One more time...Pattern Wire

by Patti Vanderbloemen

About a month ago, I started posting about different ways that I could incorporate pattern wire into my jewelry, specifically, the wire below (purchased from Rio Grande).

One of my customers saw this picture on Facebook and asked me if I could make a bangle bracelet from the flower wire (4th one from the top, in the picture above), and of course, I told her I would try.

Now, I have seen quite a few cuffs made from this wire, on various internet sites.  BUT, once, I got to designing, I was very uncomfortable using this wire in something that could get banged up pretty easily. Personally, I do not wear bangles anytime I have to type, as the constant banging of the metal on my desk drives me bonkers. In my opinion, this wire is way too "flimsy" for a bangle.  Even though I tried hardening the wire with both my rawhide and plastic hammers - I could still bend it  out of shape with my bare hands. Construct-ability and durability of any design is as important to me as the aesthetic.

But, I was determined to make some sort of bracelet with this wonderful texture. So, I riveted a slice of this wire to some 18 gauge sterling silver and made a cuff instead.

Yup - it's big and bold (1" wide), but I rather like the how the shiny silver works with the pattern wire.

The earrings below were a much simpler design solution - Pendulum Earrings. I had a blessed session with the liver of sulfur - I never get colors this rich!

Lastly, I made a pair of hoops - post style. 

This particular pattern wire is HEAVY - thank goodness - giving me plenty of room to solder on the post (not the case in all pattern wire).

I have thoroughly enjoyed this journey of using pattern wire throughout my designs and hope to find new ways to incorporate these wonderful textures in new ways! I have learned what works, what does not work, and how to find alternate solutions.

Thanks so much for stopping by today - I hope this has inspired you to try this wonderful material!