Wire work 101: part one; The basics of building a bracelet

Expression, Jan-Feb, 2005 by Cooky Schock

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RELATED ARTICLE: MATERIALS

FOCAL BEADS--FOUR OR FIVE DEPENDING ON SIZE

ASSORTED BEADS, CHARMS, SPACERS AND OTHER FINDINGS

3 INCHES OF 14-GAUGE DEAD SOFT, STERLING WIRE

3 FEET OF 16-GAUGE DEAD SOFT, STERLING SILVER WIRE

SIX TO EIGHT 16-GAUGE 7-MM SOLDERED JUMP RINGS

FLUSH OR SEMI-FLUSH WIRE CUTTERS

ROUND-NOSE PLIERS

CHAIN-NOSE PLIERS

BLACK PERMANENT, FELT-TIP PEN

SMALL FILE

TAPE MEASURE

RULER

CHASING HAMMER AND SMALL STEEL BLOCK OR ANVIL (Optional)

RELATED ARTICLE: SACK O' SHOT

To reduce the shock to your wrist and the loud clang of the hammer when "work hardening" wire, make yourself a shock absorber!

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Cut two pieces of sturdy fabric a few inches larger than your square anvil. With right sides together, sew four sides leaving a 2-inch opening. Turn right-side out and fill the bag with steel shot, which is available in any sporting goods section. Sew opening closed.

No more waking up the neighbors when working at night!