Shine Online June 2018 | Page 25

STEP 1

Start by cutting 2 lengths of the 1.25mm copper coloured wire, approximately 9-10 inches long. Take a workable length of the 0.40mm silver plated wire, you can easily add in as you go so don’t worry about that. Be aware of your tension, you don’t want the weave too tight as you will be passing wires through later.

Take one of your 1.25mm wires (base wire) and wrap the 0.4mm wire around it 3 times. Then add in your second base wire and wrap the 0.4mm around BOTH twice as shown. Keep going with this weave, x3 around bottom wire and x2 around both, until you have a length of weaving that you are happy with.

STEP 2

Now to shape your frame. Slowly and gently start to bend your piece around, starting from the centre. Once you are happy with the shape you can secure it into place.

STEP 3

Now bring the outside base wires around the back and over to the front to lock the frame into place. Then it’s time to start creating the bail for the piece. Take the 2 middle base wires, and place them into a V shape. Take a workable length of the 0.4mm wire and start by wrapping 3 times at the base of one wire. Go 3 times around the second wire, and keep this weave going until you are about half way. Now shape the bail to make it narrower, and carry on. When you have a good length, stop weaving.

STEP 4

Now take a mandrel, bail making pliers, or even a marker pen, and fold the bail over in half. Turn the piece over and trim the 2 wires at the bottom, then using your round nose pliers, bend them in.

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