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A Coiled Cold Connection

by Susan LeGuyader
I wanted to talk with you about joining soft materials such as leather and fabric to wire work. Or maybe joining it to other elements in design work. I don't know about you but I rarely have the manufactured finding for this. And since I love to make my own findings, I had to figure this out.
Instructions
In the past, I have just cut a straight pieces of wire and wrapped around the fabric (or leather) and tucked in the tail.

Then I had the brilliant idea to use a piece of wire, balled on each end.

Then there are no sharp ends sticking out, no injuries.
Susan LeGuyader's A Coiled Cold Connection - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Coiling, Coiling Wire, Wire Coiling, , coiled connection
First, cut a piece of wire long enough to do a complete wrap, then ball each end with a torch (using all safety precautions).

Quench, dry, pickle if desired, file any rough ends and you are ready to use.

I make a small bend at the end, giving me a good anchor point for my chain nose pliers.
Susan LeGuyader's A Coiled Cold Connection - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Coiling, Coiling Wire, Wire Coiling, , cut a piece of wire long enough
Susan LeGuyader's A Coiled Cold Connection - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Coiling, Coiling Wire, Wire Coiling, , file any rough ends and you are ready to use
Start your wrap, as snuggly as you can, I like wrapping with my fingers.
Susan LeGuyader's A Coiled Cold Connection - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Coiling, Coiling Wire, Wire Coiling, , Start your wrap
When you come to the end of the coil, use chain-nose pliers or a pair of parallel-jaw pliers (these work best) to crimp down your coil.

With the balled ends, you can tuck them tight to the coil or bend them up over the coil for a design element.

Have fun with it, the possibilities are endless.
Susan LeGuyader's A Coiled Cold Connection - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Coiling, Coiling Wire, Wire Coiling, , use chain-nose pliers or a pair of parallel-jaw pliers
Susan LeGuyader's A Coiled Cold Connection - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Coiling, Coiling Wire, Wire Coiling, , coiled connection

Materials

20 Gauge Round Dead Soft Copper Wire
H11-20D
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $0.49
  • Gold Club Price: $0.37
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20 Gauge Round Dead Soft .925 Sterling Silver Wire
H8-20D
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $6.63
  • Gold Club Price: $4.97
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Tools

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
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WireJewelry - Ultimate Wire-Pliers Jewelry Pliers with Case, Set of 5
G15-20
  • G15-20
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $170.72
  • Gold Club Price: $128.04
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  • Category: Findings
  • Technique(s): Coiling, General Education

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