Using silver wire on beads

[Debi Razz]

I was wondering if anyone can tell me how to apply silver (using wire) on beads. I have some 22 gauge SS wire and when I tried to apply some to some beads, it simply balled up and I had no control over where it went. Then it just kind of rolled up and fell off. Any tips on how to do this would be absolutely wonderful and greatly appreciated!

Thanks in Advance!!!:smile:

[Tink]

First of all, you want to be sure to use fine silver wire, not sterling silver.

I've always had better luck with the finer gauge wire, like 28 or 30.

The way I apply it is to heat one spot on the bead, stick the wire into that heated, softened spot, then wrap it around the bead. Then I go back into the flame and heat it until the silver turns into a line of little silver dots.

[LavenderCreek]

Ack! Nevermind, Tink beat me to it :D

[Debi Razz]

Thank you Tink! I will have to get some fine silver wire and try it out!

Love you work, by the way!

Deb

[crimsonorchid]

First of all, you want to be sure to use fine silver wire, not sterling silver.

I've always had better luck with the finer gauge wire, like 28 or 30.

The way I apply it is to heat one spot on the bead, stick the wire into that heated, softened spot, then wrap it around the bead. Then I go back into the flame and heat it until the silver turns into a line of little silver dots.

I am trying to learn how to do this... is there a reason to not use sterling silver?

[zen-mom]

Sterling silver will turn black.

[Vicki B.]

Looks like this thread was started a while back, but I just wanted to link it to my question in the tips, question area. It has more info in it:

http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=98265

[Tesorobeads]

I love to melt silver wire onto beads. I learnt the hard way about using the wrong wire!!
Does anyone know where I can gold wire in a 28 or 30 gauge to melt onto beads as Rio Grande doesn't sell it that fine.

Debbie

[teachertracey]

I believe Howaco has it. I've had great luck with them too.

[redrover36]

I have purchased the fine silver wire from glass diversions http://www.glassdiversions.com/ they also carry the silver mesh and cz's for embedding in beads, not to mention beautiful frit blends.

[Tesorobeads]

Thank you teachertracey I will check them out.

I believe Howaco has it. I've had great luck with them too.

Debbie

[Marjoe]

Does anyone know where to find Copper mesh?
Marjoe

[teachertracey]

I think, maybe I'm wrong...that Paula carries it at Flamedame.com

Yes, she does...I checked.

[ziggys]

Does anyone know where to find Copper mesh?
Marjoe

Also Dick Blick on-line or Micheals, or AC Moore craft stores.

[framerak]

I've got copper mesh in my Etsy shop.

[wolfotter]

I love to melt silver wire onto beads. I learnt the hard way about using the wrong wire!!
Does anyone know where I can gold wire in a 28 or 30 gauge to melt onto beads as Rio Grande doesn't sell it that fine.

Debbie

Hi Debbie!
Nicker sells 32 gauge in her Etsy Store

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5366436

I am finding that this has become my favorite gauge to work with! Sometimes when the gauge is too large the silver chips off easily, and this 32 gauge is perfect! I also like to use it in my galaxy beads....

Andrea