Wire Wrapping 101

Making Wire Wrap Jewelry

I am teaching a mini-workshop on “How to Wire Wrap” for the members of the Pinellas Geological Society. We will make cuff bracelets like the one shown here. It can be a men’s cuff bracelet, as well as for women. This wire wrapped bracelet uses the basic technique necessary to make more complicated pendants and other wire wrap jewelry. The basic part of wire wrapped jewelry is the “wrap”. The wrap is the part that holds a bundle of wires together. I will go into more details in the class, but here are the basics of how to make wire wrapped bracelets like the one above:

Wire

The wire wrapping wire used is square wire for the “bundle”, and half-round wire for the “wrap”. The flat sides of these wires make neater wire jewelry

Square Wire for the "Bundle"

Half Round Wire for the "Wrap"

wire wrapping tools.JPG — Tools

The tools and wire wrapping supplies you need are: flat nose pliers, and wire cutters. You also need narrow tape and an extra fine point permanent (Sharpie) marker. Pliers should have smooth flat blades that won't mar the wire.

1. straighten.JPG — Straighten

Each Square Wire in the bundle must be straight

6. Put tape around wire bundle.JPG — Bundle

Place a nuber of square wires together. Tape them in a few places, so they fit together and lie flat.

7. Make a hook with half round wire.JPG — Wrap

**Form a hook** on one end of the half-round wire with your pliers. Pull the short end towards the right. The flat side of the wire is inside.

9. Place the hook on the wire bundle.JPG — Place the hook onto the square wire bundle.

10. hold the wire hook with pliers while you wrap.JPG — Hold the short end of the hook with pliers while folding half-round wire around the bundle.

12. Make 5 wraps, ending on back.JPG — Working from right to left, continue folding the half-round wire until you have the desired number of wraps. Wire wrap ends should be on the back of the bracelet. Trim ends so they don't show from the front.
Make more wraps along the length of the bundle, distributing evenly.

Finish wire ends — Finish

To finish the bracelet ends, make a 45 degree angle towards the back of the bracelet using the pliers.

Trim wire ends at the curve of the first (45 degree angle) bend using wire cutters.

Finish the end of the wire wrapped bracelet — Fold all the way down at the second bend to finish the ends of the cuff bracelet.
Repeat the above finishing steps on the other end of the bracelet.

Shape the cuff bracelet — Shape

Shape the wire bundle around a mandrel, starting with a larger size and working down to fit. Here, I am using a section of PVC pipe for a mandrel.

The Pinellas Geological Society meets monthly at the Largo Public Library, but during summer months mini-workshops are held. This summer we have already learned to make a Tree of Life Pendant and Scrimshaw. If you want more information or are interested in joining, visit their website www.pgs.rocks or facebook page.

Related posts: What is Wire Wrap Jewelry?

Carole SheltonAugust 25, 2018Making wire wrap jewelry, how to wire wrap, men's cuff bracelet, wire wrapped bracelet, wire wrap jewelry, wire wrapped jewelry, how to make wire wrapped bracelets, wire wrapping wire, wire wrapping supplies, wire jewelry\, wire jewelry