Instructor: Barbara Becker Simon

No Soldering, no filing, no buffing, just wire and pliers! In one day you will learn a minimum of 7 wire beads and 10 linking elements, all made in beautiful sterling silver. The basics of handling the tools, the characteristics of wire and it’s varieties and properties will also be covered. No previous metalworking experience needed.

STUDENTS MUST BRING THE FOLLOWING:

METALS:
Sterling Silver round wire, ALL DEAD SOFT!!:
14 ga.--2ft.
16 ga.--10 ft.
18 ga.--8 ft.
20 ga.--4 ft.
22 ga.--2 ft. (one piece)
24 ga.--6 ft. (one piece)

Note: YOU CAN HAVE MORE OF ALL THESE WIRES. THIS IS JUST THE MINIMUM AMOUNT.
IMPORTANT: Make sure to order your wire "dead soft."
OPTIONAL: Round Copper Wire: 16 ga. & 18 ga.
This wire is very useful for practice and for accents.
TOOLS: BETTER QUALITY, PLEASE, see NOTE***
1 pair round nose pliers with 1 1/2” jaws (most pliers have 1” jaws)
The beautiful “Love Knot Bead” can’t be done without these pliers……..
1 pair miniature round nose pliers (jaw length approx. 15mm long.) These are optional but GREAT to have.
They MUST be well-made, like Lindstrom, or they will bend with the force of your grip)
1 pair round nose pliers (IF YOU DON’T HAVE THE MINIATURE ONES ABOVE)
1 pair chain nose pliers
1 pair flat nose pliers
1 pair flush cutters (These FLUSH CUTTERS are absolutely essential. These are NOT the run-of-the-mill wire nippers. If you have no flush cutters, invest the $50 (YES, that‘s what they cost!) in some good ones. You won’t regret it.
***The best pliers for this wire work (or any bending, for that matter) are those made by Lindstrom. Most jewelry catalogs sell them. If you want to buy the entire set: chain nose, “baby” rounds, flat nose, med. flush cut. Another great brand is Swanstrom.
I know these tools are pricey but if you don’t have excellent pliers, you will have a harder time. I wasn’t a believer until I used them. What a difference!!

BEADS:
The only essential bead needed is a smooth (no protrusions or dots sticking out) spherical ( not oval, please) bead ¾ of an inch to 1 inch in diameter. Make sure that the hole is not a tiny one. Your 1 inch bead can be any material: glass, gemstone, wood, clay, etc. An assortment of other beads is optional.

MISCELLANY:
ruler or tape measure
small pen knife or kitchen paring knife
notebook & pen or pencil
sharpie Marker
close-up eye wear
task light,
polishing cloth, like Sunshine Cloth
half-round needle file, any cut (opt.)
Bring a BAG LUNCH ! NO TIME TO GO OUT FOR LUNCH--- GOTTA BEND WIRE!!