Tool Summary (full details below)
Required for ALL classes: 4 pair of pliers, materials supply fee (varies)
Required for classes with RINGS in them: 4 pair of pliers, *ring mandrel and *rawhide mallet (*can share, but your own is nice)
Suggested for all classes: pin vise, ruler, needle file, work surface (I have pin vises to loan)
For longer classes (more than 4 hours), suggest bringing sack lunch (or fast-food is nearby, fridge/micro available as well). For materials such as wire and beads we’ll use in class, supply fee is usually $5-15 depending on content (more details below)

Tool Details (sources on below)
4 pair of pliers (round nose, chain nose, flat nose, and flush cutters )
The 4 pair you will definitely need will be round nose (totally round jaws), chain nose (flat inside jaws, tapered point), flat nose (flat inside, and across end). Later you may find other types of pliers useful, but this is your core set that you will use all the time. You will want small jewelry pliers with smooth jaws (CRITICAL, no teeth/serration). A cheap set can be had for $10-15 but make sure it has all four types (some beading sets missing flat nose). Some of the ultra cheap pliers have a slick finish (makes their grasp on the wire slippery) and the jaws are too thick (important on some designs). If you can manage, go for mid-range quality tools. Nice little flush cutters can also be found at computer or electronic stores with the computer tools. If you’re not sure if what you have is okay, bring what you’ve got—I have a few loaners (not many).

pin vise This is what we use for twisting wire—make sure it’s hollow all the way through (usually these are double-ended, we remove one). I have loaners (enough for everyone) if you aren’t sure what to get or don’t have a chance to before class.

rulers Ideally, a small metal 6" ruler with a slide and 32" marks, also nice is a normal 12" wood or plastic ruler. On the metal ruler with the slide, this is one from the hardware or art store, NOT the one used for marking hems when sewing. At the least, a 6" plastic ruler will work, but you’ll find one with a slide and 32" much more useful.

small pointed metal fileThis is like comes in the small package of needle files at the hardware store. There are usually 6-10 files for around $10. I mainly prefer the triangle shape, but most will work fine. needs a point, not broad across end. You can get assortment packages of small metal files at most hardware stores, but mainly need flat pointed ones.

work surface something solid colored to lay tools and stones on and keep beads from rolling, like a hand towel or pillow case

ring mandrel(s)—smooth and/or marked with sizes can combine in one if the sizes/lines marked are barely indented (smooth/no sizes ok, sizes can be marked) NO channels (sometimes on the back side of some, running the length of it—avoid this, not good for wirewrap) can get a cheap wooden one, but may want to upgrade later (and metal is only $10-15 more than wood one) this could be shared in class, but if you’re going to make rings much at all, highly recommend getting your own

small rawhide mallet, 1-1 ½" diameter can get at hardware store, leather working store or jeweler’s supply, appr. $12-20 if you can’t find one locally, can be shared during class, but you’ll want your own later

Wire and Materials For all classes, I will have the necessary practice wire, sterling silver or gold-filled jewelry wire, stones, beads, etc. that we will need for whatever jewelry is planned for that session. Cost for materials is covered by the supply fee. If you wish to bring your own materials, you are welcome to. Just consult with me on what you should bring and we’ll adjust the supply fee accordingly.

When you get ready to buy your own wire, I recommend starting off with a roll of square practice wire for when you are learning things that may need more practice before you’re happy with it. A versatile practice wire would be .025 or 22 gauge square copper, half-hard temper. Later on, if you want gold-filled or sterling silver wire, half-hard temper is versatile, and sizes ranging from 20 – 24 gauge. Then you need to decide if you want square, round, or half-round. I use from 16 – 26 gauge in square and round, and several sizes in half-round. It depends a lot on the designs you like to do, and I frequently mix sizes and shapes. If I were stranded on a desert island and could only have one, I’d want 22 gauge square, half-hard. For my stuff anyways. J

SOURCES You can get 90% of everything you need from either The Rock Barrel (local to DFW) or from Universal Wirecraft (phone order). The rest from a local hardware store. A bead store will usually have nice pliers and beads but not some of the other items.

Practice wire: If ordering square 22 gauge copper practice wire, I’ve never found a local source—use Universal Wire in Florida for that. Rio Grande has brass 21 gauge square brass practice wire, which will work, but you might find it a little less versatile (but cheaper). Either place, with the amounts you’d get as the minimum (8oz copper from Universal or 16oz spool of brass from Rio Grande) it’s enough to last you a looooong time. If you’ve got a friend learning with you, it’d be just fine to split it.

As mentioned above, I will be bringing the wire, stones, beads, etc. that will be needed for class and is covered by your supply fee. I will also have loaner tools for some items and some can be shared. The important thing for you to bring to class are pliers since I don’t have multiple loaner pairs of those. Some of the sources, like for wire and beads are more for after you take the class or workshop and have a feel for what type of designs you are interested in and materials that are best for that.