Making Jewelry with Memory Wire: Tips, Tricks, and Creative Ideas

Making beautiful jewelry can be a complicated process, or it can be as simple as you want it to be. One very easy way to begin making jewelry is using memory wire. Memory wire is a heavy wire that holds its shape. It can make easy snap on necklaces, bracelets, rings, and even toe rings. You can use a single coil or multiple coils to create a wide variety of looks. Finishing the memory wire can be a little tricky, but ultimately this is a great project for beginners, people trying jewelry making, and even for children with a little adult help.

Where to Buy Memory Wire and What to Know While Doing It

Memory wire isn't always easy to find. Hobby Lobby and Michael's (craft stores) usually have it. You can also sometimes find it at local bead shops. If you want an easier to find product you can look for it online. Fire Mountain Gems and Beads usually has a nice selection of memory wire.

Memory wire comes in two colors, silver tone and gold tone. It is available in 3 5/8" for necklaces, 2 1/4" for large bracelets, 1 3/4" for regular size bracelets, 3/4" for rings, and 1/2" for toe rings. These sizes don't effect the finished product much because of the nature of memory wire. It snaps into place and can be reasonably stretched without effecting its shape.

Tips for Starting and Finishing

The hardest thing about memory wire is starting it and finishing it, at least when you first start out and have no idea how. This is still a fairly simple idea and is easy to master. The first step is to cut the wire. You should use a pair of hefty duty wire cutters. It is best to purchase these that the hardware store or in the hardware section rather then the craft store or the craft section. You have a few choices of finishing the ends that effects how the item looks when finished. This is something you may have to try a few different styles to find out what you like best.

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