Saturday, May 23, 2015

Whats on My Bench

In this week's edition of Whats on My Bench with the JET Team, Judy of JemsByJBandCompany has been trying out a new jewelry-making technique. Let's find out how she got on...

I have always wanted to learn how to wire wrap beads onto earrings. So many pretty beads would look great on silver or gold hoops and they are so fashionable. I purchased the supplies I needed to get started.

Since I wasn’t sure how successful I would be in accomplishing this, I used inexpensive wire and beads. It looked like a simple process, so I set about designing my first pair of earrings. It turned out NOT to be as easy as I had expected!




First I took the wire and made a one inch loop, which I then wrapped with bronze wire to form my base. Then I strung the beads onto the gold wire, and began the task of wrapping them around the base template. This proved to be a daunting task as the beads kept slipping off the wire and the base kept bending.

I almost gave up at this point but, being the determined person that I am, I continued for the next few hours until both earrings were completed. I added a coordinating charm in the center of each hoop, to add some extra pizzazz to the earrings.




I need to perfect the process before I actually make a pair to offer for sale in my shop. The wire is hard on the hands, and the placement of the beads is very intricate. The pair below is my first attempt, so the wire is a little messy at the top.

I finally satisfied my need to try this and - although it was time consuming and turned out to be challenging - I think I will definitely give it another try down the road, after my hands and eyes have recovered!!!!





Well done Judy, and thank you for sharing your experiences! See you all next week,
Val

16 comments :

Unknown said...

Cute idea!!!

SendingLoveGallery said...

I admire bead wrapping and those who try it! Way to go Judy!

Unknown said...

Very pretty, Judy, and well done for grasping a new technique!

jemsbyjb said...

Thanks for the support. Not sure I can do this again but it was fun learning how to do it.

Unknown said...

Love your tenacity, and your jewelry!

Gemstones on My Mind said...

Fantastic Judy, this is a new technique I'd like to master also. Your jewelry is gorgeous and you'll be listing these in no time, I'm sure!

mjsee said...

I've been thinking about trying this technique...I've got some teensy-tinsy gemstones that would work well...

Keep up the good work...practice makes perfect!

Beadsme said...

Glad you kept going. They are so pretty.

Mollie Ann said...

Judy, you're off to a fine start with this new technique. I'm looking forward to seeing this style in your shop!

SatinDollCo said...

I'm glad you didn't give up and they came out beautifully. Wire wrapping is a process I've grown to love and you're so right. It's hard on your hands. Keep it up.I'm sure you'll master it in no time.

Gambatte said...

Thanks for sharing your process, Judy. Wrapping those beads is not easy, but it looks like you made a great first attempt!

Brooke said...

Thanks for sharing Judy. I too have been wanting to try this so it was informative to read about your experience. I had suspected it might be challenging.

LoveStoneArts said...

Looks like you've tweaked a technique to make it your own. Nicely done and thanks for sharing.

Michele said...

Very pretty!!! It's nice getting to try something new!!!

Jennifer said...

It gives you a whole new appreciation for the art!

TheBrassHussy said...

Love those earrings, gorgeous!