Briolette Wire Wrap # II

Here is another briolette wire wrap that I have done. This briolette is cut glass, and it gets thicker when I wrap. I usually use semi-precious stone briolette. I also try to find briolette's that are thinner. I cut about 16 inches - more wire is better.

Go down about 2 inches then make the 45 degree bend. Slide your briolette up the bend.

I cross the wire as pictured.

I then uncross the wires so the wires are side by side.

I then take the longer piece of wire and wrap it around the shorter wire close to the briolette. I start to wrap it.

I use my finger and push the wire around the briolette as a guide.

As the wire gets shorter. I take the wire and guide it up with my finger and wrap it around once onto the shorter wire. Leave this wire alone. We will make our close wrap loop

I take the round nose pliers and make a close wrap loop. Put the wire between the pliers. Push the wire away from you and make a 45 degree bend.

Twist your wrist up so that the pliers are vertical. Take the wire and push it toward you around the round nose pliers.

Twist your hand (back of your hand will face you) so that the loop is now at the bottom. Adjust your hand so it is more comfortable for you to work.

Remove the briolette. Take your chain nose pliers hold firmly to the loop part and start your wrap.

Wrap the wire around then cut the excess.

Go back to the long wire - I cut about 1 1/4 of wire and take the round nose pliers and make a spiral.

Here is the finished piece.

Briolette Wire Wrap # I

This is how I started making my briolette wraps in the beginning. I then started finding my own techniques, which I will show in another tutorial.

Tools used: Round nose pliers Chain nose pliers

I like to use 22 gauge wire. Artistic wire comes in many colors. I don't like to waste wire so, I keep the wire on the spool or wrapped with a twisty tie to keep the wire in place. If you are not comfortable with the bulk then cut about 8 inches of wire. More wire the better.

Make a closed wrap loop on one end.

Take your round nose pliers and push the wire away from you to a 45 degree angle. Notice how your pliers are laying horizontal.

Once you have done this take your round nose pliers and twist it up so that it is vertical. Now your thumb should be facing up. As shown in the photo.

Now take the wire and flip it over towards you. The pliers should still be in the vertical position.

Twist your wrist up towards you so that it is vertical and your thumb show be facing the table. Take the wire push it away from you in a 45 degree angle to make the circle.

You take the wire and wrap it around to make a close wrap loop. I use my fingers to wrap it around. You can use a chain nose pliers or bent nose pliers to do this part.

Remove the closed wrap loop.

Cut the excess wire.

I go down about a 1/2 inch before I make the bend with my chain nose pliers. Make the bend.

Slide the briolette on to the wire.

Make sure the briolette is not too tight. Take your chain nose pliers, just the tip part and place it beside the briolette. Push up to make the 45 degree bend.

This is what it will look like. Make sure you cross it as the picture shows below.

Place your chain nose pliers slightly above the briolette.

Hold firmly and take the wire and wrap it around to me up with the closed wire loop.

Cut your wire... Wal La!!!

Spiral Clasp - Wire Wrap Tips & Techniques

Here is how I made these spiral clasp when I first starting make wire cuff bracelets to add some fun! I would use silver plated German wire, less expensive to practice on. I use 20 gauge wire, you want your clasp to be sturdy. Instead of wasting materials I just straighten out some wire and leave the rest in a coil, but if you don't like working that way. I would cut about 6 inches of 20 gauge wire. If the end is not smooth. I take a cup bur to smooth the ends.

Take your pliers and the end of the wire and twist to make a circle.

You will have a small circle as picture shown

Take your flat nose pliers and hold firmly (take your left or right thumb depending if you right or left handed)as you push the wire forward to make a circle. Make as many circles as you like. I started out with 2 or 3. I do open circles but you can do yours how you like. Adjust how you hold your pliers to get the spiral you circles you want.

Once you are done with the circles, go half way past the circles.

Take your wire and push up, so that you have a slight "dip" shape

Now it is time to make your hook. Go down about an 1 inch to make the hook.

Bent wire over.

Cut 1 inch

Take your cup bur and round and smooth the end

I then hammer the end once I smooth the end

I then take the round nose pliers and make a small circle

I hammer the hook to harden the wire

I hammer different areas to give the some effects

Wah LA!!!

Wire Wrap Spiral - How To

I use 20 gauge wire or heavier. You can use any type of wire. Take the very end of your wire, grasp firmly and twist into a circle.

Take your flat nose pliers and hold the loop firmly. The other hand using your thumb, guide the wire close to make a circle.

I go around 3 to 5 times. You can go around as many times as you like.

Bend your wire at a 90 degree angle.

Cut excess wire.

After bending the wire cut then take pliers and twist to make a loop.

I have two photos below of wire spirals. To make the closed loop - Follow the Charm tutorial on other page