▪ Jewelry Q & A ▪

As a wire and metal art jewelry artist and instructor, I get tons of questions. Many come from students asking me to clarify a particular skill or technique we covered in a class or workshop. Some questions come from other jewelry artists.

In all these instances I'm happy to share my experiences. However, I frequently get similar types of questions and, with a busy schedule, I needed a more efficient way to handle this important aspect of my business. So...I've created this forum of sorts where you — students, customers and other wire and metal art jewelry enthusiasts — can ask your questions and I will give my best responses right here.

But I want to make this an even better resource for everyone. So, if you're a wire or metal jewelry artisan yourself and you see a question in which you've found a better or more effective solution, then I'd love to see your comments as well.

First, see if your question falls into one of the following general categories. Then, just follow the link to the appropriate page. If you feel your wire or metal jewelry question is not suited to any of these categories, then just ask it right on this page!

Have a question about making wire jewelry?

Confused or unsure about a wire or metal art jewelry technique? Stuck on a project and need a little guidance? If you have a question that you think does not fit any of the categories listed above, then ask it right here and let's see if we can get you back on track.

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Other Questions Asked by Visitors

Click below to see questions and responses from other visitors to this page...

Wire Coiling Hi Stacy,

How do you know how much wire to coil to make an inch of coil when doing bangle designs?

Michelle
Stacy's Answer:
You know, that'...

Dapping Metal or Wood Hi Stacy, Can you give me some beginner info on a dapping block wood vs metal. How to judge which size on the block to use. Thanks I appreciate any guidance ...

Corrugated Designs Hi Stacy I wanted to know what gauge silver and copper do you use for your corrugated earrings? Are the metals work hardened first? They look like they ...

Silver Filled Wire Hi Stacy! Have you seen or used this new silver filled wire? It is suppose to be a less expensive alternative to sterling, and perform like sterling....

Finest Gauge Wire for Tumbling? Hi,

I just found your website and am excited to find such thorough tutorials and information! My question is regarding the tumbler(s) you use, and ...

Stainless Steel Wire (surgical steel) Hi Stacy! What is your opinion on using stainless steel wire? Do you know the strength of it, how pliable it is or how well it fires and oxidizes?
Thanks!...

Etching on Brass Hi Stacy,
Can you etch on brass with the same chemical and instructions as you list for copper?
Thank you
Deb Mae

Stacy's Answer: Hi Deb! Brass ...

Etching Copper and Brass Hi Stacy, I was wondering if it ok to use black StazOn ink, or will only the red work?
Thank you for your time,
Judy

Stacy's Answer: Thanks for ...

Bangle cores Hi Stacy - what gauge wire do you use for the core of your bangles like 'In a coil' & what's the minimum gauge suitable for cores?

Stacy's Answer:...

Etching printed text on to copper or brass I want to use print that is white text on black fill done on a laser printer. Do you know what kind of paper I should print the text on? I've read that ...

Smaller dapping dies for bead caps hi! I bought a lovely and really inexpensive dapping block from you. It's great for medallions and larger pieces, but I also want bead caps. And you ...

Making Large "S" Link Components Hi Stacy,

Do you have any tips on making the large "S" links like the ones you used in your "LeCarnivale" and keeping the curves consistent? Is there ...

Question about Bench Block Stacy,
First, thanks for the wire jewelry Q & A! I'm new to working with wire (I love it, even though it has its frustrating moments!) and it has been ...

Copper Etching Hi Stacy, I have a question about copper etching. I can't seem to get a good etch in copper I use rubber stamps with the Stayz On ink, Radio Shack Etchant ...

Class Costs Hi, I am not sure if I just missed it or not...but can you tell me what the cost of the classes are? Thanks!

Stacy's Answer: Hi Laurie! To get the ...

Online tutorials Hi Stacy
I was wondering if you are planning on putting the tutorials to your class on Crazy Coil Link Bracelet. I live too far a way in order to come ...

Will Copper and Silver Wear Well Together? I've been playing with some wire wrapping. I experimented with the copper and silver together. How do these wear together? I see many copper & silver pieces ...

Tip for cutting sheet metal Hi Stacy,

Just wanted to give a tip. I aquired an old fashioned industrial paper cutter like they used in office & schools, one with the wooden base ...

Aegean Cuff Bracelet Stacy when the bracelet tutorial is followed correctly can you tell me how the bracelet lays on your wrist? Is there suppose to be a gap between the two ...

Polishing Hematite I have a ring from my Mom that is faceted hematite 10kt gold. The stone is in excellent shape although it looks like there is a film on it that can be ...

Gauge for cuffs Hi Stacy, I am currently in Australia for the next year, so can't take any classes with you. I really miss them. Anyway, I would like to try making a cuff ...

Cutting Jumprings Hi Stacy,

I'm a relatively new jewelry maker.

I'm interested in so many facets of jewelry making that I'm going broke with tools.

I enjoyed your ...

Jewelry Tags Do you purchase your jewelry tags or do you make your own?
Thanks, Robbie

Stacy's Answer: Hi Robbie!
I make my own tags. Some are stamped and some ...

Finger protection when working with metals Probably everyone already knows about this but if not -
There is a product named Medipore™ by 3M that comes in a roll about 3" wide.

It is a porous ...

Where to buy ferrous chloride? Where can I find ferrous chloride? Thanks!

Stacy's Answer: Hi Midwest. To find ferrous chloride, you'll need to contact a supplier of scientific ...

Which gauge for small decorative twists? Which gauge wire do I use for small decorative twists? Jan

Stacy's Answer: Hi Jan! I'm not certain what you mean by, "small decorative twists", but ...

Earwire Gauge Questions When making ear wires like on your amethyst hoop earrings, what gauge do you use? 18 or 19 is too thick to go through my ears or hurts when i wear that....

Classes in Las Vegas, NV Thanks for the input on patina gel . Cool Tools has a great "How To" video on their site that I found answers everything and more.

Will you be coming ...

Lorene's Twisted Sisters How do I keep my creations from looking so Victorian. What should I do to make the design more bold and dramatic?

Stacy's Answer: Hi Laurie!
I ...

My First Wire and Lampwork Bead Creation Stacy,
I just got my first shipment from Rio Grande. I wanted you to see my first creation! It is not as "exotic" or unique as your necklaces but it ...

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