Wire Wrapping Bead Technique
This is a simple technique but needs a little perseverance to produce neat and consistent results. This is
particularly suited to using with gemstone beads which may have small holes as the 0.3mm (28 gauge)
non-tarnish beading wire is very fine and flexible for wire wrapping. This is available in copper, silver or gold colours.
How to Create
1. Cut a length of wire approximately 10cm long (it is easiest to have a little extra wire than you will actually use, as it gives you more to hold onto whilst wrapping the wire.
2. Slip your bead onto the wire, leaving approximately 2cm at one end (the other end will be longer).
3. Pinch both ends of the wire together at the top of the bead, and check that the bead is centred.
4. Cut the end off the short end of wire so that it is only about 2-3mm above the bead.
5. Holding the longer end of the wire with the round nose pliers (just above the end of the short wire) bend it to a right angle and then wrap the end up and over the tip of the pliers to form a loop. Make sure the loop is centered above the top of the bead.
6. Switch to using the snipe nose pliers and hold the loop fl at between the tips, take the length of wire between your fingers and holding it taught, wrap around the stem of wires starting at the base of the loop and working downwards towards the bead. Make sure that each wrap sits neatly and close to the last.
7. When you reach the top of the bead gently tuck in the end of the wire and pull through neatly - this will prevent it coming undone.
8. Trim the end neatly with the side cutters. If there is a sharp end left bend it gently with the snipe nose pliers so that it sits fl at and is tucked neatly away, so it will not snag on clothing.
Once you have mastered this technique you will find it useful for many different beading projects. Beads
wire wrapped like this can be attached with a jump ring to a section of chain and made into drops for
earrings and pendants or attached to a bracelet to make charms - the possibilities are endless!