Suggested Materials

Many materials and substitutes can be used for your artistry, but here are a few recommendations:

• Wire sizes ~ 16, 18, 20, and 22. Any sizes higher than 22 gauge are generally too thin and fragile; any lower than 16 gauge are generally too thick and difficult to bend.
  
• Darice craft wire ~ can be found at most craft stores in both solid silver and gold colors. Unlike most craft wires Darice is non-tarnishing, a very important feature! And also Darice is solid color not coated only on the outside with the color, this characteristic solves the problem of the outer coat flaking when bend or soldered.
  
• Real Gold or Silver wires ~ if you can get it, awesome! I have never worked with any because of it’s unavailability in my area and its high price online. The reason why I work with Darice!
  
• Solder ~ it is important that your solder be lead free as it will be close to your person, the higher the silver content the better. It may be hard to find, but I found silver in the hardware section at my local Wal-Mart after searching all the craft stores. Gold solder is used just for jewelry, I have none and get away with it by not working in only gold, I usually work I both gold and silver wire and use just the silver solder.
  
• Soldering irons ~ cheap un-regulated irons can be found at Wal-Mart but regulated irons make better quality work because of their constant temperature.
  
• Swarovski Crystals ~ they are very high quality gems that can be found in the bead/jewelry section of most craft stores. There are two types: placed in decorative fixtures and loose stones. Both work well and you can remove the stones in the fixtures by placing your iron on the back side for a couple of minutes.
  
• Blue Moon glass beads – for certain projects these beads work really well. They come in packs of mixed beads organized by color which is very nice. Certain packs have lots of different leaf shapes, excellent for an Elvin touch. Besides leaves there are many different styles that can be used alone or in jointure with other elements.
  
• Chain ~ a good silver or gold chain with a small clasp is perfect. You can borrow it from another necklace or buy one. I have one chain for all my necklaces and simply change out the pendant. To do this be sure that the loop on the pendant is large enough for the clasp on the chain to fit through.
  
• Pliers ~ any brand works, but I recommend certain types of pliers that are a must for my projects: round nose pliers, flat nose pliers, nylon nosed pliers, and a nice pair of clippers. Regular pliers scratch the wire unless you wrap them with masking tape which you can do if your have no other choice. I nice wire file set comes in handy on rough cuts.
  
  
• Super glue ~ recommended gel and not liquid. I use it for holding the stones in; the gel gives more control during application. It might sound cheesy, but it holds really well. Any real jewelry glue may work, but I have never used anything other than super glue.
  
  

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