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Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon, Contemporary Wire Jewelry. Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder. This wonderful little bird will show you how to wire on a cabochon and solder the copper.

Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon

by Oksana Truhan
  • Category: Contemporary
  • Technique(s): Filing / Finishing, Lashing, Making Spirals, Weaving, Butane Torch Techniques
  • Skill Level: Intermediate
This wonderful little bird will show you how to wire on a cabochon and solder the copper. Ready to go?!

Materials

African Turquoise 13x18mm Oval Cabochon
E8-32C
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $3.00
  • Gold Club Price: $2.25
Out of Stock
18 Gauge Round Dead Soft Copper Wire
H11-18D
  • Lesson Quantity: 18.00 inches
  • Purchase Quantity: 2.00 1FT
  • Price: $0.85
  • Gold Club Price: $0.64
Add to Bag
20 Gauge Round Half Hard Copper Wire
H11-20H
  • Lesson Quantity: 16.00 inches
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 5FT
  • Price: $2.08
  • Gold Club Price: $1.56
Add to Bag
28 Gauge Round Dead Soft Copper Wire
H11-28D
  • Lesson Quantity: 5.00 feet
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 5FT
  • Price: $0.77
  • Gold Club Price: $0.57
Add to Bag
Add All Items to Cart

Tools

Chain Nose Wire Pliers
G2-508
  • G2-508
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $32.95
  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
Add to Bag
Round Nose Wire Pliers
G2-507
  • G2-507
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $32.95
  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
Add to Bag
5 inch Plato Slim Flush Cutters for Wire Working or Beading - Pack of 1
G35-3
  • G35-3
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $11.95
  • Gold Club Price: $8.96
Add to Bag
Mini Economy Double Horned Jewelers Anvil - Pack of 1
G17-1
  • G17-1
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $21.97
  • Gold Club Price: $16.48
Add to Bag
Dual Head Hammer
G3-9
  • G3-9
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $6.97
  • Gold Club Price: $5.23
Add to Bag
5/8 Inch Double Rubber/Nylon Head Hammer - Pack of 1
G3-26
  • G3-26
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $4.97
  • Gold Club Price: $3.73
Add to Bag
6 Piece Assorted File Set with Wooden Handle
G14-7
  • G14-7
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $5.57
  • Gold Club Price: $4.18
Add to Bag
Blazer Big Buddy Turbo Torch, Black
TRCH-8010
  • TRCH-8010
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $40.00
  • Gold Club Price: $30.00
Add to Bag
6X6 Inch Soldering Stone Board - Pack of 1
G19-3
  • G19-3
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $16.97
  • Gold Club Price: $12.73
Add to Bag
Liver of Sulfur 4 oz
SOL-600.04
  • SOL-600.04
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $16.95
  • Gold Club Price: $12.71
Add to Bag
Fiber Grip Cross-Locking Tweezers - Small
TWZ-740.04
  • TWZ-740.04
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $2.97
  • Gold Club Price: $2.23
Add to Bag
WireJewelry Ultra Pro Micro Abrasive Polishing Pads, 20 pack
G9-5-20PK
  • G9-5-20PK
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $8.95
  • Gold Club Price: $6.71
Add to Bag
Add All Items to Cart
Instructions
Step 1
Start by sketching a bird similar to mine.

Trace my pattern if that helps.

The dimensions are 35mm x 50mm. (Approx. 1.5" x 2")
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, draw a pattern
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, pattern
Step 2
Use the 18g wire to trace the outline of the bird shape.
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, trace the pattern with 18g wire
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, trace the pattern with 18g wire
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, trace the pattern with 18g wire
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, trace the pattern with 18g wire
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, trace the pattern with 18g wire
Step 3
Notice how I've curled the wire into his wing.

There must be a solid base of wire for the cabochon base.
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, make a base of wire for the cabochon
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, make a base of wire for the cabochon
Step 4
Gently hammer the wire flat from the back and file the ends smooth.
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, flatten the wire with a hammer
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, file any sharp ends or edges
Step 5
Cut a 2" piece of 18g wire for the bail
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, cut 18g wire for a bail
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, file the bail ends smooth
Step 6
Cut 16" of 20g wire and make the eye for the bird about 1" from one end as shown.

And hammer flat the 1" tail.
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, make a small loop for the eye
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, make a small loop for the eye
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, hammer flat
Step 7
Solder the bail wire to the top of the bird at the intersection of as many wires as you can to make it secure.
Pro Tip: I use copper solder because it leaves no traces of solder, but you can use any solder.
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, solder on the bail
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, solder on the bail
Step 8
File or sand clean the area where you will solder on the 20g wire.

Solder the wire to the frame so the eye ends up in the proper place.
Pro Tip: When I solder the 20g wire to the frame, I use a tweezers to hold the wire. That serves as a heat sink and slows down the possible melting of the thin wire as you solder.
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, sand off carbon
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, solder the 20g wire
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, solder
Step 9
Pickle, rinse, and dry the piece.

At this point, the soldering will have softened the wire.

Use a nylon hammer and anvil to gently work harden the piece.
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, pickle and rinse
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, hammer
Step 10
Trim the excess wire and smooth the end.
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Trim the excess wire
Step 11
Make a bail by bending the bail wire over round-nose pliers and turning up the end a bit.

Trim an excess wire and file smooth.
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, bend the bail
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, bend the bail
Step 12
With the 20g wire, wrap around the cabochon and then form several "wings" of wire to extend over the top of the cabochon.

You can make any pattern you want but make enough that the cab won't slip through any openings.

These wires will be woven to keep the stone snug.
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, bend the wire into wing shapes
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, bend the wire into wing shapes
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, bend the wire into wing shapes
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, bend the wire into wing shapes
Step 13
Use the 28g wire to weave the wing wires together.

Begin at the base wires.
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, weave the 28g wire
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, weave the 28g wire
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, weave the 28g wire
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, weave the 28g wire
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, weave the 28g wire
Step 14
Now weave the wires on the other side of the cab.

Continue making small sections of weaving anywhere the will secure the cab in its place.
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, weave the 28g wire
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, weave the 28g wire
Step 15
Cut a new piece of 28g wire to coil around the top of the bird and around the base of the bail.

Trim all excess wires.
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, coil the frame and bail
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, coil the frame to the bail
Step 16
Use liver of sulfur to patina the whole piece.

Rinse and dry thoroughly.

Wipe off excess with a pro polish cloth, and then polish using your preferred method.

Wash the piece with cold water and soap to remove any traces of dirt.
Pro Tip: Copper can dull from moisture in the air. You can choose to use a varnish on the metal if you want, but don't varnish the stone, just the copper.
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, patina the piece with liver of sulfur
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, polish
Oksana Truhan's Wire Bird Pendant with Cabochon - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Filing, Finishing, Lashing, Wire Lashing, Spirals, Wire Spiral, Spiral Wire Wrap, Weaving, Wire Weaving, Weaving Wire, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Wash

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