I do some volunteer work in the community on Tuesday evenings. One of the people I volunteer with was busy at work this past Tuesday, making bracelets on memory wire, and he gave me a beautiful black and turquoise one. I thought, “Memory wire! How could I forget about memory wire?!”
Memory wire is a heavy coiled wire used in jewellery making. You can get it at craft or bead stores — I’m pretty sure I saw it it Michael’s this past weekend. It’s awesome for making bracelets and necklaces and it’s good for beginners because it holds its shape. You can use one coil or multiple coils, as you can see on my bracelet below. It comes in different sizes, too. You can use the smallest coils for rings and toe rings (though not exactly the season for bare tootsies), the medium size for bracelets and anklets and the largest for necklaces. I would imagine you can even use it for hair accessories, too, if you can find a size that fits your head. (In fact, if I didn’t already have a veil, I’d consider making a headpiece for my wedding.)

My bracelet!
Memory wire is perfect for Christmas, because you literally string the beads on the wire and twist the ends in to finish it (you might need pliers for the twisting part). No kidding, it’s that easy. Your sister needs a bracelet to match her New Year’s Eve dress? No problem, you can come to her rescue. Your best friend is having a tough time with the holidays? Bring the beads and wire to her for an afternoon (ahem, crafternoon) of beading.
Memory wire, how I love thee…sorry I forgot about you.
One Response to “ A gift for me and a craft for you ”
I am not sure if you have ventured into the arts of Carnival – in Toronto, Caribana brings forward some of the most adept craftsmen and women who work on their costume and Mas all year to compete at the end of July. I have been buikding mas and designing costumes for 20 years as part of this festival. The wirebending and materials manipulation is an incredible story – I would love to show you what we do, how we do it and why. There is a deep history and beautiful story behind each creation.
By Jackie Forde on Nov 17, 2009