New to Wire

[Former_Member]

Hey there, I'm new to wire, new to jewelry-making at all, and I'm being very cautious so as not to waste any materials. I just bought some fishing line to play with beads, too. Does anyone have any recommendations as to how to get started? I have three different kinds and sizes of wire right now and quite a few beads.
Does anyone know of any free resources/guides to get started?

[Former_Member]

There are a lot of free resources on the internet to get you started. Fire Mountain Gems has wire wrap/jewelry making videos, there's you tube, and don't forget to check your local library for books & videos to check out. Also, looking for used books in good condition can be a real money saver. As to wire and sheet, check your local salvage yard. We have a great one about an hour away and they are very friendly - they really love it when artisans show up to create beautiful items from their salvage. Good Luck! & Enjoy!!

[CarolBradley]

Beaducation.com and jewelrymakingdaily.com both have a lot of good info for beginners.

[Former_Member]

Thank you for the tips! I will definitely check them out. Still trying to figure out what they do with fishing line once they recycle it - the good stuff is made out of pretty nasty stuff so I'd like to find some that's already been recycled. Hopefully nothing I make ends up in the trash in the first place, though!

[Former_Member]

Hi Veronica,
I borrowed an awful lot of library books. If you do a search beyond just your library into the regional area you will find tons of books and videos. Try looking up "Wire Jewelry" or "Wire Style" for keywords.

[Former_Member]

I agree w/ the library. When I started out, I think I checked out every beading book I could find at the library. I also like auntiesbeads.com - they have beading tuturoials for free -- and you can't beat Youtube for wire wrapping tutorials.

[Untwistedsister]

Also, check out the local bead stores in your area. Often they offer classes in lots of different jewelry making techniques. I know our local small store offers chainmaille, seedbeading, polymer clay beads, paperbeads, wirewrapping, wire weaving, stringing, pearl knotting and even beginning silversmith and lampwork.

[Former_Member]

This is a good one too--- www.wirejewelrybootcamp.com , Copper is cheap and you can get it in half hard,dead soft,square,round,what ever. I use it to practice with,you can sell the scrap too. Try checking etsy for some good pdf tuturials too. I made this this free video on my fb page,it is beginner friendly ;) Good luck on your new jewelry makin adventure! You will lovvvve it!

http://www.facebook.com/JoannaLaceyUSA/videos#!/photo.php?v=1487695650092&set=vb.111774175504253&typ...

[Former_Member]

You can also get a free membership to www.wiresculpture.com. The members have a few free tutorials available, several multi-level paid tutorials, and various forums. Then you can share your work, favorite others work, and if you want to make tutorials you can post them as well. It was a life saver when I first started and needed to learn some techniques.

[Former_Member]

I just realize I put down the place I go to for some wire and beads. They do have a training section but this one - www.jewelrylessons.com - is the one that has all the tutorials.

[Former_Member]

If you're looking for some inexpensive wire to use while you learn, try www.parawire.com. They have a ton of different colors of copper wire. I get most of my silver wire there. Their wire also has a non-tarnish coating on it to help keep the "silver" look. It will come off with extended wear and if you're not careful, but it works very well. You can get a spool of 40 ft of 20 gauge round wire for $6.60...awesome deal. Also, they don't have lead or nickel in their wire so people with allergies shouldn't have any problems. With such a low price, you can try all the different gauges without having to worry about spending a fortune.

Then once you're confident you can go to www.wiresculpture.com and get some sterling filled (which is cheaper than regular sterling) and see how you like that.