Posts Tagged ‘wire jewelry’
Viking Knit Jewelry
Viking knit jewelry is really cool. And up to a few days ago, it totally baffled me. Then two things happened; I found a YouTube video and I bought a tutorial. Between the two, I can now do viking knit! And is it ever addicting...
Directions for Viking Knit Chain
The best video I found out on YouTube certainly helped a great deal; for you, it may be all you need! So below are the video directions for viking knit chain. And then below the video is more information and photos of what viking knit looks like from the raw chain through the finished viking knit jewelry.
So YouTube first, then after you're done watching, check out my "before" photos. Here you go!
In addition, here is more information and links to other viking knit resources.
Still need more? Check out my new Introduction to Viking Knit chain tutorial!
Viking Knit Jewelry - Before
Viking Knit Wire Supplies
OK, first know that the viking knit, as it comes off the wrench or dowel, looks kinda sad (at least to me). It definitely does not resemble the gorgeous jewelry I've seen! But there's a little magic involved that takes maybe a minute and results in a lovely chain.
But first, here's what you need to start out:
- 24 gauge wire
- 18 gauge wire
- Dowel (I use 3/16"). Some people use an allen wrench instead.
- Wire cutters
- Pliers (round nose and bent nose)
- Drawplate
While I don't use it, some people also use a T-pin to create a small path for the wire if the tension gets a little too tight.
In the first photo you see dowels, work in progress and the wire (I also have 16 g wire in the photo, although I didn't use it).
Viking Knit Other Supplies (Pliers, Drawplate, etc.)
In the next photo you can see the wire before I used the drawplate...along with the drawplate and pliers. I added the ruler so you can get an idea of how long the wire was (roughly 15 inches).
The raw knit is reminiscent of wire crochet (well, that's what it looks like to me, anyway).
The viking knit stitch I use is called single knit. Many people prefer to use the variation called double knit, as it makes a more dense weave.
Well, the next post will be more photos taken along the way while creating the jewelry; specifically about the draw plate tool.
Meanwhile, I'll leave you with some Pandora beads, since I will be using them in the finished viking knit jewelry.
 |
 DFJ Lampwork Bead Smiling Ghosts Party Troll Pandora  US $28.00
|
 DFJ Lampwork Bead Silver Clouds fit Pandora Troll sra US $25.00
|
 LAMPWORK BORO GLASS BEAD FITS PANDORA TROLL BIAGI kD23 US $4.99
|
 Lampwork Glass Bead Fit Pandora Menopausal Mood Swings2 US $45.00
|
 Lampwork Glass Bead Fit Pandora Leprechaun St Patricks US $45.00
|
Sterling Silver Pendants With Pearls
"From the Deep" Sterling Silver Pendant With Pearls
These sterling silver pendants with pearls came about from a forum. I'm a member of quite a few forums, and in one (I'm ashamed to admit I forget which one), I was introduced to the work of Eni Oken. Eni is a jewelry maker after my own heart, producing one-of-a-kind work in a semi-organic style (well, some of it anyway).
I got some of Eni's tutorials for her intermediate and advanced work, but the projects (bracelets mostly) take such a long time, I eventually abandoned them for faster work -- like with pendants.
I'm not the world's best photographer I'm afraid, and this pendant is a little over on its side instead of flat on the background. (I can tell because of the way the top loop is facing). All I can say in my defense is that my camera's batteries were almost dead and I need to buy some more -- so I tool the pictures quickly!
OK, how I did this is pretty easy. I took a piece of 16g sterling silver wire and roughly 2.5 inches long put the loop on top. Instead of wrapping the loop in the normal manner, I added side loops for decoration. I left about 1.75 inches hanging down. I added a small loop at the bottom for a "stopper".
"Blue Lagoon" Sterling and Pearl Pendant
Next, I took 28g sterling wire and wrapped the length of the straight wire, making sure the wraps were close. I start at the bottom and work my way up.Once I was just about to the top, I ended that piece of wire and cut another piece. and finished the wrapping.
Now I just strung pearls, sterling silver and shell beads in whatever pattern I felt like. I'd usually string. After each 3 to 7 beads (depending on the size, I'd anchor the beads to the main 16g wrapped length.
I covered the front of the pendant (and part of the back) in whatever pattern I chose, always making sure to keep my wraps as neat as possible.
Here's the other one I made at the same sitting. It has pearls, abalone, sterling and shell beads. The pendants don't take long to make, once the main length is wrapped -- maybe 30 or 40 minutes, with most of that time trying to decide which beads to use next!
Once again, my lack of photography skills has me laying the pendant slightly to the right instead of straight on. Ah well, hopefully you get the idea of how they look.
