Hello!
I have a little something to share with my blog readers – a tutorial I created just for YOU. I know many of you can teach me a thing or two about wirework, but this is tutorial is for anyone out there just getting started with wire. Have you ever wondered how to create a one-of-a-kind clasp? Here’s a quick tutorial to help you create a clasp that can be used in your next bracelet or necklace design. All you need is a length of 16-gauge wire and your usual arsenal of tools! Let’s get started……
I hope this quick tutorial is helpful. Let me reiterate one of the final tips that I mention – using a tumbler. My tumbler has to be my absolute favorite “tool” when working with wire. If you give your clasps a good tumble (an hour or so), you’ll have a nice and sturdy clasp to be proud of. Please send me an email if you need further clarification on any part of this tutorial. I aim to please.
I’ve got one last photo to share – it’s my Bead Table Wednesday shot. This is an action shot trying to take pictures for this tutorial. I knew I wouldn’t be able to hold my pliers and my great big camera at the same time but I thought I’d give it a try. Needless to say demonstrating the steps with tools was out of the realm of possiblities for me. I needed my handy assistant.
Thank you for stopping by today. ‘See you around your bead table! 
{ 62 comments… read them below or add one }
← Previous Comments
great tut. Thank you!
I’ve never used a rotary tumbler. Do you have a brand or attributes to recommend? Thanks – great tutorial!
Carol, I highly recommend the Lortone tumbler – a single barrel model is fine. I hope to do a tumbler tutorial soon – stay tuned!
Awesome Tutorial!! I look forward to trying it out!
Thank you for this wonderful tutorial. I’m new to this type of jewelry making and just wanted to play w/ wire today so this was perfect!
Thank you! Great tips and tutorial. Love your pics! Carina : )
Thank you…they are lovely!
Does this work if it is not tumbled? Or is it too flexible. Can I work it with a hammer instead? Liz
Yes! You can definitely make this clasp without tumbling it and it will be sturdy because it is a thick enough gauge of wire. Tumbling will polish the clasp if you oxidize it and help to work-harden it. You can also work-harden the clasp with a rawhide or rubber mallet and a bench block.
Thanks so much…I needed something a novice could pull off…especially appreciated “forming a messy sort of spiral”…that…I can do~!~lol
cjeureka
thanks for this generous tutorial. I am really grateful.
I tumble my polymer clay beads with small smooth-ish river rocks. Does that also work with wire, or is there a better material to use?
← Previous Comments
{ 2 trackbacks }