| Anyone that wants to make great wire jewelry | | | | Tip#2 |
| needs to have the right tools. Many newbies to | | | | Pay for quality so you don't pay for mistakes. |
| jewelry making -- and even some of us who | | | | This may seem funny to say after tip #1, but |
| have been doing this for awhile get a bit | | | | there is a time to spend the money. Here's where |
| intimidated when it comes to the world of tools. | | | | to spend your money: pliers. Never EVER get |
| Some jewelry makers actually get a bit stubborn, | | | | your pliers from the hardware store. Here's here |
| and attempt to make one single tool work for | | | | you need to splurge on the specialized stuff. |
| every possible configuration. It just doesn't work! | | | | It seems like many wire work jewelry makers |
| You really do need a variety of tools for best | | | | scrimp a bit on their pliers (been there, done that!) |
| success. | | | | so they have extra money to spend on supplies. |
| Here's my best beginners' tool list (and a frugal | | | | But this is just like charging something on your |
| minded one at that) for working with wire: | | | | credit card so you don't pay cash: not really a |
| * The most important first: your pliers- flat-nose, | | | | great bargain. You need quality pliers to see you |
| chain-nose, round-nose | | | | through every wire work jewelry-making project |
| * A good quality pair of side flush cutters | | | | that you do. If you purchase the cheapie pliers, |
| * A good, smooth steel plate (this is a terrific | | | | you'll soon have trouble getting them to perform |
| substitute that is less expensive than a steel | | | | for you. There is nothing more frustrating than |
| bench block) | | | | working on a great piece and having your tools |
| * A hardware store hammer | | | | not work as well as you do. The key to cutting |
| * A small nylon or rawhide mallet | | | | costs is to know when - and pliers ain't the place |
| * A flat file (can find this at either the hardware | | | | to save. When it comes to pliers, you're wise to |
| store or a hobby store) | | | | purchase quality tools that keep up the pace! |
| * Fine steel wool (for cleaning and polishing) | | | | Tip #3: |
| These tools will help you master wire work | | | | Wire work jewelry making kit tools can be a |
| jewelry and create many beautiful pieces of | | | | great deal. But you do need to investigate exactly |
| jewelry. | | | | what is included in that kit. Many craft kits are |
| Now that you know what you need, you might | | | | created so they can be given as gifts or |
| be wondering where to get these things. Here are | | | | purchased by a beginner who may not completely |
| some tips so you don't waste your money: | | | | understand what they need. We've already talked |
| Tip #1: | | | | about exactly what tools you need. So if you see |
| Great tools can be found at the hardware store. | | | | a wire work tool kit that includes lots of great |
| "The hardware store?" you may ask, "that's | | | | pliers and a hammer or other tools for a |
| where the light bulbs and ladders live." But no my | | | | top-notch price, then that is a good deal. But if it |
| little chickadee, you can find some of your | | | | doesn't have the above tools and includes |
| jewelry making tools at the hardware store. | | | | different types of tools then it is created for |
| Remember that you'll be working with wire and | | | | doing different types of jewelry and will not be |
| that wire is stiff and hard. It makes perfect sense | | | | useful for what you want to do. |
| that your perfect tools would live at the | | | | Wire jewelry making is very dependent on having |
| hardware store, just waiting to be found. Get a | | | | the right tools. The more informed you are about |
| hammer, flat file, steel wool and a nylon mallet -- | | | | your tools -- the stronger your jewelry making |
| all at the hardware store! Best of all, often your | | | | skills become. |
| hardware store jewelry making supplies will be | | | | Happy wire working! |
| less expensive than traditional craft store supplies! | | | | |