Ever wanted to learn how to make neater loops or learn the best way to close an ear wire without tool marking the metal? What are the best tools for making loops?What does it mean by dead soft, half hard or full hard?  What is the difference between a head pin and an eye pin? 
 
Come and sit in a relaxed atmosphere and gain hands-on experience with wire.  In this class, students will learn basics wire wrapping skills that will complement their metal smithing.  We will cover different wire sizes, shapes, tempers and their practical application and how to make the best wire choices for a project. You will learn how wire hardens and on how to get even clean wraps using constant tension.  
 
This workshop will focus on the basic techniques of simple loops, wire wrapped loops and basic wire weaving to create decorative and functional elements. I will cover what tools are best for wire work and how to modify them to lessen the chance of unwanted tool marks.  Students will learn how to finish by tucking the wires in neatly and tips on how to clean up tool marks. I will provide tips and tricks on how to straighten the wire and how to avoid kinks forming while wrapping.
 
I will demonstrate how to make some simple and fun jewelry pieces using the techniques learned and then guide students in making an adjustable wire wrapped snake ring using wire weaving techniques.
 
Skills Covered:
Simple loops
Wire wrapped loops
Coiling
Tool selection and use
Basic wire weaving