Add to Google Reader or Homepage
Add to My AOL
Subscribe in NewsGator Online
Subscribe in Bloglines


Enter your email address
& be notified of new posts:

"Kathy Cano Murillo is the renaissance woman of DIY Culture."

– Venus Magazine

The Crafty Chica DIY Project Library: a collection of fabulous handmade ideas by Kathy Cano-Murillo, the Crafty Chica!

Monday, April 05, 2004

Crazy Coil Art Ware


Just because you are not taking on a major remodeling project, you don't have to stay away from home-improvement stores. Take a spin through the wiring aisle, where a world of design opportunities is waiting for you. One of the easiest, although addicting, is this coiling project. With copper and solder wire, you can curl your way to fabulous custom art and jewelry within a day.
The concept of wire-coil art is nothing new. Visit any arts-and-crafts fair to find several vendors making and selling everything from ornate triple-looped hanging candleholders to primitive- looking garden ornaments. After twisting your way through these directions, you'll be able to create your own version of these, as well as a bracelet.

SUPPLIES:
* Copper or solder wire
* Needle-nose pliers
* Marbles
* Glass pebbles
* E6000 industrial-strength craft glue
* Gold or silver jump rings
* 36-gauge wire and jewelry clasp (for bracelet)
* Fishing line (for ornaments)
DIRECTIONS: Cut the copper or solder wire into batches of even lengths, such as 12-, 6- and 3-inch strips. Begin with one strand and bend the top edge over into a tiny loop with the needle-nose pliers. Hold the loop firmly with the pliers and use your other hand to slowly "spin" the wire into a spiral design. To make a double spiral piece, repeat the loop process at the opposite end in the other direction. Add a color and dimension by wrapping the wire around a marble, leaving a loop at the top for connecting, or glue a glass pebble in the middle of a spiral.
Once you have multiple pieces, lay them on a flat surface and rearrange them to find designs you like. Connect the pieces with the jump rings and needle-nose pliers. To make pieces hold firm, use the 36-gauge wire to connect them securely. If making a hanging ornament, tie a piece of fishing line at the top. For a bracelet, attach clasp with 36-gauge wire.
TIP: Solder wire is much softer and more pliable than the copper wire, but the latter is much stronger and longer lasting.
VARIATION: Use the 36-gauge wire to thread beads in and about the coils for a more elegant effect. You also can use this wire to liven up dozens of ordinary objects. Glue or wrap pieces on picture frames,

* For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *
• Posted by Crafty Chica, 6:15 PM

0 Comments:

Add a comment
© CraftyChica.com / Kathy Cano Murillo.  All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Site by
All craft images appear courtesy The Arizona Republic.