30 Jan 2012

Q:  Do you have any tips as to how I can “freeze” the wire mesh ribbon once I’ve sculpted it into the design I want?  I am concerned that the weight of the beads, and general wear and tear of use (for example of a necklace) will ultimately ruin the shape/design of my piece.  Since I am planning to make pieces that I am going to sell, I want them to stand the test of time.  I don’t want to use knots on everything.  I’ve considered using Super Glue at crucial points to hold the wire in that particular position, but I’m just not sure. Please let me know what you think. Thank you Alicia A:  Thank you for your inquiry, Alicia.  The best way to “freeze” the mesh in place, is to insert a cord inside it, before you sculpt it into place.  This cord, whether it be leather, silk, satin, etc., will then support the weight of your beads and/pendant, so that the mesh does not sag.  For more on this, check out the following pages from our website: http://tubularwiremeshribbon.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=4 ; As you will see, most of the pieces pictured in the above link, have a cord inserted inside the mesh. http://tubularwiremeshribbon.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=3 This link above will give you a tutorial on how to insert another cord inside the mesh, and close off the ends.  You can also sew ruffles in place, but I would not recommend using glue, as it does not work well and can look very messy.  If you match your sewing thread closely to the color of your mesh, your stitches will be virtually invisible. I hope this helps. Lily

Q:  Do you have any tips as to how I can “freeze” the wire mesh ribbon once I’ve
sculpted it into the design I want?  I am concerned that the weight of the
beads, and general wear and tear of use (for example of a necklace) will
ultimately ruin the shape/design of my piece.  Since I am planning to make
pieces that I am going to sell, I want them to stand the test of time.  I
don’t want to use knots on everything.  I’ve considered using Super Glue at
crucial points to hold the wire in that particular position, but I’m just
not sure.
Please let me know what you think.
Thank you
Alicia

A:  Thank you for your inquiry, Alicia.  The best way to “freeze” the mesh in place, is to insert a cord inside it, before you sculpt it into place.  This cord, whether it be leather, silk, satin, etc., will then support the weight of your beads and/pendant, so that the mesh does not sag.  For more on this, check out the following pages from our website:

http://tubularwiremeshribbon.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=4 ;

As you will see, most of the pieces pictured in the above link, have a cord inserted inside the mesh.

http://tubularwiremeshribbon.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=3

This link above will give you a tutorial on how to insert another cord inside the mesh, and close off the ends.  You can also sew ruffles in place, but I would not recommend using glue, as it does not work well and can look very messy.  If you match your sewing thread closely to the color of your mesh, your stitches will be virtually invisible.

I hope this helps.

Lily