How To Wire Wrap Jewelry?

Which jewelry wire to use for this?

• I am making earrings and shaping the earring myself with jewelry wire. Mostly hoops and teardrop shapes. But my wire will not hold it's shape when I wrap it with thread. Where can I get jewery wire that will hold its shape when wrapped with thread. I need a stiff wire that won't bend out of shape when it is formed into the shape I need it to be. Peruvian thread earrings to be exact. Best place with lowest prices, since I'm just starting and my budget won't allow very expensive wire. Thanks!

• Answer:

  you can use 18 or 20 gage wire. I buy it at micheals is should be about $4.00. try getting a book from your library on beading, it should tell you more specifics.