Here is a tip for twisting wire from @lierreworks - “Part of my journey in filigree is discovering and exploring ancient techniques. There are many places in the word that still use this technique to twist wire and have for probably thousands of years!

Here I’m using two strands of 26 gauge fine silver wire.

1) Start with shorter strands of 8 feet or less. A lot of times I take a 16-20’ strand and double it over. The longer it is, the more it tangles on the already twisted side, (on the right side of the block).

2) Hold the wire coiled in your left hand and keeping tension on the wires while you move the block forward to twist it. (Or visa-versa if you are left-handed).

3) Keep twisting in one spot until you start to feel the wire stiffen, then uncoil some more wire and keep going until your entire piece is twisted then coil it up and anneal.” Thank you Lierre for sharing this video with us! I love to see people’s techniques captured on video, they are such an inspiration for our community! If you’d like to share one please email me at tips@metalsmithsociety.com #twistingwire #wirework #jewelrymakingtip