Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Let's talk wire...


Let's talk about wire today. Often people ask what wire I use when I'm creating my designs. I use a copper core with non tarnish silver overlay. It comes in a variety of colors, but I prefer the silver and gold colors. The base I use is 20 gauge, and wrap with 28 gauge. I've found that if I need strength, I'll use a 18 guage base. I will occasionally use 30 and 22 gauge, for very light projects, but when I pull on the 30 guage, it often breaks, so it's used in placing rhinestone chain.

I've transfered the smaller wire, as you can see in the picture, to a spool that fits comfortably in my hand. I have found the commercial spools that come with most wire, clumsy to say the least. If you don't use a spool, the time it takes to "spin" is doubled and your wire kinks and breaks. Yes, you can splice in the piece, but it increases the chance of making snags, and your weaving is never as even.


Sunday, January 25, 2009

Lastest Work


Here's the submission to the ISGB/B&B entry. Portia Mandel and I worked together to make a design for the International Society Glass Beadmakers and Bead and Button contest. She was wonderful and created this "fire" bead, and gave it to me to embellish. I did the wire work and photography. We hope to win with this design.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Introduction to Twisted Sister Arts



Welcome to Twisted Sister Arts


My name is Jill Lawrence, I reside in an area of Chicago, Illinois and I am a wire weaver. I work with wire and create one of a kind designs, that are different and unusual.


The use of this blog is to show what I do, and to share this knowledge with others. There will be tutorials, pictures, and creative ideas. I will show my work, as it is done, and provide access to my work.


There will be more things to come, be sure to check back often.