Polymer Clay Tutorial | Jewelry Wire Wraps, Loops & Links [VIDEO]
Vid #133: "I have looked at wire wrapping tutorials online, but they are written and I am a visual person, so I learn best by seeing it done." ~Jennifer-B
While you are learning how to make polymer clay beads, there comes a point when you need to start making some actual jewelry pieces with your artistic bead creations. And since wire is such an excellent compliment to polymer clay, a few basic wire working techniques sure can come in handy!
So this week's member video is all about how to create wire wraps, links and loops. It will be available for viewing on Friday November 27th at the Polymer Clay Library.
Supplies List: Video-018-4: Wire Wraps & Loops:
Supplies:
- Wire: 19g-22g Copper, Brass, Anodized (Black) Steel, Art Wire, Silver, Gold or Niobium: 24g can only be used for lightweight charms with multiple wraps, otherwise the loops will come undone.
- Headpins: The same techniques can be used with headpins or eye pins to make charms, dangles and earrings.
- Beads or charms: Made from polymer clay of course!
Tools:
- Flush Cutters: Jewelry wire cutters that give a nice clean and straight flush cut.
- Chain Nose Pliers: Use jewelry pliers, not regular needle nose pliers from the garage.
- Round Nose Pliers: Jewelry quality.
- Or a multi purpose jewelry tool: This option combines all of the above listed tools into one if you are on a tight budget.
- Flat metal file: Optional, but always good to have on hand in your studio.
The full version of the Vid-018-4 Wire Wraps & Loops Tutorial will be posted in the Polymer Clay Members Library on Friday November 27th, 2009. But if you would like to see a sneak peak intro clip right now, scroll down the page a bit to the video player below.
Here's That "Link Below" Referred To at End of the Video
>> Polymer Clay Tutorials <<
The full version of the "Wire Wraps & Loops" preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Vol-018 Back Issue Package.
Customer Feedback About Membership Value:
I have had a high interest in wire wrapping and wire jewelry making in general lately. I have looked at tutorials online, but they are written tutorials and I am a visual person, so I learn best by seeing it being done. With that said I would love to see some tutorials on wire wrapping and will find time to include it in my day ;) Even if I have to wait until 11pm to do it. Which, I seem to do half the time anyway :) I just wanted to say Thank You Cindy for all the tutorial Video's. Before watching your tutorials I had some supplies but never really did anything with it. You gave me the confidence to start again and keep going :) I love your teaching style and have learned so much from you. I have learned much more from you than any of the books I have. Thanks Again :) ~Jennifer-B
The following topics are included in this week's "Wire Wraps & Loops" video tutorial:
- See examples of several different jewelry pieces using these wire working techniques.
- Discussion of the type of wires you can use and the proper gauges (sizes).
- Demonstration on how to properly make a simple loop used for eye pins, links and ear wires.
- Learn how to make wrapped loops that can be used for links, rosaries, charms, earrings and other wire jewelry projects.
- Techniques for how to make the 'messy wrap' which is very popular these days in many jewelry designs.
The full version of the "Wire Wraps & Loops" preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Vol-018 Back Issue Package.
Filed Under: 11: Bead Projects, 15: Promotions by Comment. 
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Comments on Polymer Clay Tutorial | Jewelry Wire Wraps, Loops & Links [VIDEO]
8:21 am
Yipee..!!! I've been waiting for this vid! Friday can't come quick enough…
~Lisa
9:48 am
I better not be painting when Friday comes! I can hardly wait too!
2:04 pm
I'll be here-all "wired up" (ewww-just couldn't resist).
2:52 pm
Fantastic idea for a video, Cindy. Thanks! BTW where can I get a metal file? I've never seen any at jewelry supply sections at the craft stores. Is this a hardware store item?
4:45 pm
Thanks guys!
@Maria: You can find metal files at the hardware store. Just ask for a flat metal file, not a wood file.
1:20 am
Now that is music to my ears. I can not wait. Jennifer I am with you all the way, listening and watching Cindy just does it all.
Thank you in advance Cindy for a wonderful video.
9:44 am
Hey Cindy!
Where would you recommend get the various types of pliers from? Is there a set one can buy with each type in it?
I still get a little dizzy in the jewelry section at the Michaels and I've only seen the round nosed pliers there.
Thanks!
6:42 pm
I got my tools from a local gem shop. They are called EuroTools and are excellent value for the price. $6-$8 for round and chain nose pliers. If you search online you should be able to find something comparable. I did get the multipurpose pliers (rosary pliers) at Michaels but the quality is just OK. Maybe someone else here can help you with what's available in the American stores.
12:36 am
Hi, Cindy!
I loved the new video on wire wrapping!
I've been making rosaries and wired up jewelry for awhile now, and found 3 Step Round Nose Looping Pliers to be invaluable to my collection of tools. Using 3 Step Pliers, your loops and jump rings are always the same size without worrying whether you're in the exact same spot on your pliers or not – they are fool proof, amazing, and sell for about $20 on most jewelry supply sites. I use mine constantly and they save a lot of time.
I love creative people – if there is a need, someone will make a tool to satisfy that need.
Jayne
1:43 am
Here is a tip to get uniform size loops with your plain round nose pliers: make a mark on them with a sharpie (permanent marker). Wha La, same size loops everytime… :)
~Lisa
1:51 am
Hi Cindy,
Absolutely loved the Video. I have been struggling trying to do these wire wraps on some of my projects, but they were not turning out so good. This video has showed me what I was doing wrong…cant wait to go get started..This time I know they will turnout good. Thanks again for really great videos.
6:11 pm
@Jayne: I've been meaning to pick up some of those steeped pliers. I think they would be very handy! Thanks for letting everyone else know about them!
@Lisa: Yes, I like to mark my pliers with a Sharpie too!
@Jackie: Nice to hear from you Jackie! I hope you are doing well. Been thinking of you lately. Glad you liked the video. Hope it helps you to start making nice loops and wraps! :-)
12:31 pm
@Cindy Lietz: I recently went back to the craft store and may have found a set I think I can live with. Investigation continues. My main concern was finding something of quality (i.e. something that I won't break). The EuroTools look really good and might be just the thing. Thanks again!
5:54 am
Hi Cindy,
Great video! I took a class on beginning wire working last summer, but I haven't done too much with it yet. Your video will help to get me going, along with my ever-increasing stock of polymer clay beads!
I found an incredible resource at First Mountain–videos and all kinds of tutorials on jewelry making. firemountaingems.com/beading_howtos/default.asp
5:55 am
Oops, meant to say, "Fire Mountain" not "First"! That'll teach me to proofread before I hit the submit button!
11:06 pm
Thanks so much, Cindy! I knew how to make loops, but I always I made it harder to do than it had to be. Now, thanks to you and your great video, it will all be easier! Thank you!
Hugs to you :)
Cindy E.
1:02 pm
You are so welcome! Thanks for the comments guys!
1:32 pm
Hi, does anyone know of a place I can get anodized (or annealed?) "black" steel wire in Riverside, CA (or anywhere in the Inland Empire.) I don't want to order again online just yet if I don't have to. I also hate paying for shipping — silly, I know. Anyway, I love the look of this wire! Look how cool Cindy's beads look wrapped in this stuff!