First thing is to get organized, know what you need for making stitch markers tools, wire, beads...best way to store these items??
Beads! Charms! all the fun things!
So many different types of beads and charms...where to start? Start with what you like or already have collected. Some people sort by color, others by type. You'll figure out what best works for you.
I will do another tutorial on various "beads" and charms.
I use plastic tackle boxes from Walmart that have 4 sections that you can divide into smaller compartments. I use this for charms, beads and findings. I keep a group of items in each box: Glass E beads, Findings, Letter Charms...etc Makes it easy to find and easy to replace the beads.
When I am working, I use small plastic plates to gather all the beads, wire, findings, charms..per group that I am going to work on.
Wire!
Wire comes in many thickness's refered to as gauge. The smaller the number the thicker the wire. Example a 10 gauge wire is much thicker than a 28 gauge wire. For stitch markers it is reccommended that u use 16-18-20 gauge wire, depending on the weight f the item.
Wire for items can be found at craft stores and Walmart. Wires for stitch markers come in a vast array of colors! Most projects take a few yards of wire, so you can purchase wire sets of different colors.
I keep my wire spools in a plastic see through shoe box, just to keep it neat and organized in my work area.
Check out:
http://www.artisticwire.com/
http://www.CreateForLess.com/
Wire Curlers
Mandrel- Curling Tools on Bottom
Making Split Rings with Tool, size 18 gauge red wire on Top
The most basic wire curler is a madrel, a long metal rod- hint I use old metal knitting needles. In various sizes for different end uses, either making jump rings, loops...uses are endless. I use a clamp vice to hold the needles...sometimes it would be nice to be an octopus with 8 hands helping!
At craft stores they have wire curler products, these are great to purchase, if you want to make your own colorful jump rings or to use wire more interesting in your designs.
Wire Jigs
..aka thingamajigs! Now I made a heart, beads could be attatched and a jump ring..possibilities are endless!
This is the kewlest tool around. If you want to make repeated shapes, time after time with wire. You need a jig! It is a transparent peg board, where you put pegs in to create a design.
Check out:
http://jewelrymaking.about.com/library/weekly/aa032600.htm
http://jewelrymaking.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.wigjig.com/
for bead wraps and more techniques
http://jewelrymaking.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.wigjig.com/
Jigs are just one way to use wire in designs. I dont see many designs out there using colored wire and jigs..could start a trend!
Basic Tools:
From the Left:
wire cutters- i like these fiskars cutters for I can cut in tight areas
round nose pliers
needle nose pliers
crimper- if you choose to use crimping beads to secure your cording or wire- tutorial to follow
Files- assorted sizes
These uses will be explained in the tutorials following To me the basic tools needed are the wire cutters, needlenose pliers a mamderl to bend wire and a file.
