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CHAPTER 2

Memory Wire Jewelry

Using Memory Wire

Memory wire is a fun and easy yet effective way to create gorgeous jewelry pieces. The metal wire is formed into continuous rings that hold their shape. Memory wire is available in a variety of sizes for creating necklaces, bracelets and rings.

Tools for working with memory wire

Memory wire cutters/shears

Wire cutters (for cutting eye and head pins when making dangles, NOT for cutting memory wire, as this wire is hard enough to damage ordinary cutters!)

Optional extras

The looped ends of memory wire can be left as they are or they can be decorated with bead dangles that you make by threading beads onto a head pin and forming a simple loop.

Basic technique for using memory wire

1 Using memory wire shears, cut your preferred number of rings.

2 At one cut end, either:

a. Glue a bead. Special end beads are available specifically for this purpose. These have a single hole, drilled about halfway though the bead. Use strong glue and let it dry completely.

b. Use round nose pliers to form a closed loop at one cut end.

3 Thread beads and/or chain according to your chosen design. Be sure your beads are placed close together to avoid any wire gaps, and finish your piece by whichever method you chose in step 2.

Hints & tips

• For a dangle with several bead units, thread bead(s) onto an eye pin instead of a head pin and form a loop. Attach one end to the memory wire loop. Make and attach a single dangle to other end.

• You may need to adjust your pattern at the end to accommodate a final bead; or, you may choose to cut off excess memory wire.