[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eXzJ1RWIMg[/embedyt]

Work hardening is something you really have to watch out for when you work with wire. In this video diary, I share what happened with one of my projects when I tried to push my wire *just a little* too far.

Find out more about work hardening in “Foundation Skills: Introduction to Basic Chains”, available by clicking here.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeTnjIRWUfw[/embedyt]

Beginner wire workers are often told that it’s okay to work directly off your coil or spool. That’s a bad piece of advice, and in this video, I explain why.

If you want to find out more about “Foundation Skills: Introduction to Basic Chains”, it’s available now from the Lessons Shop. Click here.

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I’m pleased to announce that the next module in the “Foundation Skills” course is now available!

This course carries on from where “Introduction to Wire Jewelry” left off, and features 4 projects (and an exclusive video course only “bonus project”), a work hardening exercise, and tips and tricks for helping you streamline your production flow.

From the course outline:

“Hone your skills working with square wire and basic tools as you learn to make handcrafted cold-joined chains. You’ll learn tricks for speeding up your production. You’ll also learn to spot potential “Sweater Test” problems, and how to ensure your chains are the highest quality you can make. Finally, you’ll make four projects – the Basic Chain, the “Criss Cross” Figure 8 chain, a secure Hook & Eye, and a Butterfly Connector.”

Available now from the Lessons Shop!

I was prowling around on Pinterest and discovered this photo uploaded by Robyn Andersen of an Illusion Prong Ring she’d made following my tutorial!

She’s done an outstanding job on this piece – the lines are wonderful, and the workmanship is very fine!

I would love to see  photos of the pieces YOU’VE made from my tutorials! Send me your photo(s) at dpk at dianne karg baron dot com! I’ll be happy to brag about your success and feature your work! See more Students’ Gallery photos here.

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcOuj_5oEZ0[/embedyt]

In a lot of my videos and tutorials, I recommend using 1/4″ masking tape. I discovered that it’s becoming hard to find, so here are some substitutes.

Check out the other One Min./One Tip videos here.

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Via Instagram:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dianne Karg Baron (@diannekargbaron)

[embedyt]https://youtu.be/D2QWSFfsGgQ[/embedyt]

My family and I love going camping! I still like to be able to bring along some wire projects to work on, but don’t have a lot of space to bring my full kit of tools and wire, so here’s the solution I came up with for travelling light.

Click here for the box I use. 

After months of preparation, I’m happy to announce that Foundations Skills: Introduction to Wire Jewelry is now available!!

Episodes 1 to 5 have been on free preview in the Video Library for the past few months.

Now, this free video course is available in its full version!

Register now to start your creative journey!

Foundation Skills: Introduction to Wire Jewelry introduces you to the tools, metals and types of wire you’ll need to start working on your projects. It is intended for beginners, but will also be a good refresher for people who are familiar with wire jewelry.

Topics covered in this course include:

The Sweater Test
Tools Part 1: The 8 Essential Tools
Tools Part 2: More Useful Tools
All About Wire Part 1: Metals
All About Wire Part 2: Shapes, Gauges, Tempers
How to Straighten Wire – 3 Methods
5 Tips for Minimizing Body Strain
Introduction to Square Wire

The course also includes two project videos (S-Link Chain, and Simple Hook/Beaded Hook) that will help you build your confidence in using your tools, and give you pointers on trouble spots you’ll need to watch for!

Project 001 S-Link Chain

Project 002 – Simple Hook / Beaded Hook

Register today to start your creative journey!

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[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nxx8yG97Sw0[/embedyt]

I enjoy teaching live classes, but this one in particular stands out.

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In Episode 8 – Introduction to Square Wire (included in the free Foundations Skills – Introduction to Wire Jewelry course), I talk about developing the ability to see wire that’s gone off-square. It’s a skill worth developing – both as a maker and as a buyer – because once you’ve learned to see off-square wire, you’ll always be able to see it. You’ll be able to distinguish high quality, well-made wire jewelry from work that is not quite there yet.

To help you, here are some side by side examples of wire jewelry. One piece has off-square bits, one doesn’t. Can you spot the differences?

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Learn how to prevent your wire from going off square. Sign up for the free course Foundations Skills – Introduction to Wire Jewelry today!