Wire Wizardry - Classic & Colorful Wire Jewelry

I am captivated by wire. I love working with it to create one-of-a-kind jewelry. I have three collections - Paddles, Bubbles, and Scribbles - which celebrate wire in all its forms.

The earrings and necklaces in my Paddles Collection are created by hammering round wire until it flattens and forms a shape like that of a boat paddle. As I create each paddle, I turn the wire so you see the paddle shape when you look at the piece from the front and from the side. I drill a hole in each paddle, so it can hang from an ear wire or form part of a necklace.

For my Bubbles Collection, I form a loop in a piece of round wire leaving a long stem like a bubble wand. Sometimes I fill the bubble with colored resin. People say those bubbles look like balloons or lollipops. Other times I leave the bubble empty and hammer its edges so they catch the light. I create a small loop at the end of the "wand" so it can hang from an ear wire or be made into a necklace.

For my Scribbles Collection I scribble or doodle with wire creating fanciful patterns of loops and swirls. Sometimes the scribbles are formed in to centerpieces for necklaces using 10 to 30 feet of wire. Other times, I form them in to bracelets using over 40 feet of wire to do so. Scribbles Roses earrings and pendants are created by crimping round wire, spiraling it and then hammering it to create patterns that catch the light.

The thickness or gauge of the wire determines the look of the finished jewelry - delicate and lacy or heavy and substantial. The type of wire also contributes to the look. Sterling silver, copper and bronze wire are classic choices. However, using color-coated (enameled) copper wire can result in modern, fanciful or unconventional looks.

Pieces from all the collections are on my website and at the Prescott Art Market in the Prescott Gateway Mall.