Do you want to add wire weaving to your skillset? If so, you’ve come to the right place because wire weaving mastery begins right here at Door 44 Studios. My name is Wendi, and I’m the wire weaver behind Door 44. I love to teach and I’ve found that the best way to teach wire weaving is through clear instruction using simple, modular designs. I strive to create designs that are both accessible for beginners and fun for intermediate jewelry makers. So, regardless of your background or your primary jewelry making discipline, you’ll learn useful skills and techniques here. You’ll also find lots of fun wirework components that you can blend with your own designs to create truly handcrafted artisan jewelry. So, but sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter below and let's make something beautiful!
It's Hammer Time 🔨
Hello, Reader!
Please tell me I'm not the only one who sees MC Hammer dancing in baggy pants in my head when I read that subject line. Still, I couldn't resist using that famous phrase because it says exactly what's going on behind Door 44 this week. Sometimes picking the low-hanging fruit is just the right thing to do! 🤷♀️
The Latest Tutorial
This week's tutorial is the long-awaited hammer texturing lesson that I promised you ages ago. Texturing is pretty easy, once you've learned to use your chasing hammer properly. It does take quite a bit of practice, though. So, I have another fun little project coming up that will help you master your chasing hammer. Can you guess what that project might be from the thumbnail for today's video?
There's also a free hammer texturing tip sheet that goes along with this video, and I've updated the corresponding blog post, as well. So, there are lots of ways for you to get all my best texturing tips. If you're like me and you like to read more than watch, check out the updated blog post. Or if you're the just-give-me-the-CliffsNotes-version sort of person, you can go directly to my Resource Library to grab the free tip sheet (you'll find your password at the bottom of this email, in case you've forgotten it). And, of course, I always appreciate it when you watch my videos because growing my YouTube channel is my main focus for 2022. Just click the image to the right (or the link above) to watch now.
Favorite Finds of the Week
Hello, Gorgeous! I don't know about you, but I need these pretty little 4mm Apatite Beads in my life. 😍
They're from Stones Direct, which is quickly becoming one of my favorite sources for gemstone beads. That beautiful watery blue is going to be absolutely PERFECT for a new bracelet design that I've been turning over in my mind for about two weeks now. Just as soon as I can work out the details, I'll start putting together a tutorial for that design.
Lately, I've been reaching for my Ruffles & Lace bracelet. I've even found myself wearing it around the house for no particular reason. Do you suppose that's a sign that I need to get out more? 🤔
Anyway, if you don't already have Sarah Thompson's Ruffle & Lace bracelet tutorial, I highly recommend it. It's one of my all-time favorite bracelet designs. And I don't even mind that it's not one of my own designs because the construction of this bracelet is truly genius in a way that is unique to Sarah's brain. Her designs are truly small engineering wonders. You'll learn a lot about jewelry engineering by working through her tutorials. So, go grab a tutorial or two and make some beautiful things this week!
Are you a craft show seller looking to freshen up your jewelry displays this year?
I stumbled across this pretty earring display on Etsy while I was looking for something else entirely. And I'm obsessed!
The seller is Alvin & Gray, and they have a beautiful assortment of minimalist jewelry displays. It looks like you can choose from a variety of materials and color options, too. So, they're semi-customizable. That walnut, though. So pretty!
That's it for today, wire weaver. I'll see you next week!
xo,
Wendi
Hey there, Jewelry Maker!
Do you want to add wire weaving to your skillset? If so, you’ve come to the right place because wire weaving mastery begins right here at Door 44 Studios. My name is Wendi, and I’m the wire weaver behind Door 44. I love to teach and I’ve found that the best way to teach wire weaving is through clear instruction using simple, modular designs. I strive to create designs that are both accessible for beginners and fun for intermediate jewelry makers. So, regardless of your background or your primary jewelry making discipline, you’ll learn useful skills and techniques here. You’ll also find lots of fun wirework components that you can blend with your own designs to create truly handcrafted artisan jewelry. So, but sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter below and let's make something beautiful!
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