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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.
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.
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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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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What wire should you choose for your project? In this episode, you’ll learn about the different qualities of wire like shape, gauge and temper, which can impact how your design looks, how easy it is to construct and how well it will wear.
This video is part of the Foundation Skills: Introduction to Wire Jewelery course. Find out more!
Now that you have your tools, the next step is to choose your wire. In this episode you’ll learn about the different metals that are commonly used in wire jewelry.
This video is part of the Foundation Skills: Introduction to Wire Jewelery course. Find out more!
You’ve got the Essential 8 Tools. So what should you add next? In this episode Dianne talks about other tools you can add to your basic kit, as you continue your wire working journey.
This video is part of the Foundation Skills: Introduction to Wire Jewelery course. Find out more!
What tools do you need when you’re first getting started making wire jewellery? In this episode Dianne describes the 8 “must have” essential tools you should have.
This video is part of the Foundation Skills: Introduction to Wire Jewelery course. Find out more!
Does your jewellery pass The Sweater Test? Does it catch, snag or scratch when worn? Or worse, will getting caught or dropped deform or even destroy your jewellery? In this video, you’ll learn about why starting with the finishing in mind is the first and one of the most important steps to becoming a professional wire worker.
