Wire Wrapping Tutorial

This is my first tutorial, so go easy on me ;)

First you need to get acquainted with different kinds of wire.

Materials: You can get them in a variety of materials. I opt for the affordable route of colored copper-this way it gives the look you want (i.e. silver) but it's not costing an arm and a leg.

Thickness/Gauge: The larger the number listed on the packaging, the thinner the wire. For example, 26 gauge wire is thinner than gauge 22 wire. It's nice to have a variety of thickness for different projects and experimenting.

Tools: Basic wire cutters and pliers are your standard tools. Having tools that have grip to them are helpful when working, but at the same time they can damage the wire and lower the quality, so it's best to work with smooth pliers. It's fun as well to have a variety of objects you can base a design off of-a pen to wrap around, etc.

Once you are equipped with everything needed, it's pretty easy to just give it a try. When it comes down to it, it's all trial and error for me. There are a lot of errors and having to re-start items. Always make sure to tuck in edges when ending the wire so that it can't catch on anything or scratch. I say just go for it-give it a whirl!

Other Picks for July 29th & 30th

Left we have a cute "Tangerine Dream" Necklace. It's a stunning piece! You can find it here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19250608

On the right we have a Vintage Garden Market Bag-simply beautiful and a very reasonable price.
The delicate pink flowers and the perfect feminine accent. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27489779

Picks from my shop for July 29th and 30th

Left I have a freshwater pearl bracelet. I love that these pearls have a personality of their own. They are silvery purple pearls wire wrapped with complimentary frosted purple beads. At a very reasonable price, you can find them in my shop at: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27835263

Right is my listing for Special Occasion and Wedding Cakes. I of course only make these local as they wouldn't ship well. I need to add more pictures, but I get lots of comments on this one. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27588696

Picks of the day

Sorry for not getting the wire wrapping tutorial up today-it's been a little crazy between social activities, doctors appointment, and other paperwork to get done! Not to mention making some custom orders for co-workers/friends (and a lot of bumps along the road with 2 of the projects :( Will have to finish them tomorrow!) Anyway, well here are my picks of the day:

Left you'll see just one of my pieces of photography up for sale. I've picked some of my favorite high quality prints. I have 2 separate listings-1 for nature in general and 1 for just flowers. You can find them at these links: (You get to pick which 3 you want from each listing for a low price of only $15 for all 3!)
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27707665
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27706678

Right you'll see a cute handmade tissue box cover. I'm not usually into tissue box covers, but this one is just adorable and unique!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20081906

Stay tuned for the wire wrapping tutorial hopefully tomorrow! And when I get these custom orders done maybe I'll post some pictures :D

First Donation for Crafting4Causes Shop!

craftylittlekitten is the first to donate an item to the Crafting4Causes shop! Thanks so much for this adorable donation! Please check out her shop for lots of other adorable items: craftylittlekitten.etsy.com

For more info or to adopt Daisy, check her out here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28440012

Picks for July 27th

I just posted this new set of matching rings. I love the look of the black wire.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28438122

The other earrings are my favorite pick of the day. Meant for your favorite knitter :D
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28386086

My picks of the day:

Top left:
I think this is such a cute idea! A perfect gift for someone that has cats, or for your own cats for Christmas! It's a pity I don't have any cats right now (family allergies).
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28260153

Top right:
I've recently gotten into ring making. This is one of my earlier ones. I love the silvery purpley freshwater pearl.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27936721

Favorite Picks for July 24th and progress for Crafting4Causes

Here are my pics to feature today:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21038391
This is just one of her adorable and very affordable origami cards. I've never done origami myself, but I love the look of it!

And here is my feature from my own shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27551597
I made these just after the 4th of July, but they're perfect year round to send to a soldier serving our nation! The pictures are originals by myself.

OTHER NEWS:
My JollyJennifer shop just had its first sale!!!!!!!!!!!!!! yay!!! Someone purchased 4 of my items! I'm pretty excited :D

Crafting4Causes: I've had 6 or 7 people contact me and they're in on helping donate things for the shop, mostly for mystery grab bags we're putting together. I'm really excited about this. And I'm happy people trust someone that has been on etsy for less than a month, I know it's hard to trust anymore these days.

Addition to this blog:
I plan to have a weekly tutorial and a monthly contest of some sort :D I think I'll do tutorials on Mondays, so the first one will be this upcoming Monday and about wire-wrapping jewelry :D

My Not for Profit Shop-Crafting4Causes

I've just started up a second shop where 100% of proceeds will go to various charities and causes. All sales during July and August will be donated to my local food bank. I'll keep updates on my shop here as well. The first item I've posted, very appropriate for the food bank kick off is "A Dash of Love" shaker for a kitchen. I hope this finds it's way into a loving home and $8.50 can be used to help a hungry family! I'm in the process of listing a couple more items as well, but I don't have much for this shop yet. I'm open to donations and anyone making me a banner/avatar :D

Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7712493
This item:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28246175

Tutorials and Stories to Come-Stay tuned!

Soon I'll be adding articles and tutorials on various crafting (and etsy) topics. My cousin who used to make earrings and sell them in an ebay store has asked me how I learned wire wrapping with my jewelry, maybe that will be the first topic!

Picks for July 22 & 23 Part II

Top left we have a "Miniature Geisha Paper Doll Diorama". I absolutely love it! It's selling for $25 right now. When I see it I think of my sister in law. She's not asian in any way, shape, or form, but at her wedding it was Japanese themed :D
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28025237

Top right we have "Plantable Paper Butterflies" I think it's such a smart idea and eco friendly! You can use them as gift tags and when you're done, you plant them. Seeds are in these recycled paper butterflies and they produce organic herbs and flowers! I don't really have much occasion to use them right now but I've got them as a favorite and we'll see :D
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26707710

Picks for July 22 & 23

I missed posting yesterday (was too busy making things :D ) So in this post I will highlight 2 of my items and in the next post will be 2 from other shops.

Up top left I have my "Poor Man's Bling Earrings". I decided it would be fun to use pennies and I love wire wrapping, and this way they are legal. I've seen some jewelry where they've punched holes in the coins and technically that's illegal though I doubt the feds will come to take them away :P I've just listed similar earrings with nickels, dimes, and quarters but they all are wrapped in black wire.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28140167

Top right we have "Customized Beaded Name Earrings". I just like them!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28205662

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28111547
Here is my pick from my shop to promote today. These beautiful blue earrings make quite a statement and pop.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27935777
Here's a Bright Green Eco Friendly Wine Bottle Serving Tray that I just love! It is for sale by dpholkdesigns. I would buy some if it weren't for the fact that I don't drink nor do my friends, lol.

Welcome Everyone!

I've decided to start up new public blog to promote and preview my etsy shop and spotlight the work of others I see and love. Feel free to join and follow!