Naomi knows: Working with wire screen

Ideas for necklaces, ornaments, and an earring display

by Naomi Fujimoto

Published: May 6, 2011

Hi everybody. Thanks for asking about techniques, design, and other jewelry-related topics! Keep sending your questions to me at nfujimoto AT beadstylemag DOT com. Thanks!

This month's question comes from Deb Stanton:

"I have a roll of gold colored, very fine screen wire (almost like mesh, but not as pliable) that I bought for another craft project, but am now trying to use in jewelry making. I cannot find any ideas and was wondering if you had any to get me started."

Hi Deb! My first thought: Resin.

(Your question arrived as we were finishing up our July issue, and that's the theme.)

If you get a copy of the issue (on newsstands May 31st), you'll see Elizabeth Del Monte's project, "Reinforced with resin," along with step-by-step instructions.

Basically, you'd cut shapes out of your mesh screen, then apply ICE Resin to preserve them. After the resin cures, you'll have stiffer shapes that you can punch holes in and use as pendants and components.

If the screen is sharp at the edges, try using it as a textured background in a bezel. You can fill the bezel with gemstones or found objects and pour resin over the collection.

You can also try Theresa Drake Abelew's ingenious approach, which she used with fabric. Apply ICE Resin to squares of screen, then fold, stack, and wire them together.

Get the "Fanned flower necklace" project free by registering at BeadStyleMag.com. It will be available at the end of May.

I'm a big fan of ornaments and designed "Holiday lace flowers" (BeadStyle, November 2009) with WireLace. Cut the screen into strips first, then loop them into a flower shape. Make additional flowers for layering, if you like. Attach a head pin, clip earring, or brooch to the center, along with a ribbon for hanging.

You can also make flowers for necklaces or corsage-type bracelets.

If you've tried the projects and still have wire screen left, make an earring display by stapling a piece to the back of a picture frame. You'll be able to see lots of earrings at a glance! (Earring display by Jane Konkel.)

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TAINA STURDIVANT from OREGON said:

I use a folding picture frame with plastic mesh on one side. That way the ear wires don't get scratched or tarnish. On the other side, I use seasonal paper with the item name and price. Easy to transport and set up.

Submitted: 6/14/2011 10:39:29 PM (CST)

HOLLY BLACK from KENTUCKY said:

I love the screen in the frame idea! One of my daughters received a similar item as a gift only instead of screen, they used strips of sheer, wide ribbon, stretched top to bottom. it was intended for hair bows, etc. but I started puttig her earrings into the ribbon so she could find them & keep them in pairs as she grew out of the 'hair bow' stage. I really like this. Do you mind if I go show my husband this for his 'honey-do' list? Love it!!

Submitted: 6/14/2011 6:09:13 PM (CST)