Hot Wired Furnace Glass
Dateline: 09/11/00I have found the WigJig Original Transparent Jigs and I am thrilled! I would have never considered working with wire until I saw these goodies. To me, wire was more of a "guy thing" and not a "bead thing". That was until I discovered how much fun it is to make your own bails, findings and other goodies.
Wire work can be accomplished without a particular jig - a small block of wood with finishing nails hammered into it in the pattern will work just fine. However, I really like the jig, as it is inexpensive, and I don't always have a block, hammer and nails handy! And in this case, it was the printed template which is included with the jig that got me so inspired!
This particular necklace bail was something I had thought about many times, but never quite figured out. Looking at the template for the jig, I could easily envision the pattern I needed, and it was a breeze to accomplish! I know many of you have wonderful lamp worked and furnace glass beads, but may be looking for a cool way to wear them. Here's what you'll need to make a hot wire necklace bail of your own:
2 - Foot Length of Silver colored wire, 24 Gauge
2 - Silver Colored Wire Head pins
1 - 1 inch long Furnace Glass or Lampworked Bead
2 - 3 mm Clear Crystals
2 - 5 mm Crystals, in a color to coordinate with your Furnace Glass
Optional - WigJig Olympus Lite Jig or wood block with nails
1. Arrange your jig pegs in a triangle, one inch long from the apex to the base, and with a 3/4 inch wide base. 2. Bend your wire at the center, folding it down to make a long "U" shape. Slip over the top peg on the jig.
3. Cross the wires and bring them all the way around the lower pegs, circling the pegs from the bottom to the top and back to the bottom.
4. Pull the wire tight, and cut off the excess at the ends. Leave a little tail, so that you may cut it off and finish it at the loop, after you add the dangles.
5. Remove the wire from the jig and press the lengthwise wires together, so that your large bead may pass over it.
6. Place the large furnace glass bead on to the wire form, narrowing as you go so that the bead fits over the wire.
7. Grasp the top loop of the wire, as it comes out of the furnace bead, and turn it 1 1/2 times, to make the top loop.
8. Using the crystals and head pins, make two wrapped loops using the crystals.
9. Slip the wrapped loops with crystals on to the loops on the wire form. Press the wire at the loops and slightly along the exposed wire using your flat nosed pliers. This will help make the wire more durable by giving it a slight "work hardening".
10. Make any final adjustments to the form and loops to keep it straight. Keep in mind that it is meant to turn and jiggle, to show off both the bead and the crystals, so minor variables in the wire or drops will be OK.
11. Pass a neck chain through the top loop, or, if you make two, place them on earwires.
I hope you enjoy these wire bails as much as I have! They look great on a necklace or as earrings. Lots of movement and sparkle! And remember, you made it yourself, so make more and get to know wirework. It will add a whole new dimension to your beading experience!
