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How Wire Wrap Tutorials Helped Me Become A Better Artist

2/26/2017

17 Comments

 
I began my wire wrapping journey more than 10 years ago. It seems ages, yet I'm still learning and inventing and designing and creating with a passion as new as the day I discovered it. This is, in part, due to the vast talents of other jewelry artists who inspired me. And sometimes, that inspiration came in the way of wire wrap tutorials. One such tutorial was the Net Bezel by Eni Oken (pictured below), which was the first tutorial (though certainly not the last) I purchased.
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Image used with permission.
Eni Oken is a prolific jewelry artist and zentangle master! Her work is elegant, ethereal and totally wearable, so it's no real surprise she was the first to inspire me to begin my journey with wire.

I admit it. I fan-girled. Hard. I scoured her website for tutorials and to ogle her available jewelry, and with each new lesson or design she released, I was totally enamored.
There seems to be a rather prevalent opinion in some sub-sets of the jewelry community that work derived from tutorials is somehow "less". Less artistic. Less original. Encompassing less talent. To that I say this: Shush. We are meant to empower the creative endeavors of others. Not belittle them.

I discovered there are two popular uses for tutorials, and one is no more or less important or valid than the other:

  • To offer users an opportunity to create without the pressure to design. Whether or not for sale or personal enjoyment, lessons allow freedom from creative stagnation.
  • As inspiration for original work, a jumping-off point for the imagination.

And both of these uses are important in furthering the creative process for anyone who utilizes lessons provided by others. Don't let anyone tell you the work you create, whether original or not, is in any way "less".
And believe that these lessons are valuable tools to grow your arsenal of skills.

The bracelet pictured here is one I created using the technique learned in Eni's lovely Net Bezel tutorial, then embellished with my signature layered weaves. For the first year, however, I had no signature at all. And that was okay. My work looked very much like what she provided in her lesson (minus the elegance and finesse, of course).

But I created.
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And eventually my nets became cleaner. My bails moved from a coil to a basket weave. I embellished these bezels with beaded frames. My experience with wire weaving grew.

And I created.

Now, some ten years later, I've found my voice, or am still discovering it, at any rate. And this is due in large part to the willingness of Eni and other like-minded artists who share their creative process with the masses.
"Whether or not for sale or personal enjoyment, lessons allow freedom from creative stagnation."
I provide lessons for a number of reasons. As an homage to those from whom I learned, definitely. But as an artist who experiences the same creative blocks as anyone, lessons allow me to create when my mind is too full of "life". We all worry or stress, and I always appreciated the opportunity to work with my hands without the pressure to "be an artist"... whatever that means, right?

Every tutorial I purchased and used, by Eni or Iza Malczyk, IMNIUM or Lonely Soldier (to name a few), was simply another tool in my drawer, as important and useful in my progression as my pliers, my wire, the beads I use... even my own two hands.

I owe a great deal of thanks to these talented stars in the wire wrapping world.

So thank you.

Thank you for the gift of creation, for the freedom from stress and the pressure I (all too often) placed on my shoulders. Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to find my own voice.

I hope you find your voice too.

Happy weaving!
Nicole
17 Comments
Susan J.
2/27/2017 11:34:26 am

I found your artistry a couple of years ago...and was awestruck. I bought a piece of your jewelry and numerous tutorials but didn't have the courage, despite the inspiration, until a few months ago to start an actual piece of jewelry from your tutorials. To say I "fan-girled" you aptly describes my experience. Thank you so very much for your honesty, sharing your skills, and for helping me through the process of finding not only my courage, but my voice again. Blessed be!

Reply
Nicole Hanna
3/4/2017 01:32:23 pm

It's been my pleasure to be part of anyone elses creative process. I'm glad you've given wire wrapping a go!

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Sue B
2/28/2017 12:25:42 pm

Thank you Hanna for being so open and honest. I began my wireweaving journey a couple of years ago with books and very simple tutorials. I then discovered you, Lonely Soldier, Imnium and Eni. I too would gaze wondrously at these amazing works of art. I have since purchased many tutorials and always feel like I am 'copying ' the original artist and imagine that I cannot do the Artist justice. When I do finally give it a go I am pleasantly surprised to find that I can do it too. Without these tutorials i wouldn't know where to begin, and to know that someone as talented as yourself have gone through the same journey is a real boost to my confidence. I have begun to turn pendants into bracelets incorporating them with Viking knit and chain maille. I have turned pendants into keyrings which I have given away to the young girls I work with. I now have a list of all their birthdays 😃
I will one day pluck up the courage to complete Imnium's complex pendant and Lonely Soldiers latest pendant too. I have his book and at the moment I just gaze with wonder at the pages, Thank you again for telling us we all gin in the same way. Looking forward to your March tutorials.

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Nicole Hanna
3/4/2017 01:34:43 pm

You should definitely give IMNIUM's lesson a try. I never swore so much in my life, lol, but it was worth every second. Invaluable information. I'm hoping to tackle Lonely Soldier's newest tutorial this week!

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Jan M
2/28/2017 11:02:06 pm

Hi Nicole,
Thank you very much for this post and all the others as well. I have a similar path to the one you describe in your journey But in the list of artists I am learning from, you are very strong influence on my design aesthetic. I appreciate the chance to start with a design from you and then to begin to create my own version from the beginning base you provided. It is an excellent way to flex my own creative muscles and develop my wire weaving skills as I learn from you.
I did feel that perhaps I was less creative following a tutorial by another. Thank you for putting this feeling into words and for encouraging me to view my starting pieces as valuable too. Yes, it takes the pressure off the designing process and lets me put my energy on the techniques and skills needed to create a piece of wire woven jewellery.
Thank you for all your teaching, and support and your honesty. It is greatly appreciated!
Cheers,
Jan

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Nicole Hanna
3/4/2017 01:38:39 pm

I truly believe that creating makes you creative, no matter where the ideas originate. I hope you continue to enjoy your journey!

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Deb B link
3/2/2017 06:44:05 am

Tuts - I never knew about "wiring" until you tube, then I could not get enough. I found the group and off I went. You, Lisa, and other books I have are a wonderful blessing. I wish there was someone here that I could sit and personally learn from in person. But, I am learning and fast. This has become a deep passion for me because of you and the others.

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Nicole Hanna
3/4/2017 01:39:44 pm

I'm always happy to hear that others have found their way to wire wrapping! It's a passion for me too, and it's a joy when we can share our interests with others.

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Ari Adams
3/4/2017 12:48:13 pm

I truly admire your work you're a major inspiration to my own craft!!! And I bow humbly to you... I would like to know however what happened to all the wonderful tutorials you had on jewelry lessons... I know you have a few on your own website but I really missed all those others that you have especially once I see on Pinterest that are no longer available. I wish we could see a bigger selection of your work available to purchase in the form of tutorial. You have helped me so much in this craft thank you!

Reply
Nicole Hanna
3/4/2017 01:31:11 pm

Some tutorials are only meant as a limited edition run. Some of the older lessons, like from Jewelry Lessons, which were really no longer selling, were retired to make my website easier to manage. Occasionally they are brought back during a yearly sale for a limited time. If you subscribe to my newsletter, you'll get notifications when they are available again.

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Theresa Zahner
3/5/2017 01:28:08 am

I totally fan-girled you too! I wasn't happy with how other tutorials treated the backside of cabochon wraps, so I developed what I thought was my own with a weave in the back. Then, after purchasing some of your tutorials, realized that's how you did it ( but not as nicely done as yours) and am still amazed at your artistry. You have made me a better designer. Thank you from the bottom of my heart

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rachel montoya
3/7/2017 03:52:54 pm

thank you so much for this particular blog post.this is where I'm at right now.I have an idea of where I want to be just not quite the skill level yet.
your tutorials and advice have been such a great help to me...Im starting to "get it "as they say and i will always be buy tutorials because there is always something to learn.
I'm a fan girl because I'm in awe of how easy you make it look.design is the hardest part for me,not doing the actually work but sitting there just staring at a stone going ok...what do i do now?
I just want to say thank you..you give me knowledge and skill and ideas on how to do things and you so openly and easily encourage and that's such a great thing.the community needs more positive people and less hate and insecurity.so thanks again for doing what you do.

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Julie Marshall
3/16/2017 03:37:51 pm

I have always regretted not going to Uni and getting an Art degree , i was young a wouldn't be told., but sometimes over the years I have been made to feel less of an artist because I haven't got this degree , Life got in the way and I am now to old to go to uni, so to right this past mistake, I buy tutorials and self teach myself .
Without these wonderful teaching aids and the vision of these selfless artists , I wouldn't have the new skills that I am developing and the feelings of renewed love for my creations , copied or not . Thank you x

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Wendy
3/30/2017 02:14:34 am

Tutorials are teaching tools and I cannot fathom anyone criticizing a teaching tool unless they do not want to take the "mystery" out of their own creations. I am so very grateful for those who want to publish and teach folks like me! I have no access to any wire weaving instructors in my area so I am relying on tutorials either in written form or on You Tube to help me teach myself the craft and hopefully get better. And yes, I am going to "fan girl" a few artists (already have!) but not just because of their skill and imagination... but because of their generous spirit that allows them to share what they have learned with me and others.
I may live in a physical and creative desert, but with artists and resources like tutorials and You Tube, I am not alone.
Wendy

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Donna Batzer
4/7/2017 01:51:48 pm

Thank you for this discussion on tutorials - I love tutorials and sometimes just make the piece being taught, but from their is a stepping stone to take that piece and add ones on creativity by changing it up to their style. Both pieces are great works of art.

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Brenda Posh link
7/4/2017 04:36:14 pm

Nicole - thank you so much for this blog article (I never would have found it if I hadn't been looking for your giveaway Tuesday tut - Yea I found it!). But I loved the article. I also discovered the many pleasures of Eni Oken's tuts and the net bezel was probably the first I ever bought. So I thought it a kind of happy serendipity that I found your giveaway next to it's picture .

I've was fortunate to attend a class by an instructor in Austin Tx who taught one of your tutorials (she said she was authorized-hope that was true). With her I had my first weaving experience that got me over a weaving hurdle - there's nothing like in person instruction.

I'm afraid I'm more of a tutorial collector than a maker and more of a technician than an artist. I buy tutorials to learn a something I don't know how to do - not just for the design. I study them to learn different methods, techniques and tips - usually coming away saying "Ah ha! That's how to do that :)". It expands my range of what's possible. It's all in my toolbox for me when I do set out to create something new.

I'm so grateful that I live in the time of blogs and Facebook and Youtube and Pinterest and Instagram and I'm sure others I don't know about yet. I know there's a business model for each of them but I'm grateful for the wonderful artists all over the world, like yourself, who create beautiful things and share some of it with the rest of us. Anyway I love your work and the gracious open heart with which you share your wonderful talent. Thank you - I guess you can tell I'm a fan

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Sandra Smith
7/5/2017 12:53:41 am

To those who put down tutorials and the resulting creation, I say BOSH! Inspiration I gain from your tutorials always leads me to paths I would not otherwise have thought of and that is the point of tutorials they are missing. The starting point is irrelevant, it is the journey and if the journey result is saleable, then good for each artist as it will most likely be the beginning of a journey for life. While I often try to first follow your tutorials to see how they go, often midway I get into a "what if I do this" mode. Tutorials are doors to new ideas and creations that perhaps otherwise would not have happened. I give credit where due as is only appropriate as this benefits each, the original item, the created variation and both artists.

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  • Home
  • Blog
  • Gallery
  • Learn To Wire Wrap
    • PDF Tutorials
    • Video Tutorials
    • Tutorial Membership 2022
  • Shop
    • SIGNATURE COLLECTION
    • GODDESS COLLECTION
    • PDF Tutorials >
      • Beginner Wire Weaving
      • Intermediate Weaving
      • PDFs for Cabochons
      • Advanced Weaving