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Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Owl Painting

When I design my beads, I first sketch them on paper and color them. Some of the sketches do not become beads because they're too complex for glass but I still keep them in my  notebook so I thought I can start bringing them to life as painting.  What do you think?

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Wire wrap Tutorial

This wire wrap tutorial will show you one of the ways I wrap my beads.  This is a simple spiral that complements any bead.


Tools and Materials:
- Chain nose plier
- Flat nose plier
- Wire Cutters
- Wire
- Bead
 The first step is to cut the wire and bend it in the middle with the chain nose pliers.  The amount of wire you need will depend on the size of the bead and how big you would like the spiral.   I used approximately a 7 inch wire for a 1 inch bead.
 The next step is to wrap the wire around the middle of the chain nose pliers twice.
 Once you've wrapped it twice, make a 90 degree bent in one of the wires.  See picture above.
 Then wrap the other wire around the wire that was bent.  I like to wrap it at least twice
 After that, straighten the wire that you wrapped around so that is parallel to the other one. You just finished the top loop.
 Insert both wires into the bead with the loop on the top and cut the wires to match in length.
 Take one end and press it with the round nose pliers multiple times so that it flattens a little.
 This is how it looks like after flattening with the chain nose pliers.  The wire on the bottom has been flattened.
 With the tip of the chain nose pliers, make a small circle.
 Switch to the flat nose pliers and push the wire around the circle.  This is how the spiral is formed.

 Continue forming the spiral until there is approximately 1/4 inch of wire left  to coil. Make a 90 degree bent on the wire.
 Continue forming the spiral and repeat with the other wire
There you have it!  The end result is a bead with two spirals at the bottom.  String it on a chain or cord and you have a necklace ready to wear.  Enjoy!