Beginner's Overview on our WigJig Jewelry Tools, Jewelry Supplies, Beads and Wire.

What are WigJigs?	We've put together a whole page devoted solely to WigJigs. A picture is worth a thousand words! Simple stated, a WigJig is a clear matrix of holes with pins to insert into the holes for making patterns. Using these patterns anyone can make consistent, repeatable jewelry designs. Please note that our WigJigs are clear so that you can lay them on any pattern you find and recreate it in wire.
What do I need to get started?	We've put together a kit of jigs, tools, books, videos, and supplies for Beginners. To see all the items in the kit, just go to our store and click on the Jigs department in the left column. The bare minimum requirements are: Jig: we recommend our Olympus-Lite for beginners. Three tools: round nose pliers, chain or bent chain nose pliers, and flush cutters Wire: We recommend practicing with 18 or 20 gauge copper Book/Video/CD: For the Olympus-Lite, we recommend WigJig University (can be viewed from internet for free or purchased on CD-ROM) and/or our book "Wonderful Wearable Wire."
Do I need any other tools?	As each individual becomes more experienced they will find that there are a few additional tools that are recommended. Based on several years of experience, we recommend the following additional tools: *Nylon Jaw Pliers for grasping wire and holding it without marking the wire. Nylon Jaw pliers are also used to straighten the wire after removing it from the spool.* *Fine Step Jaw* *Pliers similar to round nose pliers, but with 3 graduated steps for making loops in a consistent diameter without marking the wire.* *Loop closing pliers, which are bent chain nose pliers with groves in the face for holding a jump ring and squeezing it closed.*
Where can I find instructions for using the jigs and tools?	Click here for a quick overview showing how to use the five or so basic wire designing jigs and hand tools. Plus a free design for making ear wires! Access free detailed instructions in the College of Wire Designing Techniques in WigJig University for using a multitude of wire designing jigs and hand tools.
Where can I find designs and projects?	Access over 1,500 pages of free wire design projects in WigJig University ranging from jewelry designs, to home decor, hair jewelry, and much more. We have printed books ("Designing with Wire" plus "Wonderful, Wearable Wire"), online books, a video, and CDs that contain great beginner designs and projects. Just go to our store, and click on the Books-Videos-CDs department in the left column.
*Where can I find pictures of wire projects?*	*Please check out our extensive Gallery of photos.*
*What are wire beads? How do I make them?*	*To see photos of wire beads, check out the "Anatomy of a Wire Bead" series.*
*How do I make wire chains?*	You can see photos of knitted wire chains here. Just go to our store, and click on the Spool Knit department in the left column.
What size of wire should I use?	*See our overview on wire gauges here.*
What type of wire should I use	Wire comes in a variety of types and colors. For more information, please check out the following: gold, silver, brass, copper and other wire.
*What if I have more questions?*	*Please see our Frequently Asked Questions page or email us.*
*What about the WigJig company?*	We started our company about 7 years ago when we needed jigs to make wire components consistently. We've grown tremendously each year, due to our customers' support and satisfaction. We truly believe our best measure of success comes from our customers. Please read what they say here .

Our goal with this web site is to introduce people of all skill levels to jewelry making and making other decorations using beads, wire, findings and other jewelry supplies. Please visit WigJig University to see our free jewelry making projects, tips, techniques and an encyclopedia of wire and bead facts. We offer a free newsletter that we send approximately every other Sunday. This newsletter discusses techniques for making jewelry, projects with wire and beads and identifies our new designs, recently added to our web site.

Our WigJig Store sells the beads, wire, findings, tools and jewelry supplies that we use in our projects. Please feel free to contact us at custsrv@wigjig.com if you have questions about our beads, wire, findings, jewelry tools or other jewelry supplies. We try to respond to all the e-mails that we receive. We may not be the worlds foremost expert in jewelry making, beads and wire, but we are happy to share what knowledge we have.

Most of the jewelry making projects shown in our web site do not use Sterling Silver. The reason for this is simple, it is harder to get good pictures of Sterling Silver wire components. We have found that it is easier to get good pictures using colored wire including gold-filled, copper, or brass wire. Any or our projects shown in colored wire can also be made in Sterling Silver wire.

Beads, Jewelry Tools, Wire & Jewelry Making Supplies by WigJig Beginner's Page