The Wonder of Wire by Marjorie Helwig
DandyLions Publications, P.O. Box 5306, Arlington, VA 22205, 1-800-579-WIRE, ISBN 0-9650784-1-8, $22 plus $3.50 shipping and handling, softcover, 76 pages

Helwig begins with an introduction about herself and how the wigjig tool developed. Helwig offers thanks and kudos to those who helped her and created wire designs to be included in her book. Next is a tool and supply list followed by "Things To Know Before You Go" pages. These pages include tips on handling the wire, such as the curve of wire coming off of a spool and recommended size of gauge wire to use for certain projects. There are also terms used such as "working up the wire" and "working down the wire" which are explained. It is noted that no soldering is required to make these components. You then begin to go through step-by-step projects to form wire components on the wigjig. Each project listed has the amount and size of wire, tools to use and graphics of the piece being created. Chains, earring loops, necklace clasps, zigzags, spirals and coil forms are described. There are instructions to wrap around a bead and incorporate it with wire. Designer components are introduced with graphics and instructions. Each designer has a different component for you to make. Some look like stars, classic chains, butterflies, hearts, swans, ear cuffs and even cowboys. Each item becomes very exciting when you make several of one shape and they are hooked together along with your beads. The finished look of silver, copper and gold-filled wire highlights your beads. Helwig has come up with several shapes that can be mixed and matched to work with any wardrobe and style. There are helpful notes as you go along on how you should hold the dowel and placement of your fingers while working. This is a book both beginner and advanced wire workers will find useful. It is very easy to find any project you want to try by just looking in the table of contents; they are all listed. The book is set in large print and has a spiral ring on the outside so you can set your pages open flat while working. At the end of the book there are a few graphics depicting wire components integrated with beads to give the reader ideas, and a page for notes with wig jig templates where you can design a form on the wigjig. There is also a listing of bead societies, researchers and publications included. Helwig does not list any mail order suppliers for the wire in her book, however, she does send an insert with information along with book orders.

Today I received Helwig's new revised edition and a Jewelry Projects section has been added. This section has step-by-step instructions to assemble a variety of necklaces. There is a list of page numbers to refer to make each component used in the necklace. Each project tells the student how many of each item they need and placement of the pieces. Students will quickly realize they can use the same grouping of components to make a bracelet as they would a necklace; just fewer pieces. One of the most pleasing aspects of Helwig's components is that all the connecting pieces are made so a bracelet can be incorporated into a piece that makes a necklace and switched back into a bracelet. A necklace can be long and then a piece removed and the necklace becomes short and can display a pendant that did not fit with the longer necklace. Your accessories can change with your current needs and are designs that are always in style. One final note; I am glad to see the photo of Marjorie Helwig at the back of the book has been updated. She is a very lovely energized lady and this photo reflects that energy. The Wonder of Wire is now going into my permanent book library.