How to Wire Wrap a Crystal
Cut 5 to 6 lengths of wire that are at least half-again as long as your crystal's circumference., Lay the wires out together in a single, flat bundle., Use your round-nose pliers to bend the end of each shorter length into a J-shaped hook. , Slide...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Cut 5 to 6 lengths of wire that are at least half-again as long as your crystal's circumference.
Cut 4 shorter lengths of wire. ,, Wrap the shorter wire around the longer wires several times, working as tight as possible against the long wires.
Then snip the shorter wire off as close as possible to the bundle. ,, Cross 1 end of the wire over the other, and make sure you've positioned the loop you just made midway between the ends of the wire. , Note where the wires cross at the top of the crystal, remove the crystal, then use your chain nose pliers to bend each side of the wire wrap at a 90-degree angle just where the wires cross.
Each bend should face out, so you create a rough "V" shape at the top of the loop.
In other words, don't cross the wires yet. ,,, If you position the wires carefully, you can hide the out-of-shape wires on the backside of the store, or bend them into intentional, decorative shapes for display on the front. , Clip the excess wire away.
If you're using semi-hard wire and the crystal isn't very heavy, the loops may hold on their own.
For extra security, wrap 1 or 2 of the wires around the binding you made at the top of the setting before you clip. , -
Step 2: Lay the wires out together in a single
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Step 3: flat bundle.
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Step 4: Use your round-nose pliers to bend the end of each shorter length into a J-shaped hook.
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Step 5: Slide the hook around your flat bundle of longer wires.
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Step 6: Repeat with the other 3 shorter wires
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Step 7: keeping the long wires in a flat bundle and spacing your perpendicular wrappings evenly around the length.
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Step 8: Wrap the flat wire bundle around a dowel
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Step 9: or anything else that's slightly smaller in diameter than your crystal.
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Step 10: Fit your crystal into the loop you made.
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Step 11: Clip another short length of wire and use it to bind the 2 angles you just made together
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Step 12: closing the loop.
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Step 13: Bend the foremost wire on the flat bundle in from the sides; creating a rough setting for your crystal.
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Step 14: Set the crystal into the setting and tighten the other wires around it.
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Step 15: Fold the loose wires at the top of the setting down to either side
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Step 16: creating twin loops.
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Step 17: Thread a chain or cord through the twin loops to hang your wire-wrapped crystal.
Detailed Guide
Cut 4 shorter lengths of wire. ,, Wrap the shorter wire around the longer wires several times, working as tight as possible against the long wires.
Then snip the shorter wire off as close as possible to the bundle. ,, Cross 1 end of the wire over the other, and make sure you've positioned the loop you just made midway between the ends of the wire. , Note where the wires cross at the top of the crystal, remove the crystal, then use your chain nose pliers to bend each side of the wire wrap at a 90-degree angle just where the wires cross.
Each bend should face out, so you create a rough "V" shape at the top of the loop.
In other words, don't cross the wires yet. ,,, If you position the wires carefully, you can hide the out-of-shape wires on the backside of the store, or bend them into intentional, decorative shapes for display on the front. , Clip the excess wire away.
If you're using semi-hard wire and the crystal isn't very heavy, the loops may hold on their own.
For extra security, wrap 1 or 2 of the wires around the binding you made at the top of the setting before you clip. ,
About the Author
Frances Foster
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow practical skills tutorials.
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