| The Starry Delight Choker shown on the previous page is a good example
of a Memory Wire jewelry project that begins and ends with a loop.
In this style of jewelry the loop holds the beads on the Memory Wire,
preventing them from sliding off. Making a choker or bracelet using
this style involves first cutting a coil of Memory Wire with at least 1
1/2 to 2 loops of wire. After cutting the wire, then a loop is made
in one end of the coil of wire as shown at right. Making this loop
can be done with your round nose pliers or with Step Jaw Pliers. |
 Initial Loop |
| After the initial loop is made, you thread your beads onto the Memory
Wire coil. Eventually, you will want to fill the coil with beads.
Whenever you stop or set the project down, it is a good idea to clip the
end of the memory wire with a plastic hemostat so that your beads don't
try to find a new home under your table or your couch. Our plastic
hemostat is
Item 0357 in our Internet store, and is used as shown at right.
|
 Adding Beads |
| When you have completed threading beads onto the Memory Wire coil,
make a second loop at the end of the coil, thereby closing the coil so
that the beads can not slide off. It is a good idea to decorate
these beginning and ending loops with a bead dangle made with a bead and a
head pin. Instructions for making
a bead dangle can be found here.
As of May 2005, Memory Wire comes in a dull grey color as shown here and in a black color. Coming soon will be both gold-plated and silver-plated Memory Wire. These new varieties will make finished Memory Wire jewelry more attractive. Another option to improve the appearance of Memory Wire jewelry is the use of end cap beads that we will describe in the next page. |
 Bead Dangle on End Loop of Memory Wire Bracelet |