Writing with Wire

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Wire is both functional and decorative.  It has been used in craft projects for years.  Wire can be formed to create letters in journaling and in titling.  It can be formed into decorative shapes and designs for embellishing your pages.   Here are some tips to use when creating your wire words and shapes.

• While wire comes in a variety of colors, it is important to select wire in 22, 24 or 26-gauge.   (the smaller the gauge, the thicker the wire).
  
  
• After mounting, weight letters with a heavy book to allow them to bond to the mounting surface.  It is advised that you do this with your page OUT of your book so the wire does not make an imprint on any surrounding pages from the weight of pressing.
  
  
• Better results are achieved when the formed letters are adhered (using acid-free glue) to a separate piece of cardstock, rather than mounting them directly to the scrapbook page.
  
  
• Investing in a few new tools will make working with wire an easier task.  You can use nylon jaw pliers to smooth the wire before working with it.  Then switch to round-nose jeweler’s pliers to curl and form intricate designs.
  
  After using the tools to smooth the wire and curl the ends, form your letters by hand.
  
  
• To anchor delicate words and letters to the page, press small u-shaped pins (can be created from 26-gauge wire) over the letters and through the page, pressing the pins even with the page.   This technique works well with larger letters and shapes.  Smaller ones can be adhered with a small glue dot.

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We hope these little tips help you as you work on your projects.   Part of the fun of scrapbooking is sharing your ideas and tips.   We welcome you to share your helpful hints and tips with our readers and shoppers.  If your tip is new to us and we select it to appear on our website, you will receive a special gift!

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