What is Cagework Beadery Anyway?

I should probably address this in a post to this blog once a month!   Because I get asked all the time.

Basicly, it's sort of like embroidering with fine plated wire onto filigree, but instead of making stitches with colored thread, you are couching down components onto a filigree base, or grid.

You can do it on raw filigree, or plated.  If you use raw filigree, however, I recommend that you first seal it with a light spritz of clear lacquer, the kind you get in a can from the hardware or craft store.

This will show you the inside of a caged piece I made some time ago.  Do you see how I used several types of filigree, bent and manipulated them, then wired them together?

Here is a side view.  I used 28 gauge goldplated wire, this is the best for strength.   The collectable designers used 32 gauge, and often it was raw brass.   Really I've found it's best to use plated wire, as air and moisture can break the wire down, over time.  If you are going to this much trouble to make a piece, you want it to last for decades.  ;-)  Also, I think 32 gauge is too weak.  Only use it for very fine top layer parts, like rose montees.....and then, only if you MUST.

This is the finished piece.  I used old cold paint enamelled flowers and vintage rose montees.   You can EASILY mock the look of cold paint enamel with degreased raw brass findings and a can of spray paint.   Basicly, that's all cold paint enamel ever was, anyway, LOL.

I took no classes to learn to do this nor do I feel anyone else needs to.  It's something a little time and patience will yield.  If you know how to pick up a needle and thread, you can work out a caged pattern.  You just need an idea, some cool filigree or grid, the wire and some beads and components you can wire on....and go for it.