Wire Wrapping Irregular Shaped Objects
(Shells, Beach Glass, Arrowheads, River Rocks, Tumbled Stones)

Tools: Round Nose pliers, Chain Nose Pliers, Side Cutters.

Materials: Round, dead soft wire- Recommended gauge-24-18 gauge. The smaller the object, the thinner the gauge.

Follow Steps 1 Thru 8 of Basic Wire Wrapped Loop

1) Decide which direction you want your object to hang.

2) Hold the object between your thumb and forefinger of you least dominant hand.

3) Position the wire vertically across the object, so the wire wrapped loop is sitting just above the object.

• Secure it under your thumb.

4) Put a small “S” bend, with your fingers, in the neck of the wire so the loop sits nicely at the top of the object.

5) If your object has shoulders or notches you should take advantage of them

• Your first wrap should utilize these features by wrapping your wire under the shoulder or into the notch.

6) Wrap across the back of the stone and under the other shoulder or anchor point opposite of your first wrap.

• Make sure your loop is still centered!

7) Wrap 1 time around the neck of the loop.

8) Repeat the process until you feel like your object is fairly secure, wrapping around the neck after each wrap.

9) Use your round nose pliers; place them on each side of the wire that runs up the bead.

10) Turn a small “Z” crimp in to the wire. Be careful not to scrape your bead or stone.

11) Press the wire flush with the back of your rubber handled pliers.

Note: Since all irregular shapes are different, there is a lot of trial and error when doing these types of wraps. Practice with craft wire or cooper before you advance to silver or gold. After you try a few, you will begin to get the hang of it.

Denise J. Bonaimo
Jewelry Designer and Instructor
www.bonaimo.com
artdiva@bonaimo.com