Professional Documents
Culture Documents
wire
TAPER, BEND, AND FLATTEN WIRE
Forge an
EasyChain
Ma
ke a
link!
Do i t aga
in. Do it aga o it again
in. D
S
imple shapes are often the most elegant and
the easiest to make. Once you master making one
of these links, the challenge is to shape the rest as
uniformly as possible. Using little more than pliers, a steel
block, and a chasing hammer, youll make 16 elegant links.
Then youll connect them with pairs of jump rings and
attach a custom-made clasp to close the deal.
58 A r t J e w e l r y2009
Nov Kalmbach
e m b e r Publishing
2008 Co. This material may not be reproduced in any form
without permission from the publisher. www.ArtJewelryMag.com
n
gai
it a
Do
in.
ga
it a
Do
in.
it aga
Do
n.
agai
it
in . Do
aga
Do it
.
gain
o it a
n. D
ai
ag
o it
. D
again
it
in. Do
it aga
. Do
n
materials
Sterling silver wire:
16-gauge (1.3 mm), round,
3 mm inside diameter
toolbox
(see bonus poster)
Wirework
Jump rings
connect forged-wire
See Suppliers, page 77 links in this 17-in.
See Safety Basics, page 73 (44.5 cm) necklace.
www.A r t J e w e l r y M a g . c o m 59
1 2 3
Links
Cut and file wires. Use flush cutters to
cut 16 1-in. (38 mm) pieces of 16-gauge
(1.3 mm) sterling silver wire. With a flat
file, file one face of both ends of each wire
(see illustration, above). I learned that by
4 5
tapering the ends of the wire [1], I can
shape elegant, tight loops.
60 Ar t Jewelr y November 20 0 8
Process photos by Marie Cristine Knuff.
8 9 10
11 12 13
of one link and through the next link,
simple
and close the jump ring. Repeat to add
a second jump ring to these same loops.
Use jump rings to connect the remaining
links to make the chain [7].
variations
Add an extender chain. At one end
of the chain, add 24 jump rings in a 2+2 You can change the look of this chain by trying some subtle alterations:
pattern, which is a simple sequence of
pairs of jump rings, to create an extender Make the links in graduated sizes. Make some of the links with copper
Change the shape of the links. or brass wire.
chain for the necklace [8].
Add texture to the links with a ball- Connect the links with one jump
peen hammer or with metal stamps. ring instead of two.
Clasp
Shape the clasp. Cut a 2-in. (51 mm)
piece of 18-gauge (1.0 mm) wire. File
one face of one end as you did to make
the links. loop at the base of the hook [11]. This is Attach the clasp to the necklace.
With roundnose pliers, make a tight the first half of the wrapped loop. Make Attach the clasp to the necklace with
loop at the tapered end of the wire, rolling the wraps [12], and then trim the excess the remaining four jump rings, using
toward the filed face. Use chainnose or wire. (See Basics, page 72, for instructions a 2+2 pattern.
flatnose pliers to tighten the end of the on how to make a wrapped loop, or check
loop against the wire [9]. out the video at www.artjewelrymag.com/ Polish the necklace. Tumble-polish the
Grasp the wire with roundnose pliers howto.) Use chainnose pliers to press necklace in a tumbler with steel shot and
about 10 mm (3 8 in.) from the loop. Bend the wire end against the wraps. burnishing compound. This helps to work-
the wire around one jaw of the pliers to harden and strengthen the links. See
make a hook [10]. Forge the clasp. With your nondominant Basics, page 72, for instructions on how
hand, hold the clasp hook on the steel to use a tumbler.
Make a wrapped loop. Use roundnose block as shown, and flatten the curve of
pliers to make a 18 -in. (3 mm)-diameter the hook with your chasing hammer [13].
www.A r t J e w e l r y M a g . c o m 61
Make it
No matter what kind of jewelry youd like
to make or what technique youd like to
master youll get all the inspiration and advice
you need from leading jewelry artisans in every
issue of Art Jewelry magazine.
Subscribe today to
learn new techniques!
Order online at
www.ArtJewelryMag.com/promo
Enter promotional code: IK87Z
Or call 1-800-533-6644
Monday Friday, 8:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Central Time.
Outside the U.S. and Canada, call 262-796-8776, ext. 661.
CIR-ADH-08X1876RH