How to: make a cut off wire

I have some issues with the standard cut off wire. They can break and it usually isn't easy to replace the wire. Sometimes you need a longer wire to cut off a big platter. And sometimes you want something different from you wire - either a thinner wire or maybe something that will add texture.

To make a cut off "wire" that fits your needs, this is what you need to get started:

• A pair of corks. I prefer the rubber wine corks.
  
• A drill with a small drill bit.
• A wire of some sort: fishing line, thin wire, a stretched out spring.**

Drill a hole into the center of your cork.

Thread your cord, wire or spring through the cork. If you're using fishing line, thread it through multiple times and tie a couple of knots. If you're using beading wire, use a crimp bead. If you're using a spring or other single ply wire, twist the wire after you thread it through the cork.



An added bonus: they float!
Next blog post will have some images of the wires in action.

**Some ideas for "wires:"

• Fishing line of whatever thickness you prefer. You can find it as hardware stores, Target, craft stores, sporting good stores, etc...
  
• If you prefer to have an actual wire, beading wire is perfect! There are a bunch of different brands out there. Look for multi-strand braided wire. You can find it at craft stores and anywhere they sell beads. Or you can find it here.
• To make a wavy texture wire, you need to find a spring that is made from a thin gauge wire that will be easy to stretch out. I have found the BEST springs at one of my favorite stores - American Science Surplus in Chicago (and they only cost 20 cents!). Unfortunately, they don't sell the exact wire online, but you can get a package of assorted springs from them here, and I'm pretty sure that you can find something that'll work in the package.

Check out some more of my "How to" posts. If you have any suggestions for future tutorials, send me an email or add a comment!