped loop if desired).

7. Cut a long length (approx. 10" /25.5cms) of 0.4mm
wire and find one stray 8mm bead and a random
selection of seed beads that have just been lurking at
the bottom of a pot for years ... Attach the thin wire
to the centre circle of your unit.

8. Thread the largest bead onto the wire and secure
it onto the centre circle of the unit. Now thread on some
of your little, lonely seed beads ...

9. Continue threading and wrapping the beads
and wire around the frame of the unit in a very
random fashion. Don't think too hard about what
your doing ... just be - instinctive!

10. I instinctively stopped adding beads here - and
cut and secured the end of the wire on to the side of frame.
Cut off any excess and neaten the end.

11. Cut another length of 0.4mm wire and attach
to the base of the unit and begin weaving it
in and out of the frame, as before - but, without
adding any beads.

12. Continue weaving and wrapping the wire
around the frame and when you've had enough ...
cut the excess off with your wire cutters. Remember
to neaten all the ends, so that there are no spiky
bits protruding.

13. Et 'voila'! You can leave it like this and suspend
it from a chain, ribbon, cord, choker ring, key ring,
pencil case zip, save it as a Christmas decoration,
put it on a card, etc... It's just a bit of fun!

14. AND ... if you wish to make it a little more
randomly wiggly: just place the tips of your
round nosed pliers on the centre of the bare
wires and TWIST to create the zig-zag effect.

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Have fun experimenting with this idea and after
you've had your practice-run with left-over beads,
try making it with semi-precious chip beads on
sterling silver ... it can be great statement pendant!