Tools of the Trade

(this necklace
can be purchased
at www.sachacottagestudio.etsy.com)
(SOLD)

Someone comments on my necklace at the Farmer's Market on a Friday morning, asking where I got it. That is always a fun moment for me. I get that funny little tickle in my tummy of pure delight as I get to say that I am the one that made it. Somewhere in the next few moments I usually get asked what kind of tools the average person needs to really be able to some basic jewelry making.

You may be surprised to learn that it is only a few basic tools. You probably can visit the home toolbox and find enough to get going on a few pieces. Soon you will decide that you would like your own tools, and there is good reason for that. First of all, most jewelry making on the scale of stringing beads or simple wire wrapping is a bit more delicate than the average home tool was created for. Secondly, it is just darn fun to own your own tools! Tim the Toolman isn't the only one that gets a charge from a good tool, you know. Thirdly.....tools are created for a specific job for a reason. They just do better, and they FEEL better in your hand. If you use a pair of needle nose pliers created for jewelry making, you will have a more gentle hand when crimping a bead than when you are using a regular pair of needle nose pliers.

To really do the job you just need a pair of needle nose pliers, a pair of round nose (sometimes called rosary pliers), a pair of bent nose pliers and a pair of wire cutters. Needle nose pliers work well for basic crimping, and holding wire during wire wrapping. Round nose or rosary pliers are essential for getting that symmetrical circle when wire wrapping. You can place the wire either right to the end for a delicate circle, or farther up the plier end for a larger loop. Bend nose pliers look like a pair of needle nose pliers that bend off at an angle. When wire wrapping, these are great for grabbing the end of the wrap and making the bends around the foundational wire. Lastly wire cutters are for cutting the extra stringing wire off the end of the crimp beads, and cutting wire when wirewrapping. Please do yourself the favor of spending the extra few dollars the FIRST TIME and buying quality tools. It makes all the difference in the world. Your end product will show the difference, and you will be much more satisfied with your piece. They will also last longer. Not to diss Walmart or the local craft store, but their jewelry tools are junk so don't waste your money. Luxe jewels makes affordable tools that really are of exceptional quality for the price. Also Fire Mountain Gems is a good source for jewelry tools.

As you progress you will want a pair of crimping pliers. These are specially designed to crimp down on a crimping bead....once in the channel end and then making a turn with the crimper and smashing again in the circular groove. These gives you a more secure, folded crimp bead. If you want to use a crimp cover (recommended!), it will fit after you have made that second fold. Another useful tool is a wire straightener. I LOVE mine. I got a pair for my birthday from my dear husband who is strong enough in our relationship to know he can buy me tools and get hugs and kisses for it! They look like a pair of square ended pliers with an extra wide tip covered in thick plastic. They allow you to grab onto wire and pull in through the pliers ending up with a nice straight piece. They are so handly and, well, just fun to use!

Those are all your basics. You will be amazed with all you can accomplish with this small set of jewelry tools.

Please drop me a line and let me know how you are progressing! I would love to hear from you.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!