It was a beautiful Spring day here in Pennsylvania yesterday, so we had class outside for this week's Beadalon's Facebook Live Video! One of the things Beadalon/ Artistic Wire specializes in is Heavy Gauge Wire - 10, 12 and 14 Gauges round out the category that spans from 10-34 Gauge. Originally, we were going to demonstrate a cool bangle bracelet (check in next week for that one!), but it was so nice outside that we were inspired to blow some bubbles - and the 14 gauge Artistic Wire is perfect for making a whimsical, beaded bubble wand!

I like using Memory Wire Shears to cut the thicker gauge wires. Because they are such a heavy duty cutter, they make it much easier to cut - and easy is good! I cut about 2.5 feet of 14 Gauge Tinned Copper Wire and wrapped it around a 3D Bracelet Jig, but any round object in the right size will work. Then, I made a wrapped loop to secure the circle into place. In the video, I used my hands to form one of the wands into a heart!  Next, I added some beads - just find a few with holes large enough to fit over the wire. I used some sparkly beads from Jesse James Beads. Aren't they fun? The last step is to make a spiral on the end of the wire to hold the beads into place.

Wrap about 2.5 feet of Wire around a 3D Bracelet Jig. 

Bend the short wire around the longer wire for a wrapped loop.

Use Memory Wire Shears to cut the excess wire off.

 Add some large hole beads.

Turn a loop on the end of the wire with Round Nose Pliers.

Grasp the loop with Chain Nose Pliers and continue to coil the wire around into a spiral.

Have fun!

We learned the hard way that you need better bubble solution to make lasting bubbles with these big wands. Here's a recipe that I found on the interwebs that looks like it would work.

Here's hoping that glorious weather is here to stay!

Materials:
14 Gauge Tinned Copper Wire
Beads with holes big enough to fit over the wire

Tools:
Artistic Wire 3D Bracelet Jig
Memory Wire Shears
Round Nose Pliers
Flat Nose Pliers

Happy Beading!
Meredith