Many people over the years have asked me how I learned to make jewelry. This article will be the first, in a series of many, to address this question.

Wire Wrapping is the first, and easiest, way to learn silver jewelry fabrication. (Fabrication means bending and forming metal into the shape of your jewelry design).

1. Invest in your jewelry making tools

All you need to start working with wire is a few basic tools, which can be found online or at any bead store near you:

- Wire cutting nippers (also called “end cutters”)
- Round nose Pliers
- Chain nose Pliers
- 22g (gauge) wire in sterling silver, copper, or brass
- 20g wire in sterling silver, copper, or brass
- Beads – your choice. Choose colors and stones that appeal to you.

Amazon has a kit here

2. Dive in and start working

Start with a basic wire-wrapping project. Karla Kam’s video series is a great place to start making silver jewelry. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aFEXhRrxs8. Watch her other videos as well. There is a treasure trove of information here. If you need in-person help, visit your local bead store and sign up for a quick Saturday class.

3. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
Your initial projects might turn out gorgeous, or have to be scrapped. I advise working and re-working projects until you get a design you are proud to wear yourself. Start off working in less-expensive metals, like brass or copper, or even base metal. That way you can scrap the material and start over if you need to.

4. Pay attention to your designs. Ask yourself the following questions:
Is the scale appropriate? - Large people look silly with dainty jewelry, and huge jewelry can overpower a very small person.
Do the colors work together or do they clash?
Is this piece dressy or casual, and was it meant to be one of the other?

5. Start a jewelry photo collection

Routinely peruse the web and magazines for photos of jewelry that inspires you. Keep them in a file or three-ring binder for easy access when you need inspiration. I’m not advocating copying someone else’s design. However, you will find color combinations that appeal to you, or shapes that work well together that will inspire your work.

7 Responses to “How To Make Silver Jewelry – Part I: 5 Steps to Wire Wrapping Success”

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