Wire and crystal bead project To complete this project, you will need a jig. You can use any jig you wish, keeping in mind the size and type of jig will alter the final results. I used the Olympus-Lite jig by WigJig because it is clear, enabling me to work on top of my pattern; and it is small, creating the desired size I needed for the ornament or pendant. The design has evolved through trial and error and now includes tarnish-resistant silver wire. Depending on the wire you choose, keep this in mind: You can alter the design by changing the materials to include colored wire, different gauge wire, and different colored beads. This design lends itself to being large or small, all you need is a pattern and the right size jig. If the right size jig is not available, you can make your own using wood and nails. Cut a block of wood to the right size, draw your pattern on top, and add the nails as you would pegs in the acrylic jig. gauge wire, and different colored beads. This design lends itself to being large or small, all you need is a pattern and the right size jig. If the right size jig is not available, you can make your own using wood and nails. Cut a block of wood to the right size, draw your pattern on top, and add the nails as you would pegs in the acrylic jig. |
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Take the last leg and form a loop above the star (by placing the loop above the star you maintain the integrity of the pattern). You can shape the loop by hand or by wrapping the wire around one mandrel on the round nose pliers. *****
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Once you have wrapped all or as much of the 22-gauge wire as you wish, anchor the end to the base wire neatly and securely. *****
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Draw
a star on plain white paper, measuring 3" across from point to point.
Place the jig on top of the drawing. Put the pegs into the jig where the
pattern line changes direction.
Start
the base of the design by placing one end of the 18-gauge wire at the
top of the star, leaving 2" of wire extending beyond the top point
(first leg). Begin wrapping the wire around the pegs, going behind and
around the pegs accordingly to create the design.
Once
you have wrapped the wire all the way around the jig, bring the wire up
and beyond the top point on the star (last leg), crossing the first leg
wire. Remove the star base from the jig.
After
you have made the loop, wrap the last leg around both legs of wire until
the loop is secure. Wrap any remaining wire from the first leg into the
final wrap.
Take
the 22-gauge wire and anchor it to any point of the star. Begin wrapping
the wire around in a random pattern, being careful to criss-cross where
it will stay on the base naturally but not distort the star shape. Try
to wrap loosely to help create a pillow effect rather than wrapping tightly
and making it flat.
Once
you have completed wrapping the 22-gauge wire, start wrapping the 26-gauge
wire, attaching it to the base the same way you did the 22-gauge wire.
Begin adding beads here and there as you wish. To keep the beads in a
specific place, weave the wire under lower layers of wire and back up
again. This will create a stop for the beads. String the beads onto the
wire, then weave under and back up through another wire, creating another
stop which will keep your beads in place. Continue on with your pattern.
End this wire the same as you did the 22-gauge or wind it up and around
to the top. Trim the wire if you have excess. Your star is now complete.
You can either hang it using an ornament hanger, a ribbon, or wear it
on a chain. 
