Weaving from wire has been known to mankind for many centuries. From this material it is easy to twist a simple ring or bracelet, even children can cope with this. Even the ancient Egyptians created real masterpieces from wire of various origins. Now this type of needlework will replenish jewelry supplies with an unusual product.
What wire to weave?
Home-made things are always original. Weaving from wire requires a certain exposure, but a fun decoration can replenish your own box or become a great gift for loved ones. Weaving is usually made from soft wire. Products from copper and its color variations look beautiful.
Skilled needlewomen can make jewelry from silver and even from gold wire. Then the product already belongs to the category of jewelry and is valued an order of magnitude higher. However, lovers of beauty can easily create something unusual and from a simple wire.
For needlework, it is better to use copper, brass, aluminum wire.
Galvanized iron material is also suitable. The easiest way to work is with copper, it is recommended for beginners with no experience. Such a metal does not oxidize, therefore, a decoration or decorative item will last for many years.
Coarse wire can be combined with various beads and stones. This allows you to make the appearance of the finished product more elegant and interesting.
It is worth noting that not only jewelry can be woven from wire. Man-made objects from this material will decorate the interior of any home.
Features of weaving
Working with wire cannot be called easy, even taking into account the existence of many devices for this type of needlework. To create a simple product, you will need these tools:
- side cutters;
- thin-nose pliers and round-nose pliers;
- anvil;
- device for winding springs;
- small hammer;
- Wig Jig (plate with holes and nozzles).
All of these items require utmost care and skill to use.
Handicraft made of wire for children is simpler, but the result is less fascinating. You can make jewelry and various interior decorations, such as trees, from wire. Homemade baskets in which you can put fruits or sweets look original.
For the implementation of most products you need experience, constant honing of skills. Trying to do something difficult the first time is not worth it: the result may not be happy.
It is recommended to start with light products in order to gain experience and not destroy motivation.
The wire is very popular among craftswomen, because it allows you to create a wide variety of objects with different purposes.
Kinds
There are not many popular weaving techniques. Each technique is designed for a specific set of products. A common type of weaving is Wire Wrap. The technique is intended for braiding with wire various beads, stones and accessories. It allows you to make original and interesting jewelry.
It is noteworthy that this method can be used to decorate an existing product, for example, a spectacle frame.
Viking Knit and chain mail techniques are also considered fairly easy to learn. Simplicity does not spoil the result. Products look attractive and interesting.
In weaving, certain techniques are used to connect two, three or more pieces of wire. Consider the main types of such techniques.
- In the form of a braid. A piece of wire must be bent, and then fasten the second part with the first in the bend. Many craftsmen fasten the upper part to the wall with a nail to make it more convenient to work. Two wires can be interconnected by twisting them in one direction. Two tows should be curled in different directions. The result is a herringbone-like pattern.
- "Wicker path." To create a picture, it is best to use a medium-thick wire. One end must be bent so that a certain width of the track is obtained. At the end of the first row, the cord bends again. The edge drops between the ends of the braid. Then begins weaving the second row. Gradually, the track weaves to the desired size.
- "Round belt." Weaving is made of 4 ends. Each row ends by threading the last piece into the hole, which is formed when the initial is bent. At the same time, a new series begins on either side. "Belt" can be woven from any number of wires.
Jewelry making
Even the simplest weaving technique allows you to make your own hands an unusual product. It is possible to craft key rings, crowns, models from intricate patterns and figures. Jewelry is usually created from wire-braided beads. It looks original and suitable for various events. Simple schemes for beginners will weave your first product. It is recommended to start with something easy. Rings and pendants are created quite simply.
The work does not take much time, so it can easily be done in one go.
Rings
It is with such products that it is recommended to begin the development of this type of needlework. To create a ring, you should prepare the following materials and tools:
- copper wire;
- large bead;
- pliers and tools with curved edges;
- cylindrical object.
The latter should correspond to the diameter of the finger. It is on its basis that weaving will be made. Now let's see what a step-by-step master class looks like.
- Take a piece of copper cord measuring 15-20 cm.
- In the middle of the piece put a bead or other jewelry.
- Screw the wire onto the cylinder. It should turn out three turns. It is important that the ends of the wire stick out in different directions.
- Take the tail and pull the copper cord tightly. Make three twists in a circle of beads. Each next round should be lower than the previous one.
- Make turns on each side of the ring. In this case, the wire must be pulled as tightly as possible.
- Flatten the tip of the copper material with pliers and press it against the ring. It is important to position the end from the outside. Otherwise, the wire may injure your finger.
- Press the loops as tightly together as possible.
Pendants
The product is created using the Wire Wrap technique. It is easy to learn, therefore suitable for masters without experience. The following materials and tools should be prepared:
- copper wire with a section of 2 mm - 30 cm;
- the same wire, but with a cross section of 0.7 mm - 60 cm;
- small beads - 12 pcs.;
- pliers;
- hammer;
- ruler;
- round pliers.
Work does not take much time. Follow the instructions below.
- Take a thick wire with a pair of pliers at the tip.
- Screw the copper in a spiral in increments of 2-3 mm. The last turn should be 5 mm wide.
- Bend the end of the cord in a loop.
- Flatten the spiral. To do this, tap on it with a hammer. It is important not to damage the coating on the material.
- Fasten a thin wire to the loop.
- Make turns with beads in the center on the last row of the flattened spiral.
- Bite off the rest of the cord and flatten the tip with pliers. Press firmly to the pendant from the outside.
Recommendations
There are a large number of schemes for the manufacture of wire products. Using the example of master classes, you can gain experience and hone your skills. Let's see what tips are usually given to beginners in this type of creativity.
- It is recommended to use metals that are not oxidized. So do not have to carry out patination. For reliability, the finished product can be varnished.
- The wire will be more malleable if it is heated on fire. After that, it is worth rubbing it with an ordinary baby cream and rinsing with water.
- Not all masters like Patina. Finished products can be coated with gold, silver or bronze. Top must be varnished.
- It is important to draw on paper a diagram and a sketch of the future product before weaving begins. Working with wire has a lot of nuances, it can be called filigree.
- It’s important to be patient. Work requires perseverance and attentiveness.
- Sometimes you can be inspired by someone else’s product. In this case, it is necessary to mentally divide it into parts and draw a diagram. Thus, the work will go faster and easier. It is worth noting that only those masters who have already gained at least a little experience can do this.
- During weaving, it is important to follow safety precautions. Gloves should be worn to protect hands from damage. Safety glasses will protect you in cases where a piece of wire flies in an unforeseen direction. Handle tools with care. Each of them carries a potential threat.
- Calculate the length of the product should be especially careful. With tight weaving, the size increases by 2 times.
When working with wire, you should not rush, each step here requires attention and concentration.
Sure, the master always has his own views on the masterpiece, personal ideas and fantasies. Any decor can be combined with wire: from beads to buttons. This allows you to make a large number of jewelry in the form of jewelry or interior gizmos. Beginners can learn master classes and for originality supplement them with their ideas.
In the next video, you will learn how to make a chain of wire with your own hands.