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My name is John Peralta. I've been a Disciple's Cross Producer since 2002. I was actually one of the first "Official Disciple's Cross Producers" 

Back then, I was living in Slidell, LA. I operated a fan site about the popular reality TV show Survivor, and I had happened to hear that one of the survivor castaways, Pastor John Raymond lived just a couple blocks away. He was on the Survivor Thailand series.

I attended his church and eventually had the opportunity to meet and become friends with Pastor John. He's one of the most interesting men I have ever had the privelidge to know. Pastor John was kind enough to teach me how to make the Disciple's Cross necklaces. I also had the honor of helping him set the groundwork for his web site, better known today as www.DisciplesCross.com. The site has changed somewhat and undergone a few upgrades, but it's nice to know that a lot of what I put into DC still remains.

According to the "Internet Archive WayBackMachine" website... the first "archived" instance of DisciplesCross.com was Feb 21, 2003.  The bottom of the archive page has my name as the original site designer at the time.

I wrote a testimonial back then that I believe is still on his site:

The testimonial is true to this day. Of course, I'm much better now at crafting the necklaces. I've lost count of how many I have made. The Disciple's Cross  Opportunity has literally spanned across the globe, and there are hundreds of producers now.

While I lived in the Slidell area, I made necklaces quite often for Pastor John. But after I moved out of State, I mostly made the crosses around the holidays.

Actually, I didn't even begin selling the Necklaces and Key Chains online until late 2008.  Since then I've had the opportunity to help several groups raise money for worthy causes.  I have also even attained the level of Powerseller on ebay. Click[ HERE ] to visit my eBay Store

The official Disciple's Cross is made with a 3.5 Capewell Horseshoe Nail and wrapped with 20G wire. I have experimented with other cheaper types of nails & wire but soon realized that the unique shape of the Capewell horseshoe nail looks best. Other nails just don't have the same kind of shine or shape.  All supplies can be purchased through http://www.DisciplesCross.com after you have become a certified Disciple's Cross Producer.

I used to use vise grips and the piece of wood to bend my nails, but now I have evolved to the use of a small drill press. That might sound a little extreme, but I bought the drill press at Big Lots for just $50.

"It's a little difficult to explain, but basically instead of using a drill bit, I insert a flathead screwdriver bit (or small chisel)  in the chuck section. I have two small metal bars on the drill table spaced about ½ inch apart. I set my nail over the small bars so that when I pull the drill press handle downward, the screwdriver head bends the nail into the gap of the bars to a perfect 90 degree angle.

It takes bending a few nails to get it all adjusted and locked into place.  But once you have it set where you want it, you'll find that it is so much easier to get the consistent bends needed to make the nails fit together properly. "

TOOL TIP #1: How To Use A Press

"I actually have a nail super-glued to the platform to act as a stop guide for the nail to be bent.  The Bars are just 1/4 x 3/8 square rods that can be purchased on eBay."

"Notice how the nail to be bent is resting against the nail that is glued down.  This will make for a more consistent bend every time.  I lower the chuck section so the screwdriver bit/chisel tip bends the nail in the space below."

"It takes a little practice, but it does not take long to get a "feel" for how far you need to lower the chuck section.  Plus, you can visually see what you are doing.  It's best to bend the nails at eye level."

"This method will give you a much sharper 90 degree angle on the nail than with the Pliers and Board method... and with very little physical effort."

"The Key thing for the top nails is the loop.  Extra care must be taken to make sure the loops are bent as precisely & consistent as possible."

Here is a page I created showing how I assemble the bars on the drill press:

http://www.carolinacross.com/bars.html

There are actually two sizes of stainless bars used.

1/2" x 3/8" thick and cut to about 4" in length. (3 pieces)
1/8" x 3/4" thick and cut to about 4" in length  (2 pieces)

You can find these bars on eBay.  Here is link to an expired listing, but if you contact the seller... they will be happy to get you pointed in the right direction to active listings of the size bars you would need.

 [ 1/8" x 3/4" x 3 foot ]
 [ 1/2" x 3/8" x 3 foot ]

Tool Tip#2: Bending The Top Loops

"The Top Loops of the cross can be a bit of a challenge bending to perfection.  Often times, the loops appear 'rounded' and not crisp and sharp.  The nail conforms to the shape of the pliers. A simple adjustment to your pliers can remedy this.  Use a Rotary Tool with a grinding attachment to actually grind the tip of your pliers to an angle.  This will make that 'rounded' loop look much sharper.  Below are a couple pictures to illustrate what I mean:"  If you wish to modify your own Pliers... You can find it on eBay or Amazon for under $10.00. 

Here the Model # you can use:: STANLEY Max Edge :: MODEL# 84-826" 

Tool Tip #3 : Wrapping Wire

Scratching the wire is probably always going to be a matter of concern.  I have been making the crosses for ten years... and still nitch them from time to time.  I would recommend using angle wire snips.  You can find these in the craft section at any Wal-Mart for a bout $5.  If you'd like to see an example of one, please refer to the YouTube Video on how to make a key chain.  I use one to snip the wire about 3 min.and 30 secs into the video.

Go to eBay and type in Item # 150675492106  .  For Flush Wire Cutters

Then to mash the wire ends down flat, I use a small curved claw pliers.  These can be found at Hobby Lobby, AC Moore, or Michaels craft store.  The can cost anywhere from $5-10.  Nice thing about the curved claw pliers is that the inside pliers is smooth and helps keep from scratching the wire.

Go to  eBay and type in item # 370550686887 . For Bent Nose Pliers

Also, I have noticed that some colors of wire scratch at the slightest touch.  So... I keep a matching color bottle of Nail Polish handy for the tiny nicks.  I have nail polish for Hot Pink&  Royal Blue.  I use a Black Magic Marker for nics on Black wire.

Try not to worry too much about "Filing" the end of the wire down.  Focus more on 'gently' mashing the end of the wire flat so it does not catch when you run your finger of the end of the wrapping. 

 

Here is a short video on how I bend the top loops.  

A pair of needle-nose pliers is used for bending the nail ends that the cord goes through. I've found it's best to do this before doing the 90 degree bend with the drill press.

Using the above mentioned tools: Bench-top drill press, channel lock pliers, and needle nose pliers.... I can bend enough nails for about 50 crosses in an hour. (That's just bending the nails.) Bending the nails and then wrapping them with wire... I can do about 10-12 crosses an hour. Normally, I'll make 25 crosses, then dip them in the clear coat. While those are drying, I'll make my next round of 25. If I choose to spend a whole day making crosses I can make up to a 100.

Here is a video of my Daughter giving me a hand dipping the crosses.  I call her my little "Disciple's Cross Apprentice"

About the only real complaint that I have ever had regarding the necklaces, is the knot either comes un-done, gets too tight to slide, is just wears out over time.   (A little dab of vaseline from time to time keeps the knot sliding nicely)  One thing to keep in mind with the cord is to NEVER open the necklace all the way to the point where the "knots" get stuck.  It's next to impossible to get them apart without having to untie the knot or cut it off. 

I'll usually replace the cord, or just re-tie the knot for them.   I decided to create a video of how to tie the Disciples Cross Cord knot.  It's a handy knot to know even if you're not a Disciple's Cross Producer.  I have had lots of people ask me to put one of these cords on a different pendant of thier own choosing.

How to wrap the wire for the Key Chains:

If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact me. I'm usually pretty good at getting back in touch, but please bear with me if it takes a day or two.
Take Care and God Bless

~John Peralta
Owner
CarolinaCross.com