Fun Wire Crafts: Make Jewelry, Frames and More

 

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.

Green Crafts: How to Make Jewelry from Old Clothes

Green crafts have many benefits, and you can learn how to make jewelry from old clothes. Reusing old clothes to make custom jewelry and accessories is a great way to save money and keep stuff out of landfills. This article will provide you with detailed instructions on creating a rag charm bracelet and knot necklace.

Rag Charm Bracelet

Charm bracelets are popular, and this green craft makes a great addition to your jewelry collection.

For this craft you will need an old piece of clothing, a hot glue gun, glue sticks, scissors, a chain that is long enough to fit around your wrist, a clasp, and 2 O-rings. Start by plugging in your glue gun. Also cut a 6 by 3 inch piece of fabric from the old clothing.

Then open the O-rings and attach the clasp to the the ends of the chains. Close the O-rings to secure both the clasp and the bracelet together. Then using the scissor cut small notches along the longer side of the fabric. Rip the fabric apart along the notches. You will have many strips.

Glue the strips along the length of the bracelet. Using the scissors trim the ends of the strips to the desired length. When the glue is dry you can wear your green jewelry craft.

Rag Knot Necklace

An inexpensive green jewelry craft is a knot necklace. For this craft you will need a few pieces of old clothes, scissors, a hot glue gun, and hot glue sticks. Pants and long sleeves work best for this jewelry craft because you will use longer pieces of old clothing.

Start by cutting 3 long strips of fabric that are about a quarter to a half inch wide. These strips will have to be twice the length of the desired necklace length, and remember to add about 4 more inches to compensate for the knot and braid.

Fold the strips in half, and tie the looped end into a knot. Make sure to leave the loop wide enough to fit your finger through it. Then braid the length of the strips until you reach the end. Tie the end in a knot that will fit through the loop.

Then cut 3-6 more pieces of rags about 12 inches long. Fold the strip in half and tie the ends on a knot. Continue knotting the end until the length is from 2-3 inches. Then attach the knots to the necklace to add interest. Start attaching by placing the loop underneath the necklace. Wrap the ball over the necklace and through the loop again. Pull it tightly and the green necklace is complete.

Green crafts are popular and inexpensive. These jewelry crafts are green because they are made from old clothing items. Instead of throwing out that ripped shirt try make green crafts with it; there are wonderful jewelry craft you can make with your old clothing.