Tutorial: Bead Tangles

Last week, I revealed my need for a sketchbook and mentioned that I might share with you some of the ideas that have been developed in said sketchbook. Here's one I'm calling a Bead Tangle.

My first test in gold-tone craft wire

This is the sketchbook entry I made.

To test out this idea, I gathered my supplies

Wire (24g) and a mix of small beads

Since I was just testing out the idea, I decided to use craft wire and seed beads.
I also used some minimal tools

Round nose pliers, flat nose pliers, and wire cutters

And so I set to work. . .(please pardon my nails in these pictures, I knew it was time to remove the paint, but just hadn't gotten to it yet.)

I started by cutting about a yard of wire. Longer lengths will make larger tangles.

Wrap the end of the wire a few times around the round nose pliers

Hold the loops, bend the wire, add a bead, and begin wrapping the wire randomly around itself.

Add more beads and wrap some more

Continue to add beads and wrap, building up the tangle larger and larger

About halfway through the wire, add a wrapped loop (Sorry this pic is lousy)

As you continue wrapping and adding beads, you'll notice open areas under the wire. Weave the end of the wire through these areas to secure the wire. Then wrap and weave (adding beads as you go)

In areas where the wire seems loose, use the end of your round nose pliers to simply twist that wire taught

As you come to the end of your wire, leave an inch or two free

Use that end to wrap some more around the base of the loop formed earlier

Secure the wrapping with the flat nose pliers, tighten up any other loose areas,  and you're done!!

While I know these aren't high-end jewelry components, I love the pops of color the mix of seed beads give them. I can see forming these around a skewer or straw to make a bead or making loops at either end to produce a connector of sorts. There are loads of possibilities. I'd love to hear your ideas as well!