How to Use We R Makers Big Happy Jig Wire Board DIY

This post may contain affiliate links, sponsored content and products received at no cost.

6:00 AM

How to Use We R Makers Big Happy Jig Wire Board DIY

I found the perfect tool for bending and shaping metal that makes it simple, doable and fun!

The Big Happy Jig tool from We R Makers takes all the guesswork out of shaping wire.

With just a few pegs and a sturdy base, you can wrap wire into beautiful shapes for jewelry, cards, wall art, and even larger home decor projects.

USING THE HAPPY JIG!

I recently spent an afternoon playing with the We R Memory Keepers, now We R Makers, Big Happy Jig, and it quickly became one of my favorite craft tools.

I started by following a couple of the included design templates in the manual, and within minutes I had made the cutest little wire shapes!

After making a flamingo and a monstera leaf, I felt confident enough to design my own project—a long-stem wire rose.

If you’ve never tried wire shaping before, this tutorial will walk you through everything you need to know—from setting up the jig to creating your own custom wire designs!

Let's get started!

USING THE HAPPY JIG! I recently spent an afternoon playing with the We R Memory Keepers, now We R Makers, Big Happy Jig, and it quickly became one of my favorite craft tools. I started by following a couple of the included design templates in the manual, and within minutes I had made the cutest little wire shapes! After making a flamingo and a monstera leaf, I felt confident enough to design my own project—a long-stem wire rose. If you’ve never tried wire shaping before, this tutorial will walk you through everything you need to know—from setting up the jig to creating your own custom wire designs!

What Is the Big Happy Jig?

The Big Happy Jig tool is a wire-shaping board designed to help you create consistent, professional looking wire designs.

The base has evenly spaced holes where you can insert metal pegs.

By placing the pegs in different configurations, you can wrap wire around them to form shapes and patterns.

And for those wondering, yes, the Big Happy Jig works with i-cord wire crafts too!

Think of the Big Happy Jig tool as a tiny blueprint system for bending wire.

Instead of trying to freehand curves and loops, the jig guides the wire exactly where it needs to go. The result is smooth curves, even shapes, and much less frustration.

The Big Happy Jig tool comes with:

A sturdy base board
Multiple plastic pegs
2 sizes of peg caps for bigger curves
An instruction manual with beginner design templates
Flush cut wire cutters
Roll of wire

Think of the Big Happy Jig tool as a tiny blueprint system for bending wire. Instead of trying to freehand curves and loops, the jig guides the wire exactly where it needs to go. The result is smooth curves, even shapes, and much less frustration. The Big Happy Jig tool comes with: A sturdy base board Multiple plastic pegs 2 sizes of peg caps for bigger curves An instruction manual with beginner design templates Flush cut wire cutters Roll of wire

Why the Big Happy Jig Is Great for Beginners

Wire art can seem tricky at first because metal wire doesn’t always want to cooperate. The Big Happy Jig tool removes that challenge.

Here’s why it’s beginner-friendly:

• The peg system keeps your curves consistent

• The base keeps your project stable while working

• Templates help you learn basic shapes first

• You can easily adjust or redesign layouts

• It works with many types of wire

Even if you’ve never worked with wire before, you can start making beautiful shapes in minutes.

Why the Big Happy Jig Is Great for Beginners Wire art can seem tricky at first because metal wire doesn’t always want to cooperate. The Big Happy Jig tool removes that challenge. Here’s why it’s beginner-friendly: • The peg system keeps your curves consistent • The base keeps your project stable while working • Templates help you learn basic shapes first • You can easily adjust or redesign layouts • It works with many types of wire Even if you’ve never worked with wire before, you can start making beautiful shapes in minutes.

Supplies You’ll Need to make wire art with the Big Happy Jig:

affiliate links included

We R Makers Big Happy Jig tool (Get it now while it's 70%+ off)
Plastic pegs and peg caps (included with the Big Happy Jig)
2mm-3mm Craft wire (gold, silver, or coloured wire--roll included in kit)
Wire cutters (included)
Needle nose pliers (optional but helpful)
Instruction manual with design templates (included)
Additional 3mm Aluminum wire

For my projects I used yards of gold wire, which gave the finished designs a bright metallic shine. Gold wire looks especially pretty when used for decorative shapes like leaves, flowers, and animals.

You can also experiment with:

Silver wire
Copper wire
Bright neon wire
Pastel colored craft wire
Covering wire with felt, yarn i-cord or other materials

Using different colors is a fun way to match projects to party themes, seasonal decor, or handmade gifts.

Supplies You’ll Need to make wire art with the Big Happy Jig: affiliate links included We R Makers Big Happy Jig tool (Get it now while it's 70%+ off) Plastic pegs and peg caps (included with the Big Happy Jig) Craft wire (gold, silver, or coloured wire) Wire cutters (included) Needle nose pliers (optional but helpful) Instruction manual with design templates (included)

Step 1: Choose a Design

When you’re just starting out, the easiest place to begin is with the included design templates from the instruction manual.

These templates show you exactly where to place the pegs on the board. Once the pegs are in place, the wire wraps around them to form the shape.

The two designs I tried first were:

• A flamingo

• A monstera leaf

Both looked a little complicated at first glance, but they were surprisingly easy to make with the jig.

Step 1: Choose a Design When you’re just starting out, the easiest place to begin is with the included design templates from the instruction manual. These templates show you exactly where to place the pegs on the board. Once the pegs are in place, the wire wraps around them to form the shape.

Step 2: Set Up the Pegs

To begin your project, insert the metal pegs into the holes on the jig according to the template pattern.

Each peg creates a turning point for the wire.

Make sure the pegs are firmly seated so they don’t wiggle while you wrap the wire. Once your pegs are placed, add the peg caps to hold everything securely.

The caps help prevent the wire from slipping off the pegs while you shape it.

Step 2: Set Up the Pegs To begin your project, insert the metal pegs into the holes on the jig according to the template pattern. Each peg creates a turning point for the wire. Make sure the pegs are firmly seated so they don’t wiggle while you wrap the wire. Once your pegs are placed, add the peg caps to hold everything securely. The caps help prevent the wire from slipping off the pegs while you shape it.

Step 3: Start Wrapping the Wire

Unravel a length of wire, but keep it on the roll...as you don't know exactly how much you’ll need and we want to minimize waste.

Place one end of the wire against the starting peg, the peg with the slit groove through it...it will hold the wire in place while working.

Now begin wrapping the wire around the pegs following the template path.

As you guide the wire around each peg, press it gently against the jig base so it forms smooth curves.
The jig does most of the work for you!

Step 3: Start Wrapping the Wire Unravel a length of wire, but keep it on the roll...as you don't know exactly how much you’ll need and we want to minimize waste. Place one end of the wire against the starting peg, the peg with the slit groove through it...it will hold the wire in place while working. Now begin wrapping the wire around the pegs following the template path. As you guide the wire around each peg, press it gently against the jig base so it forms smooth curves. The jig does most of the work for you!

Step 4: Continue Shaping the Design

Work your way through the pattern one peg at a time.

You’ll notice how the wire naturally forms the curves of the design as it wraps around each peg.

If you make a small mistake, don’t worry. Wire is fairly forgiving and can usually be adjusted with your fingers or needle nose pliers.

Take your time and enjoy the process.

Within just a few minutes, you’ll see your design taking shape.

Step 4: Continue Shaping the Design Work your way through the pattern one peg at a time. You’ll notice how the wire naturally forms the curves of the design as it wraps around each peg. If you make a small mistake, don’t worry. Wire is fairly forgiving and can usually be adjusted with your fingers or needle nose pliers. Take your time and enjoy the process. Within just a few minutes, you’ll see your design taking shape.

Step 5: Remove the Finished Shape

Once the wire has been wrapped around all the pegs in the template, gently lift the finished shape off the jig.

Sometimes the wire will spring slightly as it comes off the pegs. If that happens, just reshape the curves with your fingers.

Use wire flush cutters to trim the ends neatly.

For a different look, tuck the ends behind the design or curl them into tiny loops.

Step 5: Remove the Finished Shape Once the wire has been wrapped around all the pegs in the template, gently lift the finished shape off the jig. Sometimes the wire will spring slightly as it comes off the pegs. If that happens, just reshape the curves with your fingers. Use wire flush cutters to trim the ends neatly. For a different look, tuck the ends behind the design or curl them into tiny loops.

Project 1: Flamingo Wire Art

The flamingo design was my first test project, and it turned out absolutely adorable.

The shape includes:

A curved neck
Rounded body
Long legs

The jig makes these curves easy to create, even if you’ve never shaped wire before.

I used gold wire for this project to give the flamingo a bright, fun look.

It would be perfect for:

Tropical themed crafts
Summer decorations
A colorful party banner
Handmade greeting cards

Project 1: Flamingo Wire Art The flamingo design was my first test project, and it turned out absolutely adorable. The shape includes: A curved neck Rounded body Long legs The jig makes these curves easy to create, even if you’ve never shaped wire before.

Project 2: Monstera Leaf

Next I tried the monstera leaf template.

This design includes several small interior loops to mimic the natural holes in monstera leaves.

It looks intricate but is surprisingly quick to make with the jig.

Project 2: Monstera Leaf Next I tried the monstera leaf template. This design includes several small interior loops to mimic the natural holes in monstera leaves. It looks intricate but is surprisingly quick to make with the jig.

I used yards of gold wire for this one, which gave it a modern, minimalist style.

This leaf design would be beautiful for:

Plant themed crafts
Botanical wall art
Scrapbook embellishments
Home decor accents

Tips for Working With Craft Wire

If you’re new to wire art, these tips will help make your projects easier.

Choose softer wire, the wire included with the Big Happy Jig is wonderfully soft to bend and yet holds its shape.

Craft wire that is too thick can be difficult to bend. Medium or soft wire works best with the jig.

Tips for Working With Craft Wire If you’re new to wire art, these tips will help make your projects easier. Choose softer wire, the wire included with the Big Happy Jig is wonderfully soft to bend and yet holds its shape. Craft wire that is too thick can be difficult to bend. Medium or soft wire works best with the jig.

Work slowly.
Take your time guiding the wire around each peg.

Use pliers for tight bends.
Needle nose pliers can help shape sharper angles.

Practice with scrap wire first.
This helps you get comfortable with the tool before starting a final design.

Why I Love the Big Happy Jig

After trying several wire designs, I can honestly say the Big Happy Jig tool is a fantastic addition to any craft room.

What I love most:

Easy setup
Beginner friendly templates
Endless design possibilities
Durable construction
Perfect for creative experimentation

Whether you’re making jewelry, decorations, or modern art pieces, it really is the perfect tool for shaping wire.

Why I Love the Big Happy Jig After trying several wire designs, I can honestly say the Big Happy Jig tool is a fantastic addition to any craft room. What I love most: Easy setup Beginner friendly templates Endless design possibilities Durable construction Perfect for creative experimentation Whether you’re making jewelry, decorations, or modern art pieces, it really is the perfect tool for shaping wire.

Where to Find the Big Happy Jig

The We R Memory Keepers Big Happy Jig is widely available at craft stores and online retailers.

You can often find good deals, bundle kits, and even free shipping depending on the shop.

BUY IT HERE WHILE IT'S NEARLY 75% OFF--SUCH A GREAT PRICE!

Where to Find the Big Happy Jig The We R Memory Keepers Big Happy Jig is widely available at craft stores and online retailers. You can often find good deals, bundle kits, and even free shipping depending on the shop. BUY IT HERE WHILE IT'S NEARLY 75% OFF--SUCH A GREAT PRICE!

The Big Happy Jig tool is easy to use and put the pegs much closer together for smaller wire creations, perfect for handmade cards or scrapbook pages.

I'll be showing some fun things to do with wire sculptures in the future, for now, get the Big Happy Jig tool while it's on sale.

You do not want to miss this.

Use the we R Makers big happy jig for wire sculpting and art creations.

Now you can confidently design your own projects or keep working from the sample templates!

Copper monstera leaf outline made with 3mm wire

Designing Your Own Wire Art

After making two template projects, I felt confident enough to try designing my own shape.

This is where the Big Happy Jig tool really shines.

Because the pegs can be moved anywhere on the board, you can experiment with endless shapes.

I decided to create a long-stem rose.

Designing Your Own Wire Art After making two template projects, I felt confident enough to try designing my own shape. This is where the Big Happy Jig tool really shines. Because the pegs can be moved anywhere on the board, you can experiment with endless shapes. I decided to create a long-stem rose.

Project 3: Long Stem Wire Rose

To create the rose, I placed the pegs in a loose spiral pattern for the flower.

Then I added a few pegs below it to guide the stem and the leaves.

Here’s the basic process I used:

Wrap the wire around the spiral pegs to create the rose bloom.
Guide the wire downward between two pegs to form the stem.
Add a few curved loops on each side for leaves.
Finish with a straight wire stem.
The final result looked elegant and delicate.

It reminded me of a minimalist line drawing made entirely from wire.

Copper wire monstera leaf outline with gold wire flamingo and gold wire long stem rose, perfect for gifts or home decor

Creative Ways to Use Wire Art

Once you start making wire shapes, you’ll quickly find lots of ways to use them.
Here are some ideas:

Home Decor

Mount wire art onto a wood base for a fun entryway tabletop piece.

Make a bouquet of wire flowers and leaves for a vase display.

Wall Art

Frame your wire designs in shadow boxes or attach them to wooden boards for modern wall decor.

These make beautiful home decor projects.

Cake Toppers

Attach small wire shapes to skewers and use them as cake toppers for birthdays or weddings.

Party Decorations

Bright neon wire shapes make amazing decorations for a colorful party.

Handmade Cards

Glue mini wire designs to greeting cards, scrapbook layouts or other paper crafts for a dimensional effect.

Try making:

Names
Hearts
Stars
Fun words like “Celebrate” or “Love”
Jewelry
Smaller wire shapes can be turned into earrings, necklaces, or charms.

Creative Ways to Use Wire Art Once you start making wire shapes, you’ll quickly find lots of ways to use them. Here are some ideas: Home Decor Mount wire art onto a wood base for a fun entryway tabletop piece. Make a bouquet of wire flowers and leaves for a vase display. Wall Art Frame your wire designs in shadow boxes or attach them to wooden boards for modern wall decor. These make beautiful home decor projects. Cake Toppers Attach small wire shapes to skewers and use them as cake toppers for birthdays or weddings. Party Decorations Bright neon wire shapes make amazing decorations for a colorful party. Handmade Cards Glue mini wire designs to greeting cards, scrapbook layouts or other paper crafts for a dimensional effect. Try making: Names Hearts Stars Fun words like “Celebrate” or “Love” Jewelry Smaller wire shapes can be turned into earrings, necklaces, or charms.

That's it!

If you’ve been curious about wire art, the We R Makers Big Happy Jig tool is an amazing way to dive in.

It takes what could be a tricky technique and turns it into a relaxing, creative craft. The included design templates make it easy to learn the basics, and once you get comfortable, designing your own shapes becomes incredibly fun.

From flamingos and monstera leaves to custom flowers and lettering, the possibilities are endless.
And before you know it, you’ll be reaching for colored wire, metallic wire, and even neon wire to experiment with new styles and creative home decor projects.

If you try this craft, I’d love to hear what designs you create!

Happy crafting!