The Freeform WireSmith Pendant - A Wire Wrapped Tutorial

This Wire Wrap Tutorial will show you how to create a pendant using WireSmithing Techniques. Instead of making prongs to hold the stone in the setting, you'll learn a new way to hold that stone in place. This technique is so versatile that you'll be able to create hundreds of beautiful designs.
***Be sure to check out all of the links below***
Visit Us Online at - wirearteducatio...
*Tools Needed*
Wire Cutters (www.wireartedu...)
Wire Wrap Pliers or Flat Nose Pliers (www.wireartedu...)
Ruler or Measuring Tape
Fine Tip Permanent Marker
Flat Hand File or Flat Needle File (Flat File - amzn.to/2BETb3M)
Bench Block (Optional)(www.wireartedu...)
Rotary Tool (Optional)(amzn.to/2P4jIdM)
Silicone Rubber Polishing Disc (Optional)( www.wireartedu...)
Painters Tape
Scissors
*Materials*
22 inches 16 gauge dead soft square wire of your choice
16 inches 18 gauge half round wire of your choice
30x40mm cabochon of your choice
***If you would like to purchase a pair of Wire Wrap Pliers like those shown in this video, please visit www.wireartedu...
Here are some links to explore-
Please visit my WEBSITE - www.wirearteduc...
Check Out My Book “Wiresmithing - The New Look of Wire Art” - amzn.to/2MHQxyj
Check Out My Book "WireWrapping - The Basics and Beyond” - amzn.to/2ZvnFel
Check Out My Book "More Wirewrapping - The Basics and Beyond” - amzn.to/2Uf1iJp
Check Out My Book “Wirewrapping with Wire and Metal” - amzn.to/2Ug73GD

[@BobShaffer-wt6cs]

Jim, you are a true artist. You don't do it to show off, you want to enlighten other people of the beauty everwhere around them as well as within. I do not watch,television, I watch KZbin nightly and I like if I do, but it is seldom that I post anything at all. Thank you sir for doing this

[@JimMcIntosh]

Thank you very much for your kind words. I feel honored that you sent me a quick note.

[@barbdavis6838]

Hey Jim, I Absolutely Love this. I also like the bail a lot. Now I'm gonna explain how I watch your video's, first I just watch them and when I'm ready to make the pendant, ect., I get everything ready and watch again while I make the pendant ect., I don't want to miss what your teaching so that's how I do it. I'm still playing catch up on your video's that I haven't seen yet. I have my Wrapping pliers. Lol Thank's so very much for sharing with us, your a great teacher. 😊😊 Oh and I don't know who gave the 1 thumbs down but apparently you have a closed mind.

[@JimMcIntosh]

Sounds like you have a good process. I'm glad that your enjoying the videos.

[@8621Charro]

Today is August 8, 2023...made this project and LOVE your approach. I will be incorporating most of what I learn in your vids into all my. future wrapping, although the pliers seem to have vanished on Amazon! But...I don't NEED them! Thank you so much.

[@JimMcIntosh]

Thank you for watching

[@ruth1486]

A male Art Teacher. How Fun! I'm all excited to get into this one 🐞

[@JimMcIntosh]

Thank you for watching

[@lindamcdermott9980]

I have had trouble making the back of my wire wrap pendants look good. You have shown me a whole new technique to try. Thanks so much. I will continue to watch your new and past videos. You are very thorough and easy to understand, plus all of your motions are within frame. That is truly appreciated.

[@JimMcIntosh]

Glad I could help!

[@lynnettedymus4382]

Thank you I found them. I really like for your tutorial it was great

[@SophieMire-ek1fn]

Great design! 🎉love it!

[@veliatorrez6523]

Thank you. Will order the wire wrap pliers and silicone disks soon. Great tutorials.

[@JimMcIntosh]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lisaeckman6527]

Thank you so much! I like this and will give it a try. And, yes, you do seem to be a great teacher. Thanks for making this available for all of us!

[@JimMcIntosh]

Thank you so much!

[@yankeetimeline]

Sweet! I always learn something new watching your videos.

[@JimMcIntosh]

I am so glad to hear that. thank you for watching

[@karenjones7111]

Thank you. Just learning, your videos are a huge help.

[@JimMcIntosh]

I'm glad to hear that you are enjoying my videos. Thank you for watching.

[@robertahubert9155]

Thanks I really enjoyed this video your such a good teacher. So glad I found you. You have a new subscriber ♥️

[@JimMcIntosh]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@kristibbradshaw]

What a beautiful jewelry piece.

[@JimMcIntosh]

I'm glad that you like it. Thank you

[@marybennerman5473]

Hi, I really like the way you set the stone. Thanks!

[@JimMcIntosh]

Thank you so much for those kind words and Thanks for watching

[@cissikiki4172]

You are good sir,like your explanations are easy to follow,beautiful work 🤩🌟🙏greetings from Sweden

[@JimMcIntosh]

Thank you....Tack så mycket för dina vänliga ord

[@paulinerobertson4610]

You really make it clear, thank you

[@JimMcIntosh]

Thank you. I want everyone to understand how to create the project, so I try to be as clear as possible.

[@anniesungoddess3968]

Very elegant piece! Thank you!

[@JimMcIntosh]

Thank you very much

[@angeliquecoppolino1433]

Reading the concepts in your book opened up a whole new world of creativity. Freeform has blown my mind! Thank you! I just ordered your amazing pliers too. 👍😊

[@JimMcIntosh]

I am so happy to hear that. One thing that I wnt for wire art is that people take these basic design ideas and expand them into something new and different. I think that for an artform to survive people need to be constantly be looking for ways to change it into something new and different.

[@javiervazquez2896]

Wow! That is so artistic...😊great work.🎉

[@JimMcIntosh]

Thank you and thanks for watching

[@DanaMcGarr]

You did something I have never seen yet. I do copper and silver wire wrapping at a totally different level but this is a whole new avenue for me to think about. Thank you. I will be watching this video over and over again until I feel I have it down or just keep coming back to it. Thank you for your email as I have a question I need a bit of help with so perhaps you can help me with that. I'll contact you. Thank you again.

[@JimMcIntosh]

Thank you very much for your kind words. I think that prong setting in this way is a great way to show off a beautiful stone. Please keep in mind that this is only a basic design. I would love to see where you go with it. It's my goal to see how this design can be developed. Please feel free to email me, I'd love to help in any way that I can.

[@scarlettotara1]

Very pretty!! But I have a concern. The wires, swirls, are not secured to each other or to the frame. Wouldn't they or could they get lifted and or moved by getting caught on clothing or hair? I love the look just worried the swirls could get snagged and lifted on something. Thank you in advance for helping me through this concern.

[@JimMcIntosh]

Thank you for your comment, it is a valid one. In the video I show pressing the wires down a bit before re-inserting the stone. Having the wire as close to the stone as you can prevents the prongs from snagging on anything. Thanks again.

[@aprilgibbs799]

Beautiful piece. I'm so glad I came across your channel. Can't wait to purchase your pliers and book.

[@JimMcIntosh]

Thank you for your kind words and for watching my video.

[@michellebarlondsmith6243]

Love it

[@gemcat7750]

Top notch jewelry making. Jim, I just the swirls!

[@JimMcIntosh]

Thank you, Thank You, Thank You

[@Angela-Ruby]

Use a polishing cloth to straighten your wires!

[@TimelesscreationCo]

Wonderful!!! Thank you!

[@JimMcIntosh]

Thank you

[@arthurparramoure2923]

@@JimMcIntosh has always had one puo

[@rosaelinav8036]

Wow I really love how one came out! It’s looks beautiful 🤩 thank you for sharing this video...

[@JimMcIntosh]

Thank you for watching

[@scheherazadewjackson8131]

Love your work!

[@JimMcIntosh]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@lillianperez589]

Beautiful THANKS

[@JimMcIntosh]

Thank you too!

[@raynechantel2738]

very cool. love it

[@JimMcIntosh]

Thank you...thank you very much

[@edgarscale]

very nice video. i really enjoy your videos. i have bought all your books to date and have read through them already. could you tell me where you buy your wire from? thanks for all you do, your videos and books are a big help, mary..

[@JimMcIntosh]

Thank you so much Mary, I really appreciate you watching my videos. I'm also happy to hear that you have enjoyed my books.

[@cherylharris2895]

Beautiful work, as the bajan say; "every spoil is a fashion"

[@JimMcIntosh]

Thank you very much

[@sharonrowland1196]

Hi Jim it's been awhile bro!! You've been busy? I've been trying to find your Channel I haven't found it until now bro. So Jim I've been busy making jewelry myself and I've made 3 Bracelets 1 Necklace & 2 Anklets Pink White Blue Silver and I've got 12 day's to finish it all; I only have 1 Necklace left to make 👍😃👋 I've also been using a Tossel Hook on the Jewelry I'm making as well 👍😃

[@JimMcIntosh]

Welcome back!

[@virginiawestwood643]

Can you make more tutorials for pieces that are for rounded pieces & opposite of thus video.. drop facing up?

[@noellekostraba1571]

Hi Jim, Fabulous! I have a question about wire. Is soft and dead soft the same? My wholesaler only sells dead soft. Is this ok for swirls in a 20 gauge for general purposes? Thanks!

[@user-rp8zo2ro7q]

Hi Jim. Have you ever wrapped square/rectangular stones . Have 2, 1" fossilized coral rectangular stones... very squared edges! Having a heck of a time. Any thoughts? Or...previous tutorial. Tks in advance. Love your style. Great teacher 😊

[@JimMcIntosh]

Square stones are always a little tricky. If you are doing a border wrap (standard wire wrap) it's best to put a wrap across the bottom of the stone and two wraps at the top of the stone (that cover the two top corners). Personally, I wouldn't o a border wrap....I would do something like the Freeform WireSmith project. I would add a couple more "prong" wires so that you can put 2 "prongs" on each side of the square stone. I hope that helps. If you need more help shoot me an email at [e-mail] and I'll try to explain it a bit better.

[@user-rp8zo2ro7q]

@@JimMcIntosh tiny stones. 1" x 1/4"w looks like i will need to wrap the sides. Would be great if you ever feel inclined to show a tutorial on small square/rectangular stones.

[@JimMcIntosh]

@@user-rp8zo2ro7q That s a good idea. I will add it to the list. Thank you for the suggestion

[@sandrabrown4249]

You mentioned using 18g half hard, 1/2 round wire with the 16g square, is the 18g 1/2 round always half hard? Also is it ok to use with 21 or 20g square wire? By the way, I've learned so much by watching your videos and listening to your tips! Thank you.

[@JimMcIntosh]

The half round doesn't have to be half hard, I just prefer it. I have tried making this type of setting with smaller wire (21 or 22 gauge) and have round that the setting is weak. The prongs begin to loosen fairly easily. I hope this helps. Thank you for the question. If you need any more help, please let me know. Thanks for watching.

[@sandrabrown4249]

@@JimMcIntosh Thank you for this timely response.

[@javiervazquez2896]

High level...😮

[@JimMcIntosh]

Thank you

[@virginiawestwood643]

I want to make this pendant but with a teardrop facing the opposite direction of your tutorial. Can it be made?

[@JimMcIntosh]

Sorry for the late comments....yes, that can be made with almost any shape stone.

[@annsalem2718]

@@JimMcIntosh How do I buy your Wrap making pliers?

[@virginiawestwood643]

Can this pendant be made with the drop cab??

[@guidelineuk4876]

Great vid jim cant wait to try this ☝ subscribed and join your website.. also get yourself a 3m dustmask if you can find 1:-)

[@JimMcIntosh]

Awesome thank you!

[@НатальяКушнарева-о3ь]

Супер Умница

[@JimMcIntosh]

Спасибо

[@leilakirkdietzolsen6741]

So Nice ❤️🇩🇰

[@JimMcIntosh]

Thanks 🤗

[@alankochevar6064]

It would be nice to know what kind of wire you used in this video. Thanks.

[@JimMcIntosh]

Sorry about that. I used 16 gauge square sterling silver and 18 gauge half round sterling silver wire that I purchased from Rio Grande (www.riogrande.com)

[@susanabdelsalam6303]

I have a question. I think the stronger the wire the better your piece comes out. Should the half round be at least 18 gauge? I have problems with my hands so I have a hard time with anything less that 18 gauge. What can I do to make sure my pieces are strong? Thank you. I love your pieces.

[@JimMcIntosh]

In the instructions for this piece it does call for 18 gauge 1/2 round wire. on this type of wrap I always use 18 gauge. I'm not sure what your specific issue is with your hands, but I have found that the WrapMaker Pliers that I use to make the wraps give the leverage to pull the wrap wire tight and make a secure wrap. Also, the cut and wrap technique that I use before I add the wrap allows for a more secure wrap. If you need further assistance please feel free to contact me via email at [e-mail] and I will do what I can to assist. I hope this helps.

[@susanabdelsalam6303]

I just got my pliers yesterday. I have been using 20 gauge half round wire. I have joint problems in my fingers, so I don’t have a lot of strength in my hands. Will 18 gauge base wire do the trick? I also usually use a plated wire. I know that’s not as good as sterling silver but it’s what’s in my budget.

[@JimMcIntosh]

@@susanabdelsalam6303 18 gauge wire will work just fine. Plated wire does just fine. With most of the techniques that I show you if you expose the core of the wire it is hidden from view..so no worries.

[@geotestjohn]

Instead of using plated wire you could try Para wire. It is permanently colored wire and you don't run the risk of that plating coming off, which it will. Also it is very budget friendly and comes in a huge variety of colors as well as square, round and half round.

[@JimMcIntosh]

@@geotestjohn That's a great idea...thanks

[@Suzette1946]

I can't afford to waste that much silver wire. I've been wrapping for over 14 years.

[@lynnettedymus4382]

What are those pliers called that you used I can’t find them

[@JimMcIntosh]

They are called WrapMaker Pliers. Here's an Amazon link to them - amzn.to/41EzaRc

[@annsalem2718]

How do I buy your wrap maker pliers?

[@JimMcIntosh]

I have partnered with Beadsmith to manufacture and distribute the pliers. I am waiting for them to get a shipment in, so hopefully I will get them in soon. When I do I will make an announcement via my KZbin Channel.

[@annsalem2718]

Thank you so much. Can hardly wait to get a pair. Ann