How to Make a Swirl With Wire
- 1). Determine the type and size of swirl you want. For jewelry the swirls are generally smaller. For candles or home decor the size should fit the item being adorned with the swirl and take into consideration anything that is being added, like a crystal or other decoration.
- 2). Begin with one end of the wire and grasp it around the end of the needlenose pliers, or press it against the object you will be using to wrap the wire around such as a pencil or wood dowel. Use your finger to hold the wire in place.
- 3). Use a twisting motion to begin making what looks like a spring, curving the wire around in circles. The circles can be tight or loose, based on what you will use them for.
- 4). Push the swirls close together as you work. If using pliers, flatten the swirls inside of each other, graduating them to larger and larger circles encompassing the inner ones, and keep them flat with your fingers. With a pencil or dowel, push them down on the object so the swirls are tightly wrapped next to each other.
- 5). End the swirl when you have reached the size for your project. For the dowel or pencil, one more step is required to flatten out the spring shape. Press the spring between your thumb and forefinger and smash it flat. Using a twisting motion, push one end of the wire swirl towards the center and tighten the circle as you go, so that the spring forms into a spiral rather than equally stacked circles. Continue working the swirl with your fingers until you get the shape you want.
- 6). Clip off the excess tail or make a sweep out to another spot on the wire and create another swirl. You can create opposing swirls in different directions, larger and smaller swirls, or swirls all shaped together in a pattern.
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