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Once upon a time, a wire crotchetier was born…
Wire crocheted jewellery…Crochet under a new light!
The first craft I will be sharing is one of my favourites: wire crocheted jewellery. Amazingly it’s one of my most recent craft learnings, since until about two years ago I had never tried beading or jewellery making. So, this is a very recent but overwhelming passion. It allows me to use the most diverse techniques and materials to obtain quite unexpected results. Within this craft, I’m always learning and discovering something new that completely opens the doors to imagination, sensitivity and creativity.
The magic of dismantled electronics!
I grew this new interest in Crochet some time ago. It all started when I noticed that my husband works with very appealing materials. Nuno works with computers and electronics and I couldn’t help thinking that all those beautiful wires and electronic components were very interesting for my craft projects. So I began experimenting things. Once he gave me a bobbin of beautiful red copper wire and I tried crocheting a jewellery piece with it. And guess what? I just felt in love for this material’s possibilities. After that I’m always harassing him to give me the bobbins from his dismantled electronics and we are always competing to see who keeps them.
If you’re allergic to nickel…don’t use electronics’ wires!!
However, if our readers wish to try this craft, I don’t advise anyone to use electronics’ wires, as they are made for industrial purposes and may in certain cases contain nickel. I’m not allergic to nickel, so I still use this wire (when I manage to convince my husband to share his treasures) but only for jewellery for my personal use or to decorate objects. Since nowadays contact dermatitis caused by nickel is the most common jewellery allergy (even gold can contain nickel), when I create jewellery for other people or pieces intended for skin contact, I use only nickel-free wire specific for crafts (mostly enamelled copper, because it is resistant, versatile, beautiful and allergic reactions to it are extremely rare).
Are there any wire crotchetiers out there?
In the meantime, I started researching about wire crocheting on the Internet. I thought these materials have such a potential that I couldn’t have been the first person to think about it. In fact, I confirmed my suspects. Wire crocheting is slowly becoming a common hobby and even a professional activity for some people (you may take a look at the works of Windy Stiner and Willow, the Wireweaver), although it seems to be more popular in the USA than here in Europe. Judging by the difficulties I faced at the beginning to find craft wire, I think here in Portugal it must be almost unknown. I wonder if it is the same case for other European countries. I’d love to learn about other wire crotchetiers’ experiences…if you happen to be one or know one I would be thrilled to ear from you!
Now, we are on our way to get started…
Well, now that I already told the story on how I became interested in wire crocheting and that I invited other wire crotchetiers to share their experiences, its time to give some tips to those who are interested in trying it themselves, so they too can start this wonderful craft! If you are among them, take a look at the next posts. You’ll find out about the supplies and tools you’ll need. Afterwards we will proceed with some simple, but beautiful and creative projects that will help explaining the basic techniques. Then, as the blog goes on, we will gradually move on to more sophisticated projects which involve more complex techniques. If you become addicted to this craft (and believe me, it is addicting!) in a few months you’ll be surprised to see the amazing and unique jewellery collection you’ll have created with your own hands!
Technorati Tags: beading, beadwork, Bijouterie, bijouterie crochetée, bijutaria, bijuteria, croché, Crochet, crocheted jewellery, jewellery
Tags: beading, beadwork, Bijouterie, bijouterie crochetée, bijutaria, bijuteria, croché, Crochet, crocheted jewellery, jewellery
Related Articles:
- What tools are necessary for wire crocheted jewellery?
- What about beads?
- What’s the best wire to start with?
- Where do I buy the wire to make crocheted jewellery?
- Wire hunting…
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2007-01-082.23 pm at
Hi
Yes, I wire crochet and love it too! Have for the past 10 years, and mix in beads, crystal and gemstone, glass and ceramics. I have made everything from amulet bags to individual crocheted beads.
My favorite crochet stitch is the afghan stitch, because when it stands alone it is a beautiful weave, when you bring a bead with each stitch as you work it off the hook, it looks like it is a beadedloomed piece.
lots of luck with your blog
pat
wild poppy designs…
2007-01-1811.23 pm at
Hi Pat
Sorry for the delay to approve your comment. It got caught by our antispam tool and I only saw it today.
I’m very happy to meet another wire crotchetier. I took a look at your albums and you have gorgeous pieces. It’s nice to have someone with the same interest. Maybe we can exchange some ideas and tips. Thank you for commenting on Atelier LJ and for your encouragement.
2007-01-235.32 am at
Hi
would love to keep in touch, please email me a direct email, or we can keep it public notes on the blog, either is fine with me.
Have a lovely day
pat
2007-01-2412.52 pm at
Hi Pat
I’m very happy you are interested in keeping in touch!
We’ll use both, email for more private subjects and the blog for things that are worth sharing with a larger public…for instance, you said you wire crochet for ten years now…that’s a lot of time! You know I had never heard of such thing as wire crochet until very recently. I think it’s not very common here in Europe…how did you start? How did you discover this craft?
Thanks for participating on our blog and have a great day!
2007-03-088.01 pm at
salut!!!
c’est juste pour un petit service!
je vais me marier dans quelques mois et mon futur mari et moi désiront de faire nous même la déco de la salle. Pour cela nous avons besoin de fil de cuivre ou d’alu de couleurs , où pouvons nous en trouver???
Merci par avance à vous toutes
2007-03-091.05 am at
Hi Zazou
Welcome and thank you for visiting and commenting on our blog.
To answer your question, because I use very thin wire which is hard to find, I buy it at wires.co.uk. It’s the only place I know that sells the smaller diameters. However, if you’re not looking for the smaller diameters and if you’re in France, perhaps you’ll find what you need at Matière Première. If you whish to know a little more about these suppliers, we’ve posted some information about them here and here.
I hope I could help. Best wishes for your marriage.
2007-08-0711.28 am at
Design Tips and Suggestions…
I couldn’t understand some parts of this article, but it sounds interesting…
2007-09-124.05 pm at
Olá,
Trabalho uma coisa parecida com as que vi, só que eu trabalho com um tipo de ponto peruano, que aprendi no Perú. Gostei muito de seus Tips. Espero que possamos trocar ideas…
2007-09-1210.41 pm at
Hi Patrícia,
Thank you very much for your participation. I took a look at your site and I loved your work…It’s beautiful! I want to try crocheting silver wire too. I’ll be delighted to exchange ideas and experiences with you.