Nautilus - Wire Wrapping by Chou Campbell

I love the ocean! I have made many pieces with nautilus shells. I decided to design my own wire wrapping nautilus. I started the frame of this nautilus, after I did the Tree of Life on May 26th, 2010. I tried many things on this frame, but nothing came to me until, Monday. I couldn't wait to get started.

Step 1. I used 14 gauge wire to make the frame.



Step 2 - I used 22 gauge wire for the wrapping.
I then pick the seed beads I wanted to use. I used a multi-color hank. You can purchase at your local bead store (The Bead Place, Fairview Heights, IL). (I purchased this strand from a friend- Bridgette Saunders - We call her the Delica Queen) =)



Step 3 - Add beads accordingly. One bead above the frame. Wrap around 1 1/2 times so that you can add beads to the opposite side.



Step 4- Continue wrapping on each side of the nautilus. The Wrapping does not criss-cross in the center. I thought about it, but nautilus shells are some what puffy... =)



Step 5 - Continue wrapping and adding wire when needed. The lower part you will wrap it 1 1/2 times, then add beads accordingly. You will go in between the top (no wrapping-just push through to the other side in between finished beads, add beads - continue)



Step 6 - I cut about 8 inches of 22 gauge wire - I add accordingly



Step 7 - I added a fresh water button pearl in the center of each side.