Groove wraps

[michiganpebbler]

I really like your wire wraps. Like iamchris said, they’re beautifully simple & elegant. I recently talked to the owner of a small bead/stone shop in my town about taking a beginner wire-wrapping class. Gotta figure out what to do with my tumbles.

[rockbrain]

Jul 14, 2023 9:02:58 GMT -5 iamchris said:

These are so beautiful. Simple and elegant.

May I ask how long you've been cabbing and wrapping for? I'd love to learn how to do something like this but I need to set realistic expectations, haha.

Thank you so much iamchris .  I joined the forum in Dec 2021 and had not been cabbing for very long before that.  I probably started in the middle of that year.  I started wrapping in May of 2022, so just over a year.  I tend to learn things quickly, I'mpretty much completely self taught.  Most of my cabbing, wrapping and lapidary education in general has come from reading on this site and tips and techniques from helpful members here.

Jul 14, 2023 10:36:11 GMT -5 michiganpebbler said:

I really like your wire wraps. Like iamchris said, they’re beautifully simple & elegant. I recently talked to the owner of a small bead/stone shop in my town about taking a beginner wire-wrapping class. Gotta figure out what to do with my tumbles.

Thanks michiganpebbler !  My wife and I both gravitate towards the simpler stuff, but I do go a little wild with swirls and foo foo stuff on occasion. I like to make the stone the center of attention.  Everyone is different on the best way to learn.  For me, I just jumped in and started doing Youtube tutorials.  I've never had any kind of class but I've been helped immeasurably by some kind folks on this site, particularly Tela rockjunquie , but have received great tips and encouragement by several talented folks here.   I know what you mean with figuring out what to do with tumbles.  I was that way with cabs.  I thought my wife was going to wrap but she never did get into it much.  I had to do something with the pile of cabs I was (and still am) accumulating.  You might look at some of the glue on bails too.  That can be an easy way to ease into things.  Also fridge magnets can be cool.   Some superglue or epoxy and some small mags and you're ready to go.

[iamchris]

Those are such beautiful cabs that it'd be a shame to not let the rock do the talking! Love the style here; I hope to share something similar of my own some day in the future. Thank you for helping me level my expectations! Cheers.

[susand24224]

Great job! The grooves look great! And I agree with the chorus that your touches of flourish here and there are great additions and not overdone.

[michiganpebbler]

rockbrain , thanks for those suggestions! I’ve been watching Youtube tutorials and suppose I just need to jump in. lol

[iamchris]

I come back to this post every few weeks to admire all of these once again. Absolutely love the style and the cabs. Such beautiful work! I know it doesn't mean too much to get compliments from a rookie, but I wanted to share anyway. 🤌

[Pat]

How did you make the grooves?

[rockbrain]

Aug 6, 2024 15:16:34 GMT -5 Pat said:

How did you make the grooves?

I have a Gryphon stain glass grinder.  It's got a vertical shaft that sticks out the top.  They make a bit that's like a little diamond disk.  When you slip it on the shaft it's like a little horizontal saw blade.  It's just the right width for a 20 gauge wire.  You can adjust it up or down so it's the right height.  I made a little fence for it so when the cab is completely pushed against the fence the depth is correct.  Just lay the cab on the top surface and start grinding around the edge until you're against the fence.  Easy peasy once it's all set up.

[susand24224]

I think they're perfect, and I also agree with "simple is better" for the groove wraps. Hung on a cord, they offer a point of interest and color to dress up the outfit the person is wearing without overwhelming it. Truth be told, I'm amazed by all groove wraps as I am firmly convinced that I would murder any cab that I tried it on . . .