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Yep. It's out there. That ugly opinion that wire wrapping is somehow less than other jewelry mediums. That if you don't know how to (or care to) solder, or form fold or have your own lapidary studio, somehow the work you do isn't comparable in talent or learned skill. I call shenanigans. Shenanigans on all of that nonsense! Boo to anyone who would belittle the dedication and craft of others, no matter what form that craft takes. The creative community should be in the business of lifting one another up, not tearing each other down. So I'm busting out with this: Wire wrap all the stones. Wire wrap everything. Take apart soldered commercial jewelry just to wire wrap it (come on, I can't be the only one who has done this). Wire wrap and love it, because it's beautiful and you worked hard at it, and it took you months or years to learn it, to find your voice. Or you're still discovering your voice and that deserves love too!
You do not need all the techniques to make beautiful things and continue to push yourself and your skills forward. Half the challenge is taking the same techniques and learning to utilize them in new ways.
So wire wrap away! Wire wrap to your hearts content. Wire wrap until you're blue in the face and then wire wrap some more. Because it's beautiful and inspirational and it's fun and nothing else matters. Happy weaving my amazing friends. Weave and wrap and the rest be damned.
24 Comments
Barbara Stewart
6/23/2016 03:33:24 pm
I so agree. When I wear my jewelry, people who take a second look will ask how I make it and then they are impressed by the process.
Ann Faesy
6/29/2016 11:14:03 am
I couldn't see where to add a comment; so, I and doing a reply to one and hope it's seen.
Becky Kortvely
6/26/2016 07:49:02 pm
I totally agree Nicole. I'm very proud of all my wire wrapped jewelry. It's my favorite medium. Plus my customers must agree or they wouldn't buy wire wrapped jewelry.
Karen Buckley
6/26/2016 07:51:56 pm
I absolutely love that I stumbled across this amazing craft. I have made some amazing pieces and have even been lucky enough to sell and make special pieces for friends. To say that it doesn't match up to other jewellery, well all I can say is Baahumbug. Don't knock what you haven't tried or cant do. I've had people say OMG how do you do that ? I love making something beautiful and unique out of just wire :) 6/26/2016 08:15:07 pm
I've been wire wrapping since 2002 and doing torch work since 2007. I still sell more wire wraps than smithed pieces. The ratio is probably 6 wire wraps to 4 soldered pieces. I prefer the torch, but would never imply that one form is less jewelry than other.
Sally Eckhoff
6/26/2016 08:23:39 pm
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, encouragement and inspiration to all Wire Wrappers! Different strokes for different folks - thank GOD for that!!! 6/26/2016 08:24:05 pm
I wrap, and wrap, and wrap. I make a living wrapping. It's not a huge living, but the house and car is paid for, and that's all I need. I love working with custom pieces and people send me pieces to play with, which always stretch my wrapping horizons. It's taken me a lifetime to find this medium, and I doubt after 10 years of doing it, I'll ever find another.
Jane Spencer
6/26/2016 08:37:06 pm
Yeah, I don't get all the snobbery. I knew a lady who put mass-produced beads on mass-produced cord and insisted hers was "art" and "all the rage" while my wirework was "craftwork, at best." What can you say to that? Geez.... 6/26/2016 11:08:53 pm
I think the only thing that should truly matter is to ...Do what you Love, and Love what you do!
AmyBeth Mullen
6/27/2016 01:41:36 am
I'm so happy you posted this I am trying really hard to acquire supplies but am weaving with what I can, baby steps at 53 starting anew is DAUNTING, but I feel my spirit soar when I create so I am not giving up. 6/27/2016 04:04:37 am
Wire wrapping gemstones, crystals, glass or seashells ~ what difference does it make? It IS an art form, & to some it may even be a meditation. <3
Elsa
6/27/2016 06:05:24 am
I totally agree! I'm a silversmith and have greatest of respects for wire wrapping, I'm useless even adding a curved wire accent into my work without denting or bending it wrong , you make it look so beautiful , the skill involved is far beyond mine! It's rather magical really 😉
jill rachid
6/27/2016 07:22:52 am
Wire wrapping requires massive talent and i would personally much prefer that than a comnercial prong set. Everything has its place but i just adore wire wrapping.
Ann Miller
6/27/2016 08:02:06 am
I have had people look down their nose at my wire wrapping in the past which did knock my confidence. However, I now also solder. I also kumihimo, bead, etc but always come back to wire wrapping and always will. All makers have their skills and should be respected for those skills. Each piece made is a piece of that maker, a little piece of their imagination, patience, determination and heart.
Marcia
6/27/2016 08:22:44 am
I totally agree! I learned from very good jewelers those advanced techniques of jewelery that is sold in jewelry stores. But I love wire wrapping, and in my country my work has no value ... It's disconcerting. But I will continue with wire wrapping because it is the jewelery technique I really like to do. You Nicole are my inspiration to continue!!
Sandra
6/27/2016 09:00:52 am
As an classic artist and creative person of many mediums, I shake my head at the insecurity of other artists and their behavior of lashing out, demeaning the creativeness of others. That's fear and that's their problem. Not mine. I stumbled into the wire weaving world and I'm having a ball! 6/27/2016 09:22:59 am
Nicole, my heart soared when I read this. As a fellow wire worker I understand the heart, soul and passion that is put into each piece of jewellery. I've also had the 'I only buy real jewellery' statement thrown at me. Would they say 'I only buy real furniture' to a master carpenter? I doubt it. Thank you so much for sticking up for us all, it's very much appreciated. Love and hugs, Karon xxx
Karen. Burns
6/27/2016 10:15:29 am
Youe jewellery is beautiful. How, made nasty. Need glasses. Ok take care. 6/27/2016 12:42:05 pm
Thank you so much for saying this. To despise one form against another is a dangerous path to go down. I know the damage that can do, I am British!
Kim H
6/28/2016 09:30:49 am
I am a beginner. This is a learned skill. Anyone can set a flame to metal. But it takes time and dedication to make the wire wrapping beautiful and structural. I plan to keep trying and learning.
TM62
5/10/2017 09:04:36 am
Wire wrapped "jewelry" is costume jewelry. No matter how much time and effort one puts into it, it will always look cheap. Not only that, but most people who wire wrap leave toolmarks all over the wire, and they don't bother to clean up the snipped wire ends. For goodness sakes,even ugly cheap costume jewelry shouldn't have ragged ends and crimp marks all over it. 6/2/2021 10:11:55 pm
I'm a silversmith transitioning to gold. I soldier because I CAN'T wire wrap to save my life without leaving a pointed, stabby edge somewhere regardless how many times I try. I have respect for wire wrappers, just could never do it myself. Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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