Celtic Wire Component

After watching the The Wire Wizard Video Notebook, I feel in love with this Celtic Wire Component. It requires a few more twist and turns on the jig, but the results are great. Plus as a component piece, a variety of uses can be found for it. If you don’t have a jig and don’t feel like making a jig, you could also create this piece using round nosed pliers. Simply bend the wire around your pliers instead around the pegs of a jig.

I’ve created a "virtual jig" for you in the following graphics. I’m right handed, so I worked from right to left. Obviously, you lefties can reverse the direction. Otherwise, there is no difference in the pattern. You’ll notice the wire wraps around the middle pegs in the shape of figure eights. I found it helpful to use a knitting needle to push the wire down around the jig pegs as I wrapped the wire. You can use any type of wire you like. Of course, I recommend using copper wire to practice before working with silver or gold-filled.

1. Start by arranging 8 pegs into the shape of a large diamond on your jig.

2. Now, add a small amount of wire into a hole near the outer most peg on the right, and wrap the wire around the peg in a clockwise direction.

3. Continue by wrapping the wire around the 3 sets of middle pegs so you are creating 3 figure eights. For the top pegs, work clockwise. For the bottom pegs, work counter clockwise.

4. Finish the piece by wrapping the wire around the outer, left peg.

5. Pull off the wire from around the pegs, and trim off excess wire.

6. Use jewelers’ files to file the rough ends of the piece.

Celtic designs are beautiful and bring to mind all kinds of history and folk lore. I hope you get inspired and get a chance to use this component in your own jewelry designs.

All graphics created by Tammy Powley.