Jewelry Wire

[Late Night]

I suck at making jewelry! I can't get a round loop on a bead to save my life. They all come out sort of tear drop shaped. I think I might be able to get it with practice though. I hope. Anyway, I want to make a chain of beads. I want each bead to have a loop at the end and hook on to each other that way. Not one single strand. Each bead like a seperate unit. I want to make some gifts for Christmas and yes, I need to start now if I am ever going to get that round loop!

My real question is, do you think 24 gauge wire is too fragile? I don't want them to fall apart but the thinner wire is so much easier to work with. It feels quit a bit flimsier (sp) than what the standard eye pens are made of though. Do you think 24 gauge is sturdy enough for gifts?

[doris]

Practise your loops on cheap, pliable wire. First turn the end down in a right angle, use probably 1/4 - 1/3 inch of wire. Do this with your regular pliers. Then take your round nose pliers, grab the end and turn it. I usually bend my right wrist back so I can do this all in one fluid motion. It does take practise. I think firemountaingems shows you how to do this.

24 gauge is a little fragile, IMO. I only use 24 gauge headpins on freshwater pearls because the thicker ones won't work.

[Late Night]

Thanks for your help. I think you are right. I played around with the 24 gauge last night and I think it is way too soft. The 24 gauge was good to practice with though and I have a whole spool of it now. Back to the drawing board.

[nayarx8]

For practice, I would use this Craft Wire from Walmart, 20 guage. Comes on a black spool for about $3.