Wire is a fun medium that can be bought in many varieties, colors, metals, strengths and sizes. This article will teach you how to make a perfect wire twist by creating a simple and inexpensive tool; I will also describe how to make a wire heart photo holder.
In order to make a perfect wire twist you will need to use to use 2 cotter pins and a fender washer; these items can be found at any hardware and home store. This technique will greatly improve the twists that you would be able to make with out this too, and this tool is much cheaper than the premade twisting devices found in stores. This method is simple, and all you will need to do is thread 2 wires through the one cotter pin until it is halfway through, "slide the cut ends of the wire through the other cotter pin", and tighten the hold by sliding a fender washer on the end of the second cotter pin" (Baskett, 1999, p.12). Then twist both cotter pins, but make sure to twist one towards you and one away from you. This simple procedure makes a lovely twist. It is amazing that such inexpensive and simple tools can make such of a difference.
I have been using wire lately to make jewelry, but I have found a lot of inspiration to use wire for different purposes. There are several projects that use wire; you can use wire to make picture frames, candle holders, lampshades, and many other items. I really like using wire to create photo holders. This project is simple and charming. All it requires is a block of wood with 5 holes drilled in it, 5 pieces of wire in various lengths, and craft glue. For this project the wire is shaped into hearts and attached using the glue to the wooden block (Baskett, 1999). The wire can be shaped into many other things such as flowers, diamonds, hands, and stars. The shape is important because that is the part that will hold the picture so remember whatever shape you use will have to almost overlap at some point in order to grasp the picture. This project can be personalized in many ways. If you choose to make heart holders you can glue a single wire shaped heart onto the wooden base.
Wire is not only something used for hardware; it is a wonderful item to craft with so hopefully these methods and projects have inspired you to use wire in your crafts!
References:
Baskett, M. (1999). Wonderful wireworks; an easy decorative craft. New York, NY: Sterling Publishing Company.
