Techniques W

Wireworking

Wireworking

SIMPLE LOOP
To make a simple loop, grasp one end of the wire with round-nose pliers. Holding on to the wire with one hand, gently turn the pliers until the wire end and wire body touch. Create a 90° reverse bend where they meet.

WIRE-WRAPPED LOOP
For a wire-wrapped loop, cut the desired length of wire and make a 90? bend 2" from one end. Use round-nose pliers to hold the wire near the angle and bend the short end up and around the pliers until it meets itself. Wrap the wire tightly down the neck of the wire to create a couple of coils. Trim the excess to finish.

COIL
To make a coil, use one hand to hold the end of your wire against a mandrel. With the other hand, wrap the wire around the mandrel in tight loops. To remove the coil, slide it off the mandrel and cut. Add vertical loops on either end to use the coil as is, or cut the coil at certain intervals to make jump rings or split rings.

SPIRALS
To start a spiral (or scroll), make a small loop at the end of a wire with round-nose pliers (Figure a).

Enlarge the piece by holding onto the spiral with chain-nose pliers and pushing the wire over the previous spiral with your fingers for as many revolutions as desired (Figure b) .

If desired, bend the tail wire 90° at the top of the spiral. Use as a head pin or form a simple loop to attach to other items (Figure c)