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Hand made earwires



 
 
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  #1  
Old November 19th 07, 05:29 PM posted to rec.crafts.jewelry
Cognition Studios
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 2
Default Hand made earwires

Hi

I am wondering if anyone can help me.

I would love to know to make earwires by hand. I recently purchased a
wigjig Delphi and it's fabulous! I am creating wires in exactly the
shape I require. However, it has taken much experimentation (and
money!) with wire gauges and different types (half hard/dead soft) to
achieve the style I have been after. I am very excited about it except
I cannot figure out how to hammer the wire without marking it! Help!

Does this just come with practice? I have a chasing hammer, a small
planishing block and a nylon hammer. I have been using 18-20 gauge
gold filled wire but it marks terribly when I try to hammer the end
and the curve that goes through the ear. Little nicks which I assume
is the edge of the hammer denting it. If I use the nylon hammer, it
doesn't flatten the wire and thats the look I would like. I have read
that it is still hardening it however.

I also am not sure what type of wire to use. Obviously, the dead soft
wire shapes like a dream but the half hard wire doesn't haold the
earwire shape so well. Should I exagerate the bend when using half
hard or should I be using dead soft and hammering? If I do not hammer
dead soft wire, is it a little unreliable in holding its shape for
earwires?

Any help and advice woul dbe gratefully recieved!!

Thanks!!! :-)
Ads
  #2  
Old November 20th 07, 05:42 AM posted to rec.crafts.jewelry
Marilee J. Layman
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 119
Default Hand made earwires

On Mon, 19 Nov 2007 08:29:09 -0800, Cognition Studios
wrote:

Hi

I am wondering if anyone can help me.

I would love to know to make earwires by hand. I recently purchased a
wigjig Delphi and it's fabulous! I am creating wires in exactly the
shape I require. However, it has taken much experimentation (and
money!) with wire gauges and different types (half hard/dead soft) to
achieve the style I have been after. I am very excited about it except
I cannot figure out how to hammer the wire without marking it! Help!

Does this just come with practice? I have a chasing hammer, a small
planishing block and a nylon hammer. I have been using 18-20 gauge
gold filled wire but it marks terribly when I try to hammer the end
and the curve that goes through the ear. Little nicks which I assume
is the edge of the hammer denting it. If I use the nylon hammer, it
doesn't flatten the wire and thats the look I would like. I have read
that it is still hardening it however.

I also am not sure what type of wire to use. Obviously, the dead soft
wire shapes like a dream but the half hard wire doesn't haold the
earwire shape so well. Should I exagerate the bend when using half
hard or should I be using dead soft and hammering? If I do not hammer
dead soft wire, is it a little unreliable in holding its shape for
earwires?

Any help and advice woul dbe gratefully recieved!!

Thanks!!! :-)


I use half-hard without any problems, but I don't want the flat look.
For one thing, that's the sure sign of cheap earwires -- less metal.
Flattening half-hard is going to take a lot of hammering and probably
an anvil intead of a planishing block.

What you haven't mentioned is taking the rough edge off the end that
goes through the ear and I use a sort of mini version of a Dremel for
that.

However, I don't make earwires unless I want something very specific
because when I count the value of my time, it's a lot cheaper just to
buy them.
--
Marilee J. Layman
http://mjlayman.livejournal.com
  #3  
Old November 21st 07, 06:51 AM posted to rec.crafts.jewelry
Cognition Studios
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 2
Default Hand made earwires

Hi Marilee

Thanks for your reply.

I didn't mention taking taking off the rough bits from the ends of the
wire as I am fine with this. I have a cup bur and a very fine file
that works a treat. My problems lie in the hammering. I too do not
favour the flat look. I feel that this can cheapen the look of a
peice. However, I recently saw some handmade hammered earwires and
they looked very sophisticated. It's hard to explain as I do not have
the picture but it's somewhere in-between. Slightly hammered on the
ends (obviously purely for design) and lightly hammered on the curve
that sits within the ear. I am definitely not trying to copy the look
of the earwires bought from the shops as I feel that these are very
generic and after all, I am marketing my jewellery as handmade.

I too agree that it is sometimes more cost effective to buy earwires
but contrary to this, if the wires are hand crafted, it adds to the
individuality of the peice don't you think. I feel many people are
happy to pay more (for your extra time) to have something a bit
special.

The advice I have recieved veers towards either using dead soft and
hammering lightly or half hard and leaving as is.

ThanKs again for your reply :-)

Samantha (UK)
  #4  
Old December 6th 07, 09:47 AM posted to rec.crafts.jewelry
Graver
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 14
Default Hand made earwires

On Nov 19, 11:29 am, Cognition Studios
wrote:
Hi

I am wondering if anyone can help me.

I would love to know to make earwires by hand. I recently purchased a
wigjig Delphi and it's fabulous! I am creating wires in exactly the
shape I require. However, it has taken much experimentation (and
money!) with wire gauges and different types (half hard/dead soft) to
achieve the style I have been after. I am very excited about it except
I cannot figure out how to hammer the wire without marking it! Help!

Does this just come with practice? I have a chasing hammer, a small
planishing block and a nylon hammer. I have been using 18-20 gauge
gold filled wire but it marks terribly when I try to hammer the end
and the curve that goes through the ear. Little nicks which I assume
is the edge of the hammer denting it. If I use the nylon hammer, it
doesn't flatten the wire and thats the look I would like. I have read
that it is still hardening it however.

I also am not sure what type of wire to use. Obviously, the dead soft
wire shapes like a dream but the half hard wire doesn't haold the
earwire shape so well. Should I exagerate the bend when using half
hard or should I be using dead soft and hammering? If I do not hammer
dead soft wire, is it a little unreliable in holding its shape for
earwires?

Any help and advice woul dbe gratefully recieved!!

Thanks!!! :-)


Hi,

Here's what I've been doing about my earwires. I purchased a spool of
anealed 304 stainless steel wire 20 gage. This works much better in
every way, 1. I take a piece about a foot long and put one end into my
bench vise, then I grab the other end with a pair of channel locks and
slowly pull the wire until I feel it stretch a little. This hardens
the wire, and works great on sterling silver or gold. This also makes
your wire stright as an arrow. 2. Stainless steel will never tarnish,
and it wears better then Platnium. 3. You can use lighter gage wire
with stainless and it will hold it's shape alot better then silver or
gold. Now you just have to get over the fact that it's not a precious
metal, but when it's polished you'll never question what it's made of
because it looks like white gold and is stronger and much cheaper. The
spool of stainless steel cost $10.00 on Ebay and I still have 3000
feet of wire after five years. GOOD DEAL!
  #5  
Old December 7th 07, 11:17 AM posted to rec.crafts.jewelry
Marilee J. Layman
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 119
Default Hand made earwires

On Thu, 06 Dec 2007 00:47:08 -0800, Graver
wrote:


Hi,

Here's what I've been doing about my earwires. I purchased a spool of
anealed 304 stainless steel wire 20 gage. This works much better in
every way, 1. I take a piece about a foot long and put one end into my
bench vise, then I grab the other end with a pair of channel locks and
slowly pull the wire until I feel it stretch a little. This hardens
the wire, and works great on sterling silver or gold. This also makes
your wire stright as an arrow. 2. Stainless steel will never tarnish,
and it wears better then Platnium. 3. You can use lighter gage wire
with stainless and it will hold it's shape alot better then silver or
gold. Now you just have to get over the fact that it's not a precious
metal, but when it's polished you'll never question what it's made of
because it looks like white gold and is stronger and much cheaper. The
spool of stainless steel cost $10.00 on Ebay and I still have 3000
feet of wire after five years. GOOD DEAL!


Assuming people want to buy earrings with stainless steel earwires.
--
Marilee J. Layman
http://mjlayman.livejournal.com
  #6  
Old December 7th 07, 05:27 PM posted to rec.crafts.jewelry
Graver
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 14
Default Hand made earwires

On Dec 7, 5:17 am, "Marilee J. Layman" wrote:
On Thu, 06 Dec 2007 00:47:08 -0800, Graver
wrote:





Hi,


Here's what I've been doing about my earwires. I purchased a spool of
anealed 304 stainless steel wire 20 gage. This works much better in
every way, 1. I take a piece about a foot long and put one end into my
bench vise, then I grab the other end with a pair of channel locks and
slowly pull the wire until I feel it stretch a little. This hardens
the wire, and works great on sterling silver or gold. This also makes
your wire stright as an arrow. 2. Stainless steel will never tarnish,
and it wears better then Platnium. 3. You can use lighter gage wire
with stainless and it will hold it's shape alot better then silver or
gold. Now you just have to get over the fact that it's not a precious
metal, but when it's polished you'll never question what it's made of
because it looks like white gold and is stronger and much cheaper. The
spool of stainless steel cost $10.00 on Ebay and I still have 3000
feet of wire after five years. GOOD DEAL!


Assuming people want to buy earrings with stainless steel earwires.
--
Marilee J. Laymanhttp://mjlayman.livejournal.com- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -


Hi Marilee,

Your right about people's idea of pure silver or gold, I just tell
them straight up why I made them in stainless. I've started to design
alot of my pieces using differnt metals, with Gold and Silver on the
rise I find that it's the design that sells itself. Have you gone thru
a department store and checked out the costume jewelry prices?
It took me years to feel comfortable about change in metals, gold has
never been a good investment, it's just a medium that for us jewelers
is great for high end pieces. I can sell custom made pieces alot
faster and cheaper without feeling like I'm waiting for a piece I made
in gold to sell before I can design another.
  #7  
Old December 8th 07, 10:57 AM posted to rec.crafts.jewelry
Marilee J. Layman
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 119
Default Hand made earwires

On Fri, 07 Dec 2007 08:27:27 -0800, Graver
wrote:

On Dec 7, 5:17 am, "Marilee J. Layman" wrote:
On Thu, 06 Dec 2007 00:47:08 -0800, Graver
wrote:





Hi,


Here's what I've been doing about my earwires. I purchased a spool of
anealed 304 stainless steel wire 20 gage. This works much better in
every way, 1. I take a piece about a foot long and put one end into my
bench vise, then I grab the other end with a pair of channel locks and
slowly pull the wire until I feel it stretch a little. This hardens
the wire, and works great on sterling silver or gold. This also makes
your wire stright as an arrow. 2. Stainless steel will never tarnish,
and it wears better then Platnium. 3. You can use lighter gage wire
with stainless and it will hold it's shape alot better then silver or
gold. Now you just have to get over the fact that it's not a precious
metal, but when it's polished you'll never question what it's made of
because it looks like white gold and is stronger and much cheaper. The
spool of stainless steel cost $10.00 on Ebay and I still have 3000
feet of wire after five years. GOOD DEAL!


Assuming people want to buy earrings with stainless steel earwires.
--
Marilee J. Laymanhttp://mjlayman.livejournal.com- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -


Hi Marilee,

Your right about people's idea of pure silver or gold, I just tell
them straight up why I made them in stainless. I've started to design
alot of my pieces using differnt metals, with Gold and Silver on the
rise I find that it's the design that sells itself. Have you gone thru
a department store and checked out the costume jewelry prices?


Nope, I'm disabled. I buy almost everything on the web these days.

It took me years to feel comfortable about change in metals, gold has
never been a good investment, it's just a medium that for us jewelers
is great for high end pieces. I can sell custom made pieces alot
faster and cheaper without feeling like I'm waiting for a piece I made
in gold to sell before I can design another.


I'm mostly a bead weaver, so gold or silver findings are not a big
deal compared to the time I put in the work.
--
Marilee J. Layman
http://mjlayman.livejournal.com
  #8  
Old December 9th 07, 07:41 AM posted to rec.crafts.jewelry
Marilee J. Layman
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 119
Default Hand made earwires

On Fri, 07 Dec 2007 08:27:27 -0800, Graver
wrote:

Hi Marilee,

Your right about people's idea of pure silver or gold, I just tell
them straight up why I made them in stainless. I've started to design
alot of my pieces using differnt metals, with Gold and Silver on the
rise I find that it's the design that sells itself. Have you gone thru
a department store and checked out the costume jewelry prices?
It took me years to feel comfortable about change in metals, gold has
never been a good investment, it's just a medium that for us jewelers
is great for high end pieces. I can sell custom made pieces alot
faster and cheaper without feeling like I'm waiting for a piece I made
in gold to sell before I can design another.


I went today and pulled out the last batch of sterling earwires I
bought and they were $.64 per pair (the same ones are now$ .86 per
pair) if you buy a hundred pair or more at the same time. I have a
lot of trouble seeing even $.86 having a big affect on the cost and
sales of the piece, particularly if it's a custom piece.
--
Marilee J. Layman
http://mjlayman.livejournal.com
  #9  
Old December 10th 07, 05:45 PM posted to rec.crafts.jewelry
Graver
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 14
Default Hand made earwires

On Dec 9, 1:41 am, "Marilee J. Layman" wrote:
On Fri, 07 Dec 2007 08:27:27 -0800, Graver
wrote:

Hi Marilee,


Your right about people's idea of pure silver or gold, I just tell
them straight up why I made them in stainless. I've started to design
alot of my pieces using differnt metals, with Gold and Silver on the
rise I find that it's the design that sells itself. Have you gone thru
a department store and checked out the costume jewelry prices?
It took me years to feel comfortable about change in metals, gold has
never been a good investment, it's just a medium that for us jewelers
is great for high end pieces. I can sell custom made pieces alot
faster and cheaper without feeling like I'm waiting for a piece I made
in gold to sell before I can design another.


I went today and pulled out the last batch of sterling earwires I
bought and they were $.64 per pair (the same ones are now$ .86 per
pair) if you buy a hundred pair or more at the same time. I have a
lot of trouble seeing even $.86 having a big affect on the cost and
sales of the piece, particularly if it's a custom piece.
--
Marilee J. Laymanhttp://mjlayman.livejournal.com



Marilee,

You just don't get it!!!! I'm trying to have you think outside the
box. This whole conversation isn't about the cost of earwires, it's
taking other avenues of your creativity and trying new materials. I'm
a 100% disabled Viet Nam Veteran, but that has nothing to do with the
way I design or the way people will veiw my work. Besides, your using
at least 85% of material that's not either silver or gold, so just
take what I say as a differnt way to make art. I feel you don't really
want to know anything new about fresh ideas, sounds like your angry,
and I can't help you with that.
  #10  
Old December 12th 07, 05:07 AM posted to rec.crafts.jewelry
Marilee J. Layman
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 119
Default Hand made earwires

On Mon, 10 Dec 2007 08:45:07 -0800, Graver
wrote:

On Dec 9, 1:41 am, "Marilee J. Layman" wrote:
On Fri, 07 Dec 2007 08:27:27 -0800, Graver
wrote:

Hi Marilee,


Your right about people's idea of pure silver or gold, I just tell
them straight up why I made them in stainless. I've started to design
alot of my pieces using differnt metals, with Gold and Silver on the
rise I find that it's the design that sells itself. Have you gone thru
a department store and checked out the costume jewelry prices?
It took me years to feel comfortable about change in metals, gold has
never been a good investment, it's just a medium that for us jewelers
is great for high end pieces. I can sell custom made pieces alot
faster and cheaper without feeling like I'm waiting for a piece I made
in gold to sell before I can design another.


I went today and pulled out the last batch of sterling earwires I
bought and they were $.64 per pair (the same ones are now$ .86 per
pair) if you buy a hundred pair or more at the same time. I have a
lot of trouble seeing even $.86 having a big affect on the cost and
sales of the piece, particularly if it's a custom piece.
--
Marilee J. Laymanhttp://mjlayman.livejournal.com



Marilee,

You just don't get it!!!! I'm trying to have you think outside the
box. This whole conversation isn't about the cost of earwires, it's
taking other avenues of your creativity and trying new materials. I'm
a 100% disabled Viet Nam Veteran, but that has nothing to do with the
way I design or the way people will veiw my work. Besides, your using
at least 85% of material that's not either silver or gold, so just
take what I say as a differnt way to make art. I feel you don't really
want to know anything new about fresh ideas, sounds like your angry,
and I can't help you with that.


That's good, because I'm not angry. But in an earlier post (I snipped
this part, didn't know it would become relevant), you said:

----------------
Here's what I've been doing about my earwires. I purchased a spool of
anealed 304 stainless steel wire 20 gage. This works much better in
every way, 1. I take a piece about a foot long and put one end into my
bench vise, then I grab the other end with a pair of channel locks and
slowly pull the wire until I feel it stretch a little. This hardens
the wire, and works great on sterling silver or gold. This also makes
your wire stright as an arrow. 2. Stainless steel will never tarnish,
and it wears better then Platnium. 3. You can use lighter gage wire
with stainless and it will hold it's shape alot better then silver or
gold. Now you just have to get over the fact that it's not a precious
metal, but when it's polished you'll never question what it's made of
because it looks like white gold and is stronger and much cheaper. The
spool of stainless steel cost $10.00 on Ebay and I still have 3000
feet of wire after five years. GOOD DEAL!
------------------------

and you were clearly talking about earwires, not the rest of your art,
and were quite pleased that the stainless was much cheaper. I just
think that the difference in price to use sterling is small enough not
to matter. Many people will prefer sterling or at least gold-filled
compared to stainless.

As to "thinking out of the box" and "a different way to make art," I'm
never going to do much wirework because I'm not strong enough. I used
to make many more things (including radios and computers) but I'm
pretty limited these days. I've had new ideas in art, been published,
etc., but these days I mostly make things for presents or for
charities to auction. And beadweaving and crocheting are the skills I
can still use.
--
Marilee J. Layman
http://mjlayman.livejournal.com
 




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