Wire Making

This tool was developed as part of Cultural Cwtsh, which was an online creative wellbeing hub for the health and care workforce in Wales, created by the Arts Council of Wales in collaboration with artists across the country.

In partnership with the Arts Council of Wales, we’re excited to share this mental wellbeing tool, alongside with many other creative resources, with everyone in Wales!

Wire is easy, inexpensive and fun.

Hello, my name is Beth Sill. I’m a maker living in Wales specialising in wire.

I found my love of wire while I was studying A-level art at night school. I love creating art; it makes me relaxed and calm. Wire is a relatively unused craft, but it’s easy, inexpensive and fun.

Here are two videos to show you how to make:

• A wire butterfly (download the wire butterfly PDF)
• A wire dragonfly (download the wire dragonfly PDF)

Also two mini videos:

• The materials + tools you will need
• A few exercises that will help you get used to using the wire.

Videographer: Jonathan Dunn

Tools and materials you will need

• Pliers and cutters
• 1mm wire
• 1.2mm wire
• Tape measure
• Beads and buttons

These videos will give you the wire outline and structure of your insects and then you can add whatever makes you happy! Coloured beads, buttons, ribbons. When you have finished you can display them at home, in the garden, maybe at work or in the community garden at work?

Really hope you’ve enjoyed making your unique insects!

About me

I’ve been making things all my life. After completing my A level in art, I have focused on wire.

I enjoy the process of creating sculptures. It’s so satisfying and exciting seeing the shape appear. I make unique sculptures, commissions and also run workshops.