Step By Step Projects – Wire Working – Welcome to the Blog for John Bead Corporation: Beads, Crystals, Components and Carnival

Pair of Cherries Pendant – Wire Working Techniques

From Brenda:

[There are few motifs that say summer better than the cherry! ‘Course, being a former Wisconsinite, I’m partial to Door County for its cherries, just as Arizonans are partial to everything Prickly Pear! Enjoy this adorable and sparkly Preciosa crystal motif as a pendant (I’ve designed a built-in loop to hang it from a chain or satin cord) or simply as an element to brighten a shelf or niche!]

Instructions and PDF Pattern: PairOfCherries Pendant-Motif JB instructions

Recorded Class:

Aluminum Wire is easy to see here.

About Brenda
Brenda is an artist, inventor, author, teacher, and coach, in whatever order that suits your need of her! Found objects and steel wire are her palette, which to her, pair like fine wines and lusciously delectable dinners.
You may know her from her weekly Facebook Live Broadcasts:
https://www.facebook.com/BrendaSchwederJewelry

She has written several books and has over 150+ published articles for the jewelry making world. She has also recorded workshop DVDs and other longer online classes.
Her name is synonymous with the Now That’s a[Brand]! of wire jewelry making tools.
Based in Southern Arizona, she works from her Sahuarita Casita, an adobe brick studio in the mountainous desert region close to the Mexican border.
Subscribe to her blog for regular updates.
Her YouTube page is here.
Her Facebook page is here.
Her Instagram page is here.

SnakeAlley Cuff – Wire Working Techniques

From Brenda:

I’m celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Steel Wire Jewelry: Stylish Designs, Simple Techniques, Artful Inspiration with all things Calderesque! (Has it really been a decade since my favorite published book hit the newsstands?)! And it just so happens that John Bead 12-gauge aluminum wire and Preciosa (is there any other) crystal make for a super-stunning nod toward the sculptor/jeweler in this SnakeAlley Cuff. What is the magic that Calder cast upon us? It’s difficult to pinpoint, and even more difficult to ignore. So, we we’ll embrace it and ensconce ourselves with it ad infinitum! Our gratitude and love to you, Alex!

Instructions and PDF Pattern: snakealleyinstructionandpattern

Recorded Class:

Aluminum Wire is easy to see here.

Bell Curve Link – Wire Working Techniques

From Brenda:

Is BellCurvier a word? If not, it should be! Inspired by a mobile I saw in a Palm Springs shop [what could be posher really!?], I’ve taken an all-time fave wire element, the original BellCurve, and rain-bowed it a bit more! This way, it not only harkens a Mid Century Modern vibe, but celebrates every band of color and every individual within.

Instructions and PDF Pattern: Bell Curve Instructions and Pattern

Aluminum Wire is easy to see here.

TriLoop Connector – Wire Working Techniques

From Brenda:

[Sometimes it’s just nice to have a wire element with enough pizazz (did I really just type pizazz?) to complement a statement crystal this gorgeous! The shape is lovely on its own, but strong enough to dance with the glimmer and refraction of large facets in this strong Bermuda Blue! …. ]

Patterns: TRILoop Connector Instructions and Pattern

Aluminum Wire is easy to see here.

Spinner Element 3 Plus Ways – Wire Working Techniques

From Brenda:

[I’m a fan of movement in wire jewelry, and this element is no exception! Learn to create both this double-wrap keychain finding and a just-long-enough barbell link, and then combine them into three [or more] goodies for you and the fam: bracelet and pendant focals, statement earrings, and even a keychain or fidget toy! Let’s explore these and more together!]

Patterns: Spinner Element 3 Plus Ways Instructions and Pattern

Aluminum Wire is easy to see here.

Hobble Swing Link – Wire Working Techniques

From Brenda:

Here’s a fun element with a bushel full of visual impact and options! I call it Hobble as a playful nod to my new (healing) gait; and swing it does with its feature loops and jump rings. Of course, flipping a second link can “fill itself in” to form an even capsule form, but a single hung vertically is also cute in double-dangle form to try your hand at balancing mobile-style. Finally, add a bail or two or not depending on how you want to connect this uber-versatile link-pendant and go to town!

Link to project here: HobbleSwing Instructions and Pattern

Aluminum Wire is easy to see here.

Double Duty Bail – Wire Working Techniques

From Brenda:

How can you not be wowed by this Preciosa crystal focal in all its minimal, yet amazing gorg-iosity! (LOL!)! (Reminds me of a beader’s peyote stitch, although the stitchers I know would probably laugh me off the jewelry-island for saying so!) Then, I devised this surprisingly simple pendant as a frame, but if you look closer, you see a little extra loop-de-loop that presents the light-filled lovely with just enough “forward face” to catch your viewers eye and hold it tight!]

The Pattern Instructions and PDF are here. DoubleDutyBail Instructions and Pattern

Aluminum Wire is easy to see here.

RingALingALing Earrings – Wire Working Techniques

[How to show off these beautiful iridescent colored Czech pearls by John Bead Corporation? Well, if there are three sizes, use ‘em all! This simple wire-wrangled design is so easy to accomplish with this key finding, the Trinfinity link! It takes care of orientation, spacing and connection all in one fell swoop! It may be little, but it is fierce on utility and cuteness! Use it alone or to harbor graduated hoops! Adorbs!]

The Pattern Instructions and PDF are here. RingALing Instructions and Pattern

Aluminum Wire is easy to see here.

Czech iridescent glass pearls are here.