So last week, I read this post on the Love My Art Jewelry website (love this site...so many tips and so much inspiration). I had read eons ago how to successfully twist wire, and put that on my long list of "must try this". Karen McGovern posted her tips on twisting the wire (great tutorial, for which she gives credit to The Ganoskin Project). So yesterday and today, I did!
I have made quite a few solid copper and/or silver bangles before - but never twisted the metal. Now, Karen says it's "easy peasy", and it was! The bangles above are made with 10 gauge copper. I actually pulled out my copper solder (of which I still have pounds of coils sitting in a drawer). It still solders with a silver tone, but the liver of sulfur helps to mask that silver streak a bit.
I used 14 gauge copper for the earrings above.
Silver hoops above made with 14 gauge wire.
Then I went on to other things. In the past, I had a serious problem with filing away excess solder on my pieces. But Joanne Tinley was kind enough to leave a comment on my blog with a link to Rio Grande for these buffing wheels for use with a flex shaft or Dremel. I decided to become friends with my Dremel, and I am so happy I did!
I was able to successfully file away the excess solder used to attach that ball of silver at the bottom of the hoops. I feel so accomplished by this tiny little task that was driving me bonkers! Many thanks to Joanne for the link!!!
The last pair is possibly my favorite - just hoops that I soldered, flattened and textured on the bottom. I added the most luscious freshwater pearls (from Majestic Pearls). I was so excited to find quality pearls with large holes - let's face it, I'm a metal wire girl.
Thanks for stopping by today - have a wonderful week!
xo
Patti
Wow, Patti. I did not know about those little buffing wheels. I'm really happy to know they will remove excess solder. Thanks for sharing and thank you to Joanne for telling you about them! All of these new designs look great!
ReplyDeleteLove the twisted wire bangles and earrings! Great job learning and mastering this new skill. Good for you, Patti! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteoh man ... you had me at hello on this one! those twisted bangles and then all those hoops! absolute swoon for me! love your metal work
ReplyDeleteOh yummy! I have to get my studio set up so that I can pound on things. I have the copper now just to use it.
ReplyDeleteI put that LMAJ tutorial on my to do list, and this is very encouraging. Thanks also for the other tips. I'm off to check out the pearls now.
ReplyDeleteOh you are too clever and talented! Love your bangles and earrings, all so fabulous!
ReplyDeleteOh, wow! I love those bangles and the earrings that match! Your other earrings are wonderful too!! You are so great with metal and your soldering is something I wish I could do. These are just great!!
ReplyDeleteStay cool.
Amazing work as always. ..and yes my flexshaft and I are best buds...3m bristle disc's are amazing too as is my mini beltsander. ...can't wait to give the twisted wire a try. ..thanks for sharing. ..xox
ReplyDeleteLovely - I've wanted to try the twist
ReplyDeleteI so want to try "twists" and Patti, this may have given me the push I needed. Boy, your metal work is GORGEOUS!!!
ReplyDeleteP.S. I love my dremel, and so glad you made friends with yours. Now, I've got my eye on a pair of synclastic forming pliers from potterusa.com.