Wire-Wrapping for Beginners - Resources, Tips & Tricks
S T U D I O 7 3 D E S I G N S N B . C O M
Wire-Wrapping for Beginners - Resources, Tips & Tricks
Welcome
S T U D I O 7 3 D E S I G N S N B . C O M
Wire-Wrapping for Beginners - Resources, Tips & Tricks
Hey there :) Want to learn how to wrap some stones?
I absolutely LOVE working with wire! It’s amazing what you can create with
it….BONUS: it’s relatively cheap to get set up.
Sometimes, it’s hard to know where to start so I thought I would create a
blog post full of resources to get you started on your own wire journey.
A BIT ABOUT ME
I’ve been making jewelry since March 2017 but I only started wire-
wrapping in November 2018.
Read more about me here – My journey into to jewelry making
Prior to that, I was experimenting with different other jewelry making
techniques (hand-stamping, electroforming, and basic metalsmithing).
But then in November 2018, I felt a change was in order so I decided to try
my hand at wire-wrapping….and I haven’t looked back!
WIRE-WRAPPING OR WIRE-WEAVING?
When I first started working with wire, the first thing I did was to learn
basic wire-weaving techniques.
“Wire-weaving” derives from traditional weaving of baskets and rugs. It’s
typically done with smaller gauges of wire.
S T U D I O 7 3 D E S I G N S N B . C O M
Wire-Wrapping for Beginners - Resources, Tips & Tricks
“Wire-wrapping” doesn’t necessarily include any weaving patterns at all –
it’s literally using wire to wrap whatever it is you are wrapping. Typically,
thicker gauges of wire are used.
Personally, I prefer working with thicker wire. I’m not a big fan of weaving
with thin wire at all – that’s just me.
Whether you prefer wire-weaving or wire-wrapping, I think it’s a good idea
to learn a few basic weaves. Once you know the basics, you can build upon
that and develop your own style.
Example of a wire-
Example of a piece
wrapped Labradorite
done with weaving
pendant using more
18 gauge and 24
of a “free-flow”
gauge wire.
method.
S T U D I O 7 3 D E S I G N S N B . C O M
Wire-Wrapping for Beginners - Resources, Tips & Tricks
TOOLS
If you already have some jewelry making experience, you probably have
some of these tools already.
If you’re starting from scratch, you can easily find these locally or online…
and good news: most of these are quite inexpensive.
These are the tools I use the most when I’m wire-wrapping:
1. Flush cut wire cutters 8. Sharpie
2. Chain nose pliers 9. File
3. Flat nose pliers 10. Ruler
4. Round nose pliers 11. Hammer
5. Nylon pliers 12. Wire Cutters
6. Nylon round nose pliers 13. Anvil
7. 6-step barrel pliers 14. Rubber Mallet
15. Ball Peen Hammer
S T U D I O 7 3 D E S I G N S N B . C O M
Wire-Wrapping for Beginners - Resources, Tips & Tricks
BONUS TOOL
Once you start working with wire, you’ll start accumulating different sizes
of wire….which can sometimes be challenging in regards to keeping it all
sorted.
If you plan on buying your wire online, obviously you know what size you’re
getting (the package will be clearly marked). But sometimes, you will not
know the gauge of a piece of wire….it could be a scrap piece of wire….
Is it 24 gauge or is it a 26 gauge? Is that 12 gauge or 10 gauge?
Here’s my new favorite tool….totally not necessary at all if you’re just
starting out but definitely something to keep in mind….
Wire Gauge Tool
NEVER guess wire gauge
again!
(found mine on Amazon)
S T U D I O 7 3 D E S I G N S N B . C O M
Wire-Wrapping for Beginners - Resources, Tips & Tricks
M AT E R I A L S & S U P P L I E S
Wire
At the moment, I strictly work with copper wire and I get it ALL at the
salvage yard.
S T U D I O 7 3 D E S I G N S N B . C O M
Wire-Wrapping for Beginners - Resources, Tips & Tricks
I love going to the salvage yard for my wire! It’s cheap and I’m recycling so
it’s a win-win.
I usually fill a couple buckets and I usually walk away with all sizes from
28-32 gauge to 8 gauge – it’s awesome!
If you’re just starting out, you can find all types of wire online (Amazon)…
and you’re not limited to copper wire.
There is a multitude of different wire (different types of metal, color, shape
& hardness) for you to choose from.
And here’s how it works with wire gauges….the lower the gauge is, the
bigger the wire is.
PRO-TIP
If you want to keep it
SIMPLE, you can get started
with copper wire that
you can get at your local
hardware store.
(it’s usually available in 18
gauge and 24 gauge).
S T U D I O 7 3 D E S I G N S N B . C O M
Wire-Wrapping for Beginners - Resources, Tips & Tricks
STONES + BEADS
If you’re going to be wire-wrapping, you’re going to need something to
wrap.
Michael’s has a decent selection of beads for anyone who is starting out.
You can also check out your local crystal shop. This option is handy because
you can buy a handful of stones without breaking the bank.
S T U D I O 7 3 D E S I G N S N B . C O M
Wire-Wrapping for Beginners - Resources, Tips & Tricks
I use a lot of Labradorite and other gemstones in my jewelry, but you can
use whatever you’d like - there’s lots of variety.
For beginners, beads are a good option because you can feed the wire
through them to easily secure the stone.
Stones with flat back (no holes) are called “cabochons”. These come in
different types of material, sizes and shapes.
Another option is to use irregular shaped stones (pebbles, tumbled stones)
but these can be trickier to wrap, especially if they don’t have holes.
I buy my stones online and locally. They are not hard to find and are
relatively inexpensive (depending on stone of course).
There are many Facebook groups where you can find gemstone dealers but
be careful – only buy from reputable sources.
Last year I bought amber stones from a dealer that I met
on Facebook. She sent me orange plastic pebbles. It was
so obvious that they were fake….anyways I filed a complaint
with Paypal and got my money back….so be careful!
S T U D I O 7 3 D E S I G N S N B . C O M
Wire-Wrapping for Beginners - Resources, Tips & Tricks
BEGINNER WIRE-WRAPPING TUTORIALS
Intro to Wire-Wrapping
In this video, OxanaCrafts goes over the basics of wire wrapping. This is an
excellent video on the basics of the craft.
Wire-Wrapping for Beginners: How to Get Started
Wire Patterns
Before you start creating your masterpieces, you’ll need to learn some basic
wire weaving patterns.
These videos show the most common patterns and are great for getting
started.
As you learn more about wire-weaving, you’ll adopt your own favorite
patterns and develop your own.
Intro to Wire-Weaving: 2-Base Wire Patterns
Intro to Wire-Weaving: 3-Base Wire Patterns
Time to Start Wire-Wrapping!
Now that you have the basic weaves under your belt, you can start getting
creative. This is a great beginner tutorial – it’s very basic and you can make
some really cute bead pendants.
Mini Bead Pendant Wire-Wrap Tutorial
S T U D I O 7 3 D E S I G N S N B . C O M
Wire-Wrapping for Beginners - Resources, Tips & Tricks
YouTube Channels
YouTube is a must…if you are a beginner, you can learn for free.
Once you’ve learned the basics and want something specific, you can find
paid tutorials.
When I started wire-wrapping, I watched many videos, mostly from the
following YouTube channels:
OxanaCrafts
Go Art Yourself
Rachel at Wire Guild
Lily-Tree
Valeriy Vorobev (no english subtitles but excellent videos)
Lan Anh Handmade
Facebook Groups
If you develop a love for wire-wrapping, there are many Facebook groups
you can join for support.
Here are a few:
Wire-Wrap Jewelry Artists
Wire-Wrap Tips & Tutorials
Free Wire Wrap Tutorials
I’ve learned most of everything I know from the resources above…and the
rest I figured out on my own just through trial and error. I’ve been working
on my wire-wrapping full-time since I started. I love it – it’s addictive.
S T U D I O 7 3 D E S I G N S N B . C O M
Wire-Wrapping for Beginners - Resources, Tips & Tricks
Here are some of my recent pieces:
AL L M A D E W I TH R E C YCLE D E LE CTRICAL WIRE
Swarovski Crystal Suncatcher Labradorite Pendant
Wire-wrapped Bracelet Cuff with Carnelian Crescent Moon with Tiger’s Eye
S T U D I O 7 3 D E S I G N S N B . C O M
Wire-Wrapping for Beginners - Resources, Tips & Tricks
TIME TO WRAP UP (NO PUN INTENDED)
Wire-wrapping is a great way to make beautiful jewelry without a huge
overhead.
I do a lot of my wrapping while I’m watching TV – it doesn’t require a
lot of room so that’s a huge bonus if you’re tight for space.
You just need a little patience and some time to learn but I promise it’s
worth it!
If you’d like to see my work and follow my wire journey,
you can find me here:
Etsy
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Pinterest
YouTube
S T U D I O 7 3 D E S I G N S N B . C O M
