This method uses pre-formed wire frames to wrap small stones and beads. It’s a simple alternative to traditional wire wrapping and works especially well for smaller or flat stones.
Note: The specific Artistic Wire Wrapper components used in this tutorial may be hard to find. You can achieve a similar result using other metal beading connector shapes or by using basic wire wrapping techniques.
For larger stones, see my guide on how to wire wrap an undrilled stone.
Materials and Tools
- Metal connector frames or shaped links (open center)
- 20–24 gauge wire
- Round nose pliers
- Chain nose pliers
- Wire cutters
- Small stone, beads, or cabochon
New to wire wrapping? See my guide to the 5 essential wire wrapping tools.
Steps to Wrap Small Stones in Wire Frames
This method works best for small stones or beads, where a simple frame can hold the stone securely with minimal wrapping.
Start by finding a combination of stone shape and frame shape that work well together. In addition to wrapping undrilled stones, these frames can also be used to attach beads around the outside or to string beads across the frame for added detail.
Cut about 10 inches of 26 gauge wire. This size works well for wrapping and weaving. You can also use 22–24 gauge wire, but thicker wire may overpower smaller stones.
Attach the wire by wrapping it around one of the grooves on the edge of the frame.
Wrap the wire across the frame, placing it into a groove on one side and bringing it across to a groove on the opposite side. There is no need to wrap fully around each groove—just anchor the wire and continue across the frame.
If your frame does not have grooves, wrap the wire one full turn around the frame to secure it.
Begin wrapping the wire across the frame to create a base for the stone. Slide the stone into position, adjust it as needed, and continue wrapping to secure it in place.
Continue wrapping the wire across the frame until the stone is securely held in place.
To finish, wrap the wire around one of the grooves to secure the tail, using the same method as when you started. Trim any excess wire.
Mosaic Style Bead Wrap
For a mosaic-style wrap, plan your design by laying out beads first to make sure they fit within the frame before attaching them with wire.
Use 26 gauge wire to attach the beads to the frame. Bring the wire from the back, add a bead, then wrap the wire across the front over the frame to secure it in place.
Continue adding more beads in the same way.
Add beads along the edges of the frame first. If the design looks too sparse, continue filling in the open areas by adding more beads until the frame looks balanced.
To fill in the design, bring the wire diagonally across the frame instead of wrapping only around the edges, adding beads as needed to fill the open areas.
Add more beads to fill in the design, as needed.
If the design still looks sparse, use a small piece of wire to add beads under the frame or around the hanging loop. This helps create a more finished, handcrafted look. Keep the bead over the loop slightly loose so there is space to attach a jump ring.
For a simple variation, use separate pieces of wire to add rows of beads across the frame. This creates clean, organized lines and is an easy way to add interest to the design.
If you can’t find wire wrapper components use here, look for metal connector shapes or open frames that can be used in a similar way. You can also create your own by adding coils or small bends to wire shapes.
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