How to Make Enamel Earrings

Design your own earrings. It's fun and a great conversation starter when someone asks you where you got them.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil and paper
• .05" silver sheet
• Piercing saw
• Drill
• Tweezers
• Brass brush
• Dishwashing liquid
• Pestle and mortar
• Transparent enamels in pale colors
• Fine paintbrush
• Trivet
• Kiln and firing equipment
• Sheet of mica
• Diamond-impregnated paper
• Pumice powder
• Jeweller's rouge
• Earring wires

Instructions

1. Draw your design on paper and attach it to the silver sheet. Cut out the shape with the saw. Drill holes where you want to put the enamel, then insert the saw into each hole and cut out. Smooth the edges with the saw.

2. Shape the silver with tweezers. Clean it with a brass brush and dishwashing soap. Grind and wash the transparent enamels.

3. Practice getting the enamel to the right consistancy so that it will not fall through the holes. Once you are ready, apply it with a paintbrush. Fire while the enamel is still damp. If the enamel pulls away from the sides, refill and refire until completely filled.

4. Abrade the earrings with diamond-impregnated paper. Rinse and fire again. Polish with pumice powder and water and the jeweller's rouge. Attach the earring wires.