Wire work used to be done mostly in the creation of jewelry. During the past few years, however, there has been a great expansion in the popularity of wire - due to the manufacture and marketing of “craft wire” in varied weights and colors, and to clever new designs in the home accents and mixed media art fields. Now, even the paper arts are fair game for utilizing wire in interesting and “charming” ways.
Exciting varieties of wire. Photo from Decorative Wirework by Jane Davis (reviewed later in this issue).

When wire was for jewelry making, your choices were silver and gold (expensive), or copper and brass (not). You also needed a jeweler’s supply store to obtain any silver or gold. Copper and brass were available through hardware stores in limited weights. Now, the choices are vast because copper wire is being treated or coated with a great variety of colors, and wire is available anywhere that craft supplies are sold - affordably too. Silver and gold wire are even being marketed to the craft market now.

Wire is measured in gauges. The higher the gauge, the thinner and more workable the wire. 26 gauge wire is very thin - almost like thread, and 14 gauge is about the limit on wire that you can handle easily. Hammered 16 or 18 gauge charms are sturdy and long lasting, 20 gauge is still ok, but 22 gauge starts to be too fragile for charms.

On the following page, we will introduce you to the tools you need to take advantage of this great creative material.
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