The Balanced Loop: Spiral Yin-Yang Wire Jewelry

What to Expect

This is a tactile workshop dedicated to the fundamentals of wire manipulation and jewelry sizing. The class format allows you to interact directly with the material, offering opportunities to measure, cut, and shape various wire gauges using specialty pliers. You will explore different wrapping tolerances, experimenting with tightly uniform designs or loose, freeform profiles. By the end of class, you will have multiple finished rings to take home for future reference.

Skills You’ll Acquire

• Solderless Ring Layout: Understanding how to form a structurally secure ring band using mechanical wire-wrapping techniques instead of heat joining.
• Wire Manipulation: Developing precise control with pliers and mandrel tools to form consistent curves, tight coils, and smooth spirals.
• Sizing and Proportioning: Learning how to accurately measure and calculate wire length required for specific finger sizes.
• Surface Finishing: Exploring techniques to treat finished pieces using heat and chemical patinas to enhance depth, contrast, and texture.

What’s Provided

• A variety of wire stocks and practice gauges required for the class.
• Access to jewelry mandrels, specialty pliers, and finishing solutions.
• Safety equipment and workspace accommodations.

Who Should Join

This class is designed for makers looking to expand their construction vocabulary and transition into core jewelry-making techniques. It is the perfect opportunity for anyone new to wire wrapping or experienced makers wanting to practice fine motor control, precise bending, and traditional metal patination. 18+ Only.

Prerequisites and Safety Information

There are no prerequisites for participating. All skill levels are welcome. Please wear clothing suitable for handling hand tools and mild chemical finishing solutions.

What to Bring

All materials are provided. You may bring a notebook if you wish to sketch out layout concepts or log sizing measurements.