So....I tried it......again.

And you know what, I just don't think it's me. I have NO IDEA how some of you guys make those fiddly little rings and wire wrapped projects. I just do not understand or have the patience for it.

But, I did make a ring. And I wrapped it.....just a little. It took me 12 goes to get to this stage! I threw it down in disgust 11 times. The wire snapped. The wire snapped again. I couldn't get the thing to be symmetrical or even attractively asymmetrical.

So kudos to all of you wire wrappers. I don't think I'll be joining your ranks.

Wow, that's a beautiful ring!!!!!  I truely hope you do not give up because it looks like you have talent.  Have you taken a class or tutorial?  I'm not into the wire wrapping yet, but I'm sure one of the experts here can help you figure out why the wire is snapping.

Alice

Hahaha, thanks Alice. Isn't it obvious that I've never taken a class on wire wrapping??????? I just looked really closely at what others have done on this forum.

I know why the wire keeps snapping, I was using 24 and 22G Sterling Silver wire and I just kept on over extending and bending it, which caused metal fatigue.

It isn't the first time I've tried this technique, but after a few goes, I'm fairly certain that I will not use it as a regular addition to my 'jewellery' making.

You really should not give up.. That ring is beautiful!! Where did you get that band or did you make it??

Hi, I made the band from scrap Sterling silver, drilled the end holes for the wire, shaped it, cleaned it up a little........then proceeded to wreck wire. Hahaha.

 I agree, don't give up!  I like the ring! If I can weave little jumprings rings, you can wire-wrap.  One tip, start with dead soft wire and try not to manipulate the tail of the wire any more than necessary.  When I straighten wire for wrapping, I just straighten an inch or so from where I'm wrapping.  And start in the middle, work both ends.  The first few wraps will be loose and ugly.  It's OK.  Get a few good ones down, the go back and unwrap those first ones, and re-do them, working the other direction.

 Maybe it's really the "fiddly" part you don't like. Try wrapping cabochons first and maybe that will develop more wire feel and comfort for you. I will coil occasionally, but it is really tedious and has to be done so meticulously for it to look really good. But I would think if you have the patience for chain maille you should really give the wire wrapping another try. Personally, I'd rather chain than anything else. Good luck.

Lois

Patience for maille....yes..... I looked at your avatar and thought, "if that's what you mean by wrapping a cabochon, I'm done for!" Hahaha. Nice work, realtychik.

Hi ;-)

Don't be so ruff with yourself, i thing it's a good start! 

 "Patience for maille....yes..... I looked at your avatar and thought, "if that's what you mean by wrapping a cabochon, I'm done for!" Hahaha. Nice work, realtychik."

Well, that, of coure wasn't my first piece, lol. Although, when I started wrapping I picked an extremely difficult piece to do by pattern. I didn't know or read what the rating was for I just liked the piece. I figure now that if I could get through that piece knowing nothing about wrapping, I can do anything. I have certainly proved that statement wrong on many occasions. lol

The avatar is a faceted black spinel and nope, that probably would not be a good place to start. Get some cheap square and half round wire and a simple tutorial to follow. You can do it!!

 If you live close, come on over for a lesson if you like. 

Lois

I would definitely wear it!  I agree with the others...if this is your first attempt I wouldn't give up on it because I think the ring is beautiful.

QUOTE [If you live close, come on over for a lesson if you like. Lois]

Thanks, Lois........I'd love to. Haven't met anyone in Australia who does wire wrapping, yet. Do you want to come to my place, or shall I book the flight to yours??? Hahaha.

 I think this is a dang good start! Very neat for a first try, and that is saying something. Most Firsts in wire are a tangly mess in one way or another. Perhaps the fiddly bits are what dampen your enthusiasm. I say go for some very simple fully wrapped rings - the ones that teach you spirals and what the wire likes to do and then resists.

Doing wire is not like doing other metal work - Wire has so many qualities that are similar but not quite exactly like other mediums - but they are enough alike that beginners initially expect the similes and metaphors to hold exactly. One of the most popular is that wire is like thread - but that is one reason  beginners break wire due to work hardening. They forget that wire is not as flexible or elastic as thread - it doesn't arc gently all the way into a small loop unless handled very specifically - it kinks, and that will lead to hardening and breakage. 

When you think that you have a model for working with wire that helps you understand how to manipulate it, by all means, use it. We all use existing models to help us figure out new techniques. But be careful that you don't allow that helping model to replace noticing what is different, so that you can move past it, on to better things. Different mediums require different philosophies for approaching the work - this one does, too.

Keep on keeping on! You will get it if you want it! I do appreciate the compliments you have paid to all of us as wire workers!

Perri

 As always Peri is right on the mark!

Lois

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