Lean and Clean Wire Jewelry
This summer I've been concentrating on learning new wire jewelry techniques. In my quest for knowledge I've discovered Kathy Frey.
Kathy is the author of a wonderful new book entitled Elegant Wire Jewelry; Contemporary Designs & Creative Techniques. Projects range from simple wire shaping and finishing techniques suitable for beginners to more complex sculptural woven designs for those who've had some practice.
Last night I made this pair of pearl & wire earrings based on the instructions for the charms in the "Bewitching Charm Necklace." I used 22-gauge sterling silver wire for the frame and 26-gauge sterling wire for the weaving strands. Gold iris freshwater pearls are strung on the weaving wires. I had a little trouble because I only had full-hard 22-gauge wire, instead of the half-hard the directions call for. This made the wire forms a little springy and hard to work with. I had to make four before I got two that were the same size! I had so much fun I've already ordered some 22-gauge half-hard wire to make new projects.
The instructions are well written, and have lots of photos. The book covers basic wire techniques and has 21 projects with enticing names like Bound Chaos Pendant and Celestial Orbit Earrings. The projects and the wonderful gallery photos are a great springboard for making your own designs.
Elegant Wire Jewelry is published by Lark Books. For some reason I can't find it listed there, but Lark's parent companies Sterling Publishing, and Barnes & Noble have it listed.
Look for Kathy at her lecture to the Bead Society of Greater Chicago on November 8th. Her work is in boutiques and galleries across the country and will be shown by Mowen-Solinsky Gallery at SOFA on Navy Pier Nov. 1-4.
wire jewelry, kathy frey
