Several of my students ask... "how do I get better?" and while we all know that it takes PRACTICE, patience and creative experimentation, there's something important I'd like to share with you...

There's no such thing as a 'bad' or 'dumb' question... no such thing in a Perfectly Twisted world anyway.  Questions are a key to getting better.   When I was a 'newbie' to wire wrapping and jewelry making, I purchased tutorials, I attended classes and I YouTubed until the cows went home.

But what helped me most was to learn that most good artists who are sharing and teaching their work don't mind if you ask! I love sharing my tips with you, I love helping you challenge yourself and I love to see you grow and be excited in yourself and your wire work.

Take a class!
I took classes from very good teachers. I practiced and I'm still grateful that I was made comfortable to ask questions and learn with a bright heart.  My teachers, online and live, were generous and warm, welcoming and helpful.  I appreciate them and love being the same for my students. <3 ​

Prepare all four 22g base wires by making them straight, then hold together slightly fanned.  

Weaved 1 on 1 for approximately 1/4 inch.

Then bend the two inner frame wires, 90 degree upright.

Continue to weave but change the pattern to a figure 8 or infinity weave.  Be careful to keep both frame wires separated and even while weaving.  Weave a figure 8 for approximately 8mm... there will be approximately 2mm to either side of the gemstone... less if you can manage it.

Set the gemstone onto the bottom weave.

Carefully bend both inner frame wires back down and over the gemstone.
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Continue to weave 1 on 1 for another 1/4 inch... repeat for as many gemstones as you are setting.

Start with 20, 18 or 16 gauge, round, dead soft wire.

Cut 3 inches

Use a dowel and bend the wire in half, creating a small, attractive curve, suitable for your pendant bale.

Hammer the curve to harden it and flare the wire for good looks ;)

Bend the U shaped wire in half again, bringing the ends down, opposite the curved face. 

The bend should leave 1/2 inch or less to hang the pendant from.
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Cut the ends neatly away.

Insert your pendant through a cut end, then hand the adapter onto your favorite strand of beads and enjoy them all together!

What better than a wonderful pair of earring to make on snowy days!!  I hope you enjoy!
Click to download the PDF file.  These are super easy and can be made in minutes.

For Ammonite pairs that are 1/2 inch, I like to use 24 gauge, dead soft copper wires, but if the Ammonites that are larger (like pendant size), then you can also use the slightly larger 22 gauge and/or mix 22 and 20 gauge for texture!  
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Lithos Mineral and Fossil Shop in old town Arvada, Colorado, carries perfectly perfectly matched, cute, tiny pairs of Ammonite.  Contact them here if you need. ;)
https://www.facebook.com/lithosarvada/
http://lithosarvada.com/

We had another amazing wire wrapping class at Lithos Mineral, Fossil, Meteorite and Bookstore in Old Town Arvada, Colorado this weekend!  Here are some wonderful wire wrapped pendants, done by my incredible students!  Thank you all!  See you at the next one!

Click here to register!

Hi everyone!  I had such a great time teaching at Lithos Mineral and Fossil shop again yesterday!  The classroom was delightful, their in store staff are amazing, helpful, wonderful and knowledgeable about their rocks!  

My super star students did an amazing job with their Wire 102 pendants and I couldn't have been more proud!  We had a great time in class and everyone completed a TWO stone wire wrap setting!  I shamefully always forget to get pictures so if any students are readying this and you have some class pictures to share, please email or text them to me.

I am teaching again today but then will be back at my computer updating my blog as well as my classroom schedule.  I have TWO tree of life classes coming up in May and June and registration will be opening this week, so please be on the look out!
https://www.perfectlytwistedjewelry.com/classes.html
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I will be sending all our tutorial files later tonight when I return from teaching today.
See you all soon again!