been an age since I've posted here!
Sometimes LIFE just gets in the way
and something has to give ...
But I never forget about all the hungry
wireworkers out there, having fun,
playing with pliers, beads and wires
of every gauge and colour - because
I am one too!
And that's what I've been doing:
designing kits, writing a book, making
samples for my 'WireWork Inspiration' shows on Create and Craft TV, alongside testing out new tools that pop onto the market (not to mention ... moving house!).
The latest tool that I have just launched for Beads Direct on my Wirework
Inspiration show for Create and Craft TV was the Beadalon
3D BRACELET JIG
and I thought I would share my findings in the form of this review.
If you have already purchased one, I would love to hear your feedback
too! Please do add your design images on my Facebook page.
Well, as you can see it's a very holy (blessed by the Pope!) cylindrical
grid jig, with pegs of all the same size and rubber backing stopppers.
However, if you already have a Beadalon flat jig, I found that the larger
pegs DO also fit the holes!
So getting started is pretty simple! You place the pegs
in the holes, with the rubber stoppers on the inside of
the cylindrical grid to hold them in place and then
away you jolly well go ... wire wrapping around to create
your desired design ...
Now, all that sounds easy enough, but I would like to
give you a few personal tips:
(1) Once you've decided on your design and your
pegs are in place, use a piece of string or cord to
to wrap around each peg. This gives you a chance to
check the design (before you've wasted any wire) as well
providing a measurement for the wire that is required.
(2) Once you've cut your wire (to the string measure),
create a link at the very end using your round nosed
pliers. This link can be pushed onto the first round
peg of your design, thereby providing a good anchor
to pull the rest of the wire around the remaining pegs.
(3) Use the tips of your chain nosed pliers to flatten
the wire as much as possible around the jig, in
between the pegs, to remove the elasticity and
flexibility (otherwise, it can 'ping' out of shape when
you remove the pegs).
(4) You will also need a smaller cylindrical mandrel
to re-size your design. A rolling pin, bottle, etc ...
As once you take off the pegs and your piece is
removed, it will most likely be far too big for your
wrist (as wire springs open). Therefore, place it around
something circular and narrower than your wrist
until it is the perfect size.
If you're using 0.8mm (20-gauge) wire, the bangle
can feel a little flimsy, therefore, wire-wrapping
extra beads within the looped gaps or within the loops
is the solution to a stronger piece.
Where I really thought the 3D jig came into its own, was
for creating adjustable charm bangles. If you're creating
wedding jewellery or selling your pieces at craft fairs,
or even running beading workshops and parties ...
you can mass-make a simple adjustable bangle base
(to fit all sizes) in no time at all!
It takes 2 pegs, one 3D jig, 1.5mm gauge wire and a pair
of chain nosed pliers! Then you can decorate these bases
with any dingles, dangles or charm ends that you wish!
Experiment with other shapes too!
Spirals, bead cages, ready made charms and beads clusters!
As with all things creative - let your imagination lead you on!
Here's the talented Wyatt White showing you how to create the
adjustable bangle and you can follow other such links on
You Tube to fuel your imaginations
P.S. my next Wirework Inspiration show is coming up at 9am
on Wednesday 22nd April ... and I will keep you posted with
all the latest information on all future shows on my Facebook page!
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