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Post by superioragates on Sept 3, 2009 12:29:08 GMT -5
Well, I decided to give it a go. I have probably tried doing this over a hundred times, and could not get even close. THEN I figured out something, I had a serious blonde moment, many many times after reading the tutorial on wrapping....I was trying to start at the top of the stone, instead of the bottom...LOLOLOL! I am seriously emabarrased, but what can I say? A lot of craft wire went in to the garbage, after I wadded it up in a ball, and cussed a bit, said forget it, it's just not my thing. But, as I am not a quitter by nature, I just have to keep torturing myself with things till I get it through my thick skull, I think I got the basic concept....I think. This is nothing compared to the things you guys are doing, so let me say up front that every one of you has some SERIOUS talent, that I would never even hope to compare with, I love every wrap I see!!!!! Please keep in mind that the stones are all uneven as heck, and I have 3 tools to work with: needle nose, wire cutters, and a small pair of smooth needle nose. Here goes: UGGGHHHHH!!! This is not the worst of them, trust me......but...... front back Then this one is not much better, but I went back through the tutorial, and came out with this: front back and finally this morning, I tried again front back Please don't yell at me for mutilating rocks! The stones are about the size of a quarter, & odd shaped. I just wanted to get the stinkin' rock to stay in the wrap!! I accomplished that much, so onward and upward I say!! LOL Just wanted to give you guys something to laugh at for the day, as I am SURE we all need it #1, and #2, positive every single flaw will stand out like a sore thumb in these pics! Ok......critique away!! Marie
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Post by frane on Sept 3, 2009 17:47:20 GMT -5
That is exactly what you have to do. Try and try again until you are happy with the results. I can see improvement in each one so you are in the right direction! tumbles are even harder to wrap because the different sizes and angles. Don't give up because you are seriously doing great! Craft wire is not the easiest thing to work with either! I found that after practicing on craft wire, I ordered copper wire and then went to silver and gold. The copper is the easiest to use in my opinion so it was a great and inexpensive wire to use and get good results! I have also found that if you are afraid of nicking the stone with the pliers, Slip a little piece of heavy paper, matchbook thickness, under the wire as you are adjusting it so you protect the stone. (That is what always got me). Keep at it! It is well worth all the swear words! Fran
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Post by Bejewelme on Sept 3, 2009 18:06:07 GMT -5
Marie: I told you I am not a wrapper, but there is a HUGE difference in the craft wire you are using and real wire, it will help you immensely!!! But lokk at you go, what a difference, from that first one you posted to the last, they are looking super!!! All of those look way better than any I did!! Dont give up, and do as Fran suggested and get some cooper at first and then invest in some gold or silver, you will see how much easier it is to bend!! Keep at it, you got so many skills, this will be a breeze soon!!!
Amber
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Post by tkrueger3 on Sept 3, 2009 18:24:55 GMT -5
I agree with all the above - you are making good progress, but it's the wire that's getting in your way. You might want to try copper or even brass, because of cost while you're practicing, but the main thing, I think, is to use MUCH smaller guage wire. I started trying with 14ga. and just could NOT do it. Now I'm using 21 or 22 ga. wire, and it's becoming a LOT easier. My biggest problem now is the design, not the mechanics. I pretty much suck at design! ;D
Get some thinner wire and keep on practicing!
Tom
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Post by rockmanken on Sept 3, 2009 19:21:57 GMT -5
With the right tools, and some soft copper square wire and some half round for binding (brandywine.com) I think you can do some great wraps. With what you have to work with I think your wraps are great, I don't think I could have done that good. Donna
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Post by superioragates on Sept 3, 2009 19:35:17 GMT -5
So I should be using even smaller stuff than this? This is 22 gauge wire, the reason I bought it was because I read that was the fav of most of you guys on here......hmmm...ok so I need some copper wire. I gotta say I did not expect ANY positive or serious feedback....I was mainly trying to show you some funny stuff I did, and come on...ya know that first one is seriously funny! I am still working on this....I just GOTTA figure it out! Thanks guys!
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Post by tkrueger3 on Sept 3, 2009 20:02:54 GMT -5
22 guage? Wow. I thought it was much bigger wire than that. OK, then, I take it back. Your wire is a good size, just probably not soft enough.
PS - I'm pretty much a noobie at this wrapping stuff, also - I've done about 15-20 so far, so take everything I may say with quite a few grains of salt! ;D
Tom
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huffstuff
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since August 2007
Posts: 1,222
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Post by huffstuff on Sept 3, 2009 20:26:18 GMT -5
One thing that is hard to tell in pictures - many of our serious wrappers may be using cabs that are much larger than the usual tumbled stones. One of my favorite wrappers (on another site) has wraps that average 2" including bail.
I think that's why everyone thinks you were using thick wire. I agree with everyone, your three show a great progression of how you have improved in a short amount of time. I like your matching swirls (front and back) on #3. Keep on wrappin'!
Amy
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Post by rockmanken on Sept 3, 2009 20:56:38 GMT -5
Marie, I agree with all the above. You are doing great. Don't get discouraged. Also, get some square wire. It is 10 times easier to work with. Use 1/2 round for the binding wire. This isn't enough for 2 cents worth, so we will call it 1 cent worth. #3 is 200% better than #1. Ken
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Post by superioragates on Sept 3, 2009 20:57:40 GMT -5
Just so ya know these stones are only about an inch? maybe, they are pretty small, which also may be a problem, since I have fat fingers! LOL Amber, that last stone is maybe 1/2 the size of that beautiful cab you sent me.....if that gives any idea.
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Post by Bejewelme on Sept 3, 2009 22:09:44 GMT -5
Hey Marie, Posting your wraps especially in the beginning is how you learn! Looking back at some of my cabs, I am like, gosh that is terrible, but everyone is so nice and gives positive feedback to help you get better!!!!! I still post everything, good or bad because someone always chimes in with a bit of information to store for the next time! I thought the wire was much thicker also, the camera is tricky!!! GO BUY WIRE!!! LOL
I make big cabs I will make you some smaller ones to wrap, or soak the bail off and practice wrapping the cab, you can always reglue the bail!!!
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Post by sitnwrap on Sept 4, 2009 7:14:46 GMT -5
Marie, I hope you hang on to these firsts and treasure them. Yup seeing these made me remember my firsts and laugh (not at yours but at mine) and they are the most endearing. You already have the most important tool that a wrapper needs, it's gumption, the I wont quit button. Keep at it and keep posting as it is a lot of fun to watch someone as they improve and their own style begins to emerge.
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kjohn0102
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since April 2006
Posts: 774
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Post by kjohn0102 on Sept 4, 2009 12:32:36 GMT -5
Dittos all of the above-square wire 21 or 22 definitely MUCH easier to work with-be sure that it's dead soft-copper should be soft anyway. By the last wrap, you've really made huge improvements. Your bindings are nice and neat. Tumbles are harder, and you can have to get really creative to be sure that they are secure-more like a cage. Depend on the wrapping to be the art with the tumbled stone there to support the artistry of the wire.
Keep on going, and keep on posting pics! kj
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Post by superioragates on Sept 4, 2009 13:02:21 GMT -5
So, where do I get some cabs, what is a good price to pay, and what is a good size to work with, and that won't look "gaudy" hanging from a chain? Thanks, Marie
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mc2
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since April 2009
Posts: 1,147
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Post by mc2 on Sept 4, 2009 17:03:16 GMT -5
Looks like you are making good progress, those wraps are far better than mine! For now, I'm sticking with groove wraps, those are hard enough for me for now. Keep practicing!
Mike
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Post by superioragates on Sept 4, 2009 17:04:17 GMT -5
Ok, so you all know I am a bargain hunter, I look for deals everywhere I go. Hubby mentions garage sales today when he gets home, so I say, "yeah sure, we can go". I'm thinking maybe just maybe, someone will be getting rid of their wire wrapping stuff, and I can get in "on the cheap", yeah, yeah, I know....long shot....right? I didn't find any wire, but I did find these, which I believe have solved my problem with the wrapping.....almost, see what you think. This is what I found, they are glass, but the right size I thought for practicing: now then, this is what I fought with last night, still trying to get something to look decent: fronts backs yeah I know...pretty bad huh? after garage saling today, I brought home the glass "stones", and washed them. Decided to try it once again, I just could not wait. This is what I came up with an hour or so later: front back Not perfect, or anywhere near what you guys are producing, but I think it's much better, don't you? I just need bigger stuff to work with I guess! Now on to better wire! I didn't want to spend needless money, b-4 seeing if i could actually get a little bit of the hang if it. Let me knwo what you think! I NEED HELP!! Thanks, Marie
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Post by rockmanken on Sept 4, 2009 17:18:51 GMT -5
Now that blue one is really pretty, great job. Donna (I am using Ken's computer)
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Post by MyNewHobby on Sept 4, 2009 17:56:55 GMT -5
I am so glad that I am not the only cusser around here when it comes wrapping.
I will keep reading this post for a while ... you are giving me a very MUCH needed kick in the butt to get back to it.
Apparently I do not have the same perserverance you do and I am glad that you posted. And .... your going and going paid off .... it really does look nice!!!
And .... if you want .... hopefully this evening ... I will post the rest of the pictures from my last vibe batch and I will be more than happy to send you a small box of my cabs. I know that they are not the really cool stuff, but You can practice and put out perfection in wire for me to follow in my learning.
Julie
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Post by superioragates on Sept 4, 2009 18:18:31 GMT -5
Julie...that is so sweet!!! I just cannot give up on something till I get it.....OCD it is. No I don't check the stove 20 times a night, but when I want to learn something, especially in the crafty nature....the OCD kicks in, and I just do it until it's exhausted! I posted this kinda as a joke, cuz some things are just too funny...even with the cussing! But, at the same time, posting it made me try even harder, cuz I let every one on here see my horrible mutilation of a rock!! I am working on another one right now, and it's still frustrating for me to get things to go the way I want them too. ugghh! But I refuse to give up!!
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Post by superioragates on Sept 6, 2009 11:15:00 GMT -5
Here are 3 more I've been playing with, same wire, same tools Fronts backs I see my top binding looks messy, especially in the back, and I like the front design, but the backs really need some more imagination to them.......... Thanks! Input input input...information and help needed! Marie
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