PRODUCTION-STYLE WIRE WRAP

Are we in full scurry mode yet? I know I am, gatherings to attend, and Arts & Crafts shows to prepare for. Honestly, there are times when I have so much to do, I just come to a full stop, not knowing what task to do next.

Efficiency becomes more important at this time of year than at any other, and I look for shortcuts.

I'd like to share a speed wire wrap hint: Do as much as you can assembly line style.

For instance, a simple wrapped loop has a number of steps. Fully described, they are:

1. Pick up spool of wire and wire cutters.
   
2. Measure out the length you need, and cut.
   
3. Put down the wire cutters, pick up the round nose pliers, and make a wrapped loop.
   
4. Put down the round nose pliers, pick up the wire cutters, and cut off the excess.
   
5. Put down the wire cutters, pick up the flat nose pliers, and squish the end of the wrap flat.
   
6. String on a bead.
   

That's six steps, with six tool changes, per bead. Multiply that by the number of beads you need, say seven, and that's 42 steps, with 42 tool changes.

Now, instead of that, try this:

1. Pick up spool of wire and wire cutters.

2. Measure out the length you need, and cut as many pieces of wire as you'll need. (Say, seven.)

3. Put down the wire cutters, pick up the round nose pliers, and make all the wrapped loops.

4. Put down the round nose pliers, pick up the wire cutters, and cut off the excess on each of the seven pieces.

5. Put down the wire cutters, pick up the flat nose pliers, and squish all the ends flat.

6. String a bead on each of the wrapped loop eye pins you've created.

That's still six steps, and six tool changes, but you've done all the beads. You just saved yourself 36, count 'em, thirty-six, tool changes. That's a time saver, even if you're making just one thing. If you've got multiple items to make, it really does add up. It also has the advantage of being something you can do ahead of time, even when you don't have the time or inclination to attempt an entire jewelry piece.

You can continue similarly with the rest of the piece you're creating.

If you're making a bracelet, or other item that ends with a clasp, you'll need to leave both loops unfinished on the end bead, one to attach to the chain of beads you've created, and the other to accept the clasp.