An ozzie newbie

[lalitaradhika]

I don't want to pay big $ for a wigjig, but I do want a wire jig that works well, is relatively easy to use doesn't cost an arm or a leg, doesn't drive you crazy, or fall apart. I want one with a good amt of patterns and pins, (large and small.) In other words, more bang for my buck. Are there any companies that deliver international?
I would also like some tips on how to light a jewelry display at a night market, using lights that accent and  compliment the jewelry.
Are there any free ebooks on jewellery making using beads ad wire.
Is it easy to work with wire shapes without using a jig?  Are there any decent inexpensive books out on how to....?
I would appreciate any and all advice. Thankyou

[marym]

Hi lalitaradhika, welcome to our site. I can answer half of your questions regarding wire, but am pretty unfamiliar with display lighting at night. Perhaps one of our other employees will take on that question for you?

I found some great information on jigs and jig projects on about.com. Looks like they did all the Wig Jig research that you may ever need!!  '>
We do have a selection of wig jigs that range in price but are all under $50, and a few inexpensive books that are packed full of good information for specific wig jig projects such as earrings. I've included the link to our on-line store at the end of this message for you.

If you are unsatisfied with wig jigs, however, you may want to try wrapping stones and beads 'the freehand' way with wire.  It's a pretty easy way to get started, although it takes some practice, patience and some decent tools.  A good selection of pliers specifically designed for wire working is an inexpensive way to start.  Practice with a plated wire and work your way up toward the precious metals, that way you are not wasting expensive material on practice items.  A good source of information is Wire Artist magazine.  They do have a site, where you can find a sample and beginners project for free.
Wire Artist



-I hope this helps, and do let us know if you need anything else!

-Mary
Rings & Things Staff
Wig Jig products

[Polly]

We do also have a couple of less expensive wire jigs, that are not made by WigJig.  They're similar in style and usage, but are a bit different sizes/shapes (5.5x4.5" or 140 x 114mm instead of 5x5" or 128x128mm), and don't include as many patterns.

Try this link to
page 212 of our catalog; it lists the products a bit differently than they are listed in our online store.  Be sure to see the Thing-A-Ma Jig brand items at the bottom of that page.

Regarding who ships internationally ... we do!

Here's a bit of international shipping info:
http://www.rings-things.com/misc/international.html

--Polly

[Polly]

Regarding lighting your booth at night ...

I've used plenty of Halogen track lighting at State Fair booths, but it seems like it might be a little heavy and bulky for a craft show.  And it was all indoors, so we had plenty of electricity.

With halogen track lighting, here's what we did:

We had upright wood posts (2x2", or about 50x50mm) mounted to the sides of our wood display counters.  On top of those, we had another 2x2" wood crosspiece, with the track mounted to it.  Then you popped/twisted in your halogen light fixtures, wherever appropriate along the track, and then put the appropriate bulbs into each fixture:  narrow or wide floods to light up a few feet of the table; spot lights to bring out the sparkle of specific parts of a case.

Some things to consider are:
If the lights are too close to the inside of the booth, they light up the back side of your jewelry, more than the front.  If the lights are too close to the outside of the booth, then when your customers lean over the cases, the shadows of their heads, block the light.  So I think we had a couple different layers of tracks, for hanging items, and for the jewelry in display cases on the counter.

One other thing we had, since we were indoors, at hot summer fairs, and Halogen lights get HOT, was clip-on fans which we mounted to the upright posts.  So yet more electrical outlets needed but well worth it.  Some of the fans were aimed at our customers; some were aimed at us.

Is there any other way to go, other than Halogen track lighting?  Craft show lighting is not something that R&T has wide experience with.

You might want to try The Crafts Report magazine, and see if they have any ideas, or can point you to a back-issue.  They have good (print) articles about doing craft shows.  And, I'm not familiar with their Discussion Board, but I just noticed they have one.  That might be a good additional place to post your lighting question.

--Polly

[Russ Nobbs]

Halogen lamps are 12volt. I've seen folks at crafts shows run theirs from a 12 V car battery. I've also seen a few solar panels strung up at above a show booth to charge the 12v car battery to run the lights in the evening.