Memory Wire is often the stringing material that people use first when they are starting their beading journey. It's a great place to begin because it's easy to use and very versatile - the wire holds its shape so you don't need a clasp (although sometimes it's fun to use one!). There are ring sizes, bracelet sizes, and necklace sizes and many finishes including silver, gold color, rose gold color. and antique brass. And if that wasn't enough, there are also two thicknesses to choose from - regular and extra heavy duty. To see the whole range of Beadalon Plated Memory Wire, check out the Memory Wire section of the Beadalon website.
The world was a much different place when I posted the first Memory Wire Mayhem blog post back in 2019. All of the information there still holds true, and part two is chock full of even more tips and tricks!
The first and most important thing to know about Memory Wire is that you MUST use Memory Wire Shears to cut it. Because Memory Wire is full hard, cutting with any other cutters will result in a ruined cutter. In addition to the Memory Wire Shears, handy tools to keep in your toolbox are the Memory Wire Finishing Pliers, Pinch Bail Pliers, and the Wire Looping Pliers.
Things to keep in mind when working with Memory Wire:
- The size of your beads will have a big effect on the size of the finished bracelet. Bigger beads will fill up the inside diameter of the design, so you'll need to start with bigger memory wire, and vice versa.
- The weight of your beads will also determine your choice of which memory wire to choose - the Extra Heavy Duty Memory Wire is a great choice to use with heavy beads.
- Use the Memory Wire Finishing Pliers to turn one loop, or a coil on the ends of the Memory Wire to finish. "Break the Neck", as my beady friend Nealay likes to say, with chain nose pliers to make it look more like an eye pin.
- Use the Wire Looping Pliers and Pinch Bail Pliers to make and close the loop on the ends of the Extra Heavy Duty Memory Wire.
- Bead Bumpers are a great way to hold your beads in place as you are making the loops on the ends. They will also take up the slack at the ends of your design, and prevent the loop of the memory wire from scratching your bead.
For more tips, tricks, and information about Memory Wire, check out the replay of this Facebook Live. Be sure to set your reminders and join us live on Thursdays at 2pm ET. Do you have more tips and tricks for working with Memory Wire? Join us and post them in the Jewelry Making with Beadalon Facebook Group!
Until next time, happy beading!
Meredith
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