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Katie Hacker's workshop lesson is about using memory wire.


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www.beadalon.com

Using Memory Wire
Designed by Katie Hacker



Memory wire is tempered wire that "remembers" its shape and retains its coiled form. It's basically one-size-fits-all and comes in pre-formed necklace, bracelet and ring sizes.

Memory wire is made from tarnish-resistant stainless steel, which may be stainless steel color or plated in bright metallic gold or silver.

Since memory wire is hardened to retain its shape, it isn't possible to bend the wire to alter the diameter of the loops. Make sure that you're starting out with the appropriate size, such as a large bracelet instead of a standard bracelet.

To cut loops of memory wire, use shears that are made especially for hardened wire. Do not use ordinary wire cutters because the memory wire will cut into the blades and ruin them.

There are several ways to finish the ends of memory wire. Unless you're using heavy beads or are trying to adjust the fit, it isn't necessary to use a clasp.

Looping:
1. Use round-nose pliers to grasp the end of the wire and turn it in a loop away from the natural curve.
2. Add beaded head pin dangles to dress up the loops.

End caps:
1. Lightly sand the end of the memory wire.
2. Place a drop of Beadfix glue or epoxy glue on the end of the wire and press an end cap onto the wire.
3. String a few beads, then spot-glue the last few eads together to help hold the end cap in place. Pass the wire through the hole in the end cap.
4. If you use an end cap with a loop, you can add a decorative beaded charm to the loop.

Scrimp® finding:
1. Loosen the screw on the Scrimp® finding.
2. Pass the wire through the hole in the end of the finding.
3. Tighten the screw to fasten the wire in place.

Coiled bracelets are a good place to start with memory wire. As you add beads to the wire, it's important to keep the wire in its natural shape. Don't pull the wire straight, or the ends may bounce back and the beads will fly off of the wire.

To make a bangle bracelet with memory wire, you can use epoxy to glue the wire ends inside opposite ends of the same bead. Or, simply connect the end loops to each other. Spacer bars make it easy to create multiple-strand bangles.

Chokers are another basic way to use memory wire. Start out with about a loop and a half. The overlapping ends ensure that the choker stays on.

You can make a close-fitting cuff bracelet by using two strands of memory wire for the foundation of the bracelet, with beaded eye pins or spacer bars between them. If the bracelet is very heavy, you may want to use clasps to connect the ends.

Use the same technique to make a double-strand wraparound choker.

Memory wire is also available in a flat wire style. This provides an excellent surface for wire wrapping!

You can use ring-sized memory wire to make quick and easy wine charms.

Find more memory wire jewelry ideas in Katie's new Memory Wire Made Easy booklet from Beadalon. www.beadalon.com.


Katie Hacker

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