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.

Many students have asked me where to buy certain tools, so here is a list of what we use in classroom and where to get it if you are ordering online.  Check back as I might keep adding and/or updating as I use the tools.  

Keep in mind that these are just suggestions.  Many tools are available for wire wrapping, from many sources.

BeadSmith Chasing Hammer - Amazon (also can be found at RioGrande.com)
4.75oz Chasing Dome Head Hammer-10"
Beadaholique Solid Metal Bench Block Wire Hardening and Wire Wrapping Tool


Round nose pliers
Chain link pliers
Nylon jaw pliers
Flush Cutters
Another Flush Cutter

Hi everyone!  We just had a great couple of days at the Red Rocks Country Club holiday show.  Lots of smiles, great times and sales!   I wanted to share some images here and let you know that I will have a few new items in the store as soon as I can catch up. 

I'll be publishing my 2020 class schedule soon too, for January, February and March.  I have some exciting new workshops to offer and hope to inspire your wire wrapping for the new year!  

If you haven't seen my new free tutorials yet, check the link there on your right.  See you again soon!

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/

Hi everyone!  I hope you're enjoying the approaching Winter!  I've been busy wire wrapping since I've returned from the show.  I thought I'd share a few things and then get back to 'work'. ;)

The two silver pieces took a while but I love how they turned out.  The Purple faceted Amethyst is a custom order and I had to create a new base style for this stone.  The Pavilion is very deep and so if you put a traditional wrap around it, it will roll off to one side or another.  The wide base helps it sit properly on the chest and in general.  I am creating a tutorial for how to wrap a faceted gemstone.  Keep an eye out! ;)

The electric blue Tanzanite crystal is accented with a small New York Herkimer 'diamond'.  I used both Fine and Sterling silver wires in this wrap.  There is some hammering, some coiling, weaving and certainly sanding involved in the creation of this piece.  There is no adhesive or solder so the crystals are held in place only with the wire.  I used Liver of Sulfur to oxidize the wires and then put them under intense polishing via Dremel.  After a nice washing in warm soapy water and a proper drying... it turned out gorgeous.

I hope this inspires you to wire wrap!  My November and December classes are ready and available in my shop!  Thanks for looking and for sharing my journey ;)

Hey again everyone!  It's been quite the busy couple of months preparing for the Colorado Mineral and Fossil show.  The show runs every year in April and September and if you're a rock lover, cabochon hunter, jewelry maker... you'll want to make sure and go next year!  I teach during the April show and attend both with a booth one way or another.

I worked this September show and had a booth for the last 3 days.  It was amazing as always and we had a great time!  Made many new contacts and enjoyed a busy booth with healthy sales.  Make sure you see us there in 2020!  
​https://www.coloradomineralandfossilshows.com/

This is also the show where I replenish my materials for jewelry making.  Here are some of my shopping highlights!

Hi everyone!  Sorry it's been a while since I've written, we had a wedding, family reunion and also  I found my biological father all in the same 55 or so days.  Whew!

But I'm in the middle of 'begin back' and have taught some really great classes over the past couple of weeks.  I've included some student projects and classroom images below for your enjoyment!

​My August and September class and show schedules are out!  Visit my Calendar for all the details!  And register for any class by clicking here!

Hope to see you soon!