Wire-Wrapping with Stainless Steel Wire

When I am making a bracelet, rosary, or other wire-wrapped item, I usually use four basic wires: stainless steel, silver over copper, brass over copper, and copper wire.  The hardest and strongest wire that I use is stainless steel - 20 gauge.  I use 18 gauge for handmade hooks but normally 20 and 22 gauge are my go-to wire.

To be honest, I try to make one item with stainless steel wire and then wait a while before beginning another project using the same wire because it is so strong that it puts calices and sometimes cuts on my hands.  However, it is worth it to complete a finished piece that you know is very resistant to breaking and bending. If you are looking for an item that will last for years and years, stainless steel is a wonderful choice.  It all comes down to what you are looking for in your custom made item.

I love all of the wire that I use, each for different reasons.  For bracelets, I prefer a silver plate, bronze, or copper.  For rosaries and prayer beads, it depends of your personal preference, as they all make beautiful and long lasting items.

Another tip, if you are making an item with stainless steel wire, keep a different pair of wire clippers just to use with the stainless steel wire.  Since it is so strong, it tends to dull the standard jewelry wire clippers quicker than other wire, so keep a pair just to use with stainless steel wire.

Two items that I have currently designed using stainless steel wire are:

https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/LetOurLightShine/tools/listings/order:ascending/455287730

https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/LetOurLightShine/tools/listings/order:ascending/525029083

You can see how beautiful the stainless steel wire looks with the crystal beads, yet is amazingly strong and difficult to bend or break.

If you are looking for an heirloom piece that will last a lifetime, a great choice is stainless steel wire.

Five Decade Rosary - Light Blue

Happy Palm Sunday, everyone!

I'm photographing my Etsy store items in natural light.  It is a long labor of love.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/455287730/rosary-handmade-catholic-gifts?ref=shop_home_active_5

#102

Rosary, Necklace, and Ready to Ship

Today, I continued to photograph more of my Etsy store items in natural light.  Even though I love my photographs previously posted on a beautiful satin cloth, I decided to change my theme to natural wood, tile, and natural lighting.

This first image is a beautiful five decade rosary which is wire wrapped and handmade using vintage beads.

#101

The second image is a new necklace which I've just added to the Etsy store today.  It is wire wrapped using brass wire and vintage beads 6mm clear Swarovski crystals . 

#162

When someone purchases an item from my Etsy store, I place the item in a draw string pouch, and place it in a gift box with a cross on the cover. The above necklace is used in the image below as an example.

Let Our Light Shine Rosaries - Photographed in natural light

Rosary - Handmade - Catholic Gifts - One Decade - Vintage Hematite - Vintage Swarovski Crystal Bead -  Holy Communion - Eucharist Chalice

https://www.etsy.com/listing/458778336/rosary-handmade-catholic-gifts-one

#113

Rosary - Handmade - Catholic Gifts - Chaplet of The Divine Mercy- Vintage Swarovski Crystal - Czech Red Beads - Fatima Center 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/472021775/rosary-handmade-catholic-gifts-chaplet

#112

Vintage Bead Swarovski Chess Round Crystal Rosary

This beautiful rosary has some of my most favorite beads.  They are vintage Chessboard Swarovski beads.  They are clear in color but pick up many rainbow colors due to their multiple facets hitting the light.

This week, my focus is photography.  A new set of photographs will be added each day until all items have been photographed in natural light.  The natural light shows the beautiful colors of the vintage crystals.  I hope you enjoy these updated photos from my online store as we move closer to Easter. 

Pink Swarovski Vintage Crystal Wire Wrapped Earrings

Several customers asked me to add earrings to my Etsy store that would match the style of my bracelets.... so today, I added my first pair.  I plan to add more.  They are simple, yet elegant. Lightweight in your ears. They are made with vintage Swarovski crystals and 22 gauge silver over copper wire. Keep an eye out for more earrings, which will be added soon. Thanks for the suggestion! 

Pastel Crystal Colors - Silver Plated Wire - Wire Wrapped Bracelets

Just a short post to share four new bracelets added this week.  These are silver plated over copper wire and all are in pastel colors. Each are made with vintage beads and many are rare and difficult to find.

 The purple bracelet is two stands of beads and can be worn twisted or side by side.  Take a look to see this new style.  

https://www.etsy.com/listing/476821846/womens-bracelet-handmade-wire-wrapped?ref=shop_home_active_5

The pink bracelet was sold minutes after posting, however, I have added a new pink bracelet so take a look.

Have a super day!

God Bless!

Jen :-)