a crystals & jewelry adventure

That’s a question I’ve been asked many times. Wire always wants to fly around and do its own thing. So we have to find ways to keep it in line. There are several methods I use, and no doubt more I haven’t thought of.

• Masking Tape - 2600 Highland 1/2 inch width masking tape is my favorite. It’s sticky and strong, so it’s great for holding larger wire bundles. CompUSA has it the 3M Highland brand here, and Sparco brand here.
  Tip: If it’s too sticky, stick it to your pants or shirt first to dull the stickiness a bit.
• Quilting Tape - Less sticky than the masking tape by far, and very narrow. Quite handy for narrow spots. It’s also great for measuring around cabochons and marking where you want wraps and prongs. Available at most fabric or craft stores, like JoAnn’s.
• Mini Spring Clamps with Moleskin on the Jaws - I get the mini spring clamps and line the jaws with moleskin (in the foot care section of drug stores). They’re great for holding up to 5 or 6 wires together, and with the moleskin, they don’t mar the wire. Here’s a before and after the moleskin was added picture of the clamps. Clamps available at CrystalsAndStonesHaven.com and moleskin available at most drug stores, like CVS.
  
• Last but not least, Fingers - Yes, the handiest tool I have. More and more I use my fingers instead of other tools. I find that the longer I work with wire, the more I’m able to control the wire without resorting to other gizmos. Available at the end of your nearest arm.

I’ve tried larger spring clamps and found that they tend to bend the wires, even when they’re coated so they don’t mar the wire. Needless to say, I didn’t find that very useful.

Do you have a favorite way of holding all those wires together while you’re working? I’d love to hear about it!

I got the best tip when I went to the first ever Wire Jewelry Fest in Delaware. I had a great time, and got to meet some great folks. One of them was Robbie Ward, aka Metallique, who I had an advanced ring making class with. The single most useful tip I got from her in class was so simple it’s comical that I needed to hear it. But since I’d managed to miss it so far, I thought I’d pass it on to you in case you’re in the spot I was.

The Tip: Go slow.

Well gee. I *should* know that. But I never really thought about it. I tend to fly off with whirling wire all over the place. And generally that works, but it does take its toll on craftsmanship at times. But you know what? Going slow works. How funny that the one little tip has made such a difference to me.