I am by far not a savvy wire wrapper but I get by with what I need to do and you can, too, because these are so simple. You need wire of course, I usually use artistic wire, about 20ga. You'll also need wire cutters, something round to get the shape you want- I use a paint brush handle, it gets me about a 3/8" hole and I like that just fine. I also use a pair of needlenose pliers and a pair of plastic tipped pliers.
Cut off a piece of wire, 4" is plenty. Hold it up to your paintbrush handle (or whatever you're using!) at about the 1" mark and wrap it all the way around. Take it off and using your needle nose pliers to help make a square bend, bend each end straight up away from the loop you just made.
Now I take my plastic tipped pliers and hold the loop securely. Now take the long end of your wire and wrap it around the short end, tightly at first because what's close to the loop will show. Trim the ends. Now take a tiny point and poke a whole in the top of your polymer clay. I add a drop or two of liquid clay at that spot and when I push the hanger in it'll take some of that with it. Make sure you have your orientation right before pushing the hanger in and don't forget to consider the weight of the piece and how it will naturally want to hang! Push it in carefully so it goes in straight, once it's in you can put another drop of liquid clay around the entry point, too. Viola, bake and finish!
I try not to think about it too much, and I know I get better with more practice. That's how it works, right?
Hopefully the photo helps!
Who's doing linking parties? I am! So I'll be linking back to those from here, take a minute and check them out!
Gorgeous pendant! I love your style and your work :)
ReplyDeleteoh wow, thats fabulous.
ReplyDeleteoh and good info too!