I just received my copy of the new Otto Frei tool catalog (thank
you, John). It’s a huge improvement–very easy on the eyes, and with
a sense of humor too.
They have draw plates for a couple of dozen different shapes of wire
(plus, you can special order hundreds of others). I admit that I
don’t really know a whole lot about what’s out there in jewelry tool
land, but I’ve never seen anything like this before.
Of course, they cost a pretty penny, but, when I have a home again,
and some money, I’m going to get a garage door opener and set up a
draw bench and make some wild stuff. It never seemed worth it for
plain wire…
Usual disclaimers–but notice that Otto Frei has become an Orchid
supporter.
Lisa Orlando
Aphrodite’s Ornaments
In a motel in Vallejo, CA
PS: Jack Ogden’s book describes ancient, low tech ways of making
patterned wire (wire was originally made of strips, not drawn). You
can make beaded wire by rolling a patterned mold onto annealed wire.
If you can’t picture that, talk to your librarian…
