Use the proper tools - I know most people don't want to jump in spending over $100 on tools for a project, and neither do I! You don't need the top of the line pliers to get started in wire-wrapping, but you do need some basics.Fine silver and 14K gold (or higher) is generally safe as well. Most metal allergies are due to a high nickel content in craft wire and some jewelry findings, not to all metals. People with metal allergies and sensitive skin can generally wear solid copper, enameled copper, or plated copper jewelry because there is no nickel.Copper wire comes in many colors and sizes - look for non-tarnish varieties, enameled (colored) variations, or even silver & gold plated types! Artistic Wire, Beadalon, and Parawire all make copper wire that is perfect for wire-wrapping. ![]() You can also texture or flatten it with hammer and anvil or other shaping/dapping/stamping tools. Copper hardens with use and over time (unlike aluminum) and makes a fairly stable ring.Just know that soft is easy to bend and form, while hard is difficult to manipulate! Each type has it's uses in wire-wrapping techniques, however. It's still relatively cheap compared to the precious metals and it comes in "soft", "half hard", and "hard" designations. copper wireis the next easiest for practice.I used aluminum wire 1st and still make tester pieces from it before moving on to more expensive and stiffer wire. aluminum wire is the softest there is - it makes practicing easy. ![]() Wire also hardens with each use, so breakage is more likely if you re-use it. ![]() Re-using wire is possible, but kinks remain in the wire that give a rough and shoddy appearance to the finished piece. Plan on re-wrapping your first rings a couple times and throwing away used wire (or recycle it!). Start with soft, cheap wire - you really want your 1st ring to turn out and be immediately wearable and show it off - I know! I did too, but the reality is that practice makes, well, more perfect.
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