Can I Solder This?
How often do you wonder whether you can solder a particular metal? Let me help you out. Here’s a handy chart: Why can’t you solder those met...
Confused by Aspect Ratio?
Have you been confused by encountering the term "aspect ratio" when looking at chainmaille weaves, or discussions of jump rings? I have too! As...
How to Choose Pliers
When choosing pliers, there are many things that a chainmailler or wire wrapper must consider. I will only cover flat nose pliers today, as these a...
Different Types of Colored Wire
I just got a common question about colored wire.....what is the difference between them? Here is my answer: There are 2 major colored wire ma...
Tip of the Week - Split Rings vs Jump Rings
I am often asked what split rings I recommend for use in jewelry, and many people are surprised to find that split rings actually are not good f...
Round vs Oval
While most people think of jump rings as round there are many cases where an oval jump ring is actually more secure. The joint of a jump ring is t...
Stainless Steel
Neither Stainless Steel nor Surgical Steel appear on the Periodic Table of Elements because they are alloys. What is an alloy? An alloy is any m...
How to Wire Wrap a Bead
This weeks tip is on how to properly make a wire wrapped loop bead dangle. You will need: 1 bead 1 headpin A pair of round nose or small looping pl...
How to Finish Leather Cord with Wire
I often am asked what the best way to finish leather cord is, or how to do it. Well, today I will show you two different methods! The first style...
Types of Gold Wire
How complicated can gold wire be? Not all gold wire contains actual gold Some gold wire has gold plating on the outside Some gold wire has a anot...
Lead, Nickel and Zinc
One of my top questions has to do with the content of my metals and supplies, usually pertaining to nickle and lead, but occasionally zinc as well...
18 gauge versus 16 gauge Complicated Circles Chainmaille Weave
Some chainmaille weaves work best in one gauge while others only work in one gauge, and then there are some that work well in several gauges, like ...