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.