Wire wrapped beaded cross pendant

[JewelryBuff]

My church is doing mission work for a village in Mexico and we wish to teach the women a 'trade' and I have been ask to help to teach them to wire wrap a beaded cross pendant was the final idea.
So I'm looking for ideas and the magic formula to be able to mass produce these crosses.
The first issue is the actual 'base' of the cross that the wire wrapping will be done on. What the mission group has been doing is actually creating a wire base for each cross but its very time comsuming. We need a way to be able to make base quickly and easily (other than just buying a template). I have thought of some sort of 'farm' fence wire that could be soldered together.
So any ideas for the base?

What about the whole technique of wrapping? Any thoughts or words of wisdom?

Thanks!
JewelryBuff aka Betty

[www.rockglenbeads.etsy.com]

I spent over 10 years living in Mexico and still visit often.

They have many methods of wire wrapping in their own traditional ways and providing them with supplies is a great idea. They could certainly use some supplies.

I think the general idea these days is more geared at helping to restore their own history, their own skills and practices. They are a people stripped of their history, language, religion and culture in many ways and there are many groups visiting them now to help with restoration verses the introduction of yet more international ideas and values.

Good luck with your project. The Mexicans are delightfully funny and charming people. Most people go with the good intentions of teaching them something, but more often then not come away newly educated students not the teachers.