[Jewelry making - Article 00741] - Re: [Orchid] Weaving metal wire

[Leah]

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>         Some of the comments I have read indicate a problem with
>     keeping the wire pliable, For those who are familiar with
>     annealing, that is the solution. For those who have not used a
>     torch or kiln while working metal, this is a technique that will
>     assist you in your final goal. 

    Another suggestion I would make is to use fine silver wire instead
    of sterling, since it doesn't work harden as much, which means you
    can do a lot more weaving without annealing (if, of course, you are
    using silver). 

    Thin-gauge copper wire is good to practice with as well, and comes
    in a lot of colors that can be incorporated into designs. I've used
    26-32 gauge colored copper for weaving, knitting and crocheting and
    not had problems with it work hardening or breaking. 

    Gold and sterling silver, on the other hand, work harden pretty
    quickly in my experience, so they are not ideal for weaving unless
    you have a torch set up for annealing. Sterling will break if it is
    bent too many times without annealing. I know that a lot of wire
    jewelry makers don't have torches, since so many styles of wire-work
    can be done without soldering, so the type of metal as well as the
    gauge can be an important consideration for weaving. I wouldn't say
    that any kind of metal is impossible to use, but some are definitely
    easier than others. 

-- Leah

www.michondesign.com
leah AT michondesign.com


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