How to Make Your Own Metalsmith Jewelry
Some of the most beautiful jewelry is handmade copper or silver metal jewelry. You have probably observed that this type of jewelry is expensive. If you make your own, though, you can have quite a collection of jewelry made for the cost of just one retail piece.
When you learn the basics of this incredibly easy craft, you will be able to come up with all kinds of ideas of your own.
This cross design for a necklace and matching earrings are perfect for a beginner project.
Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Tin snips 8 1/2-by-11 inch sheet of copper hole punch, small nail or ice pick hammer Minwax polyurethane chain necklace dangle earring hardware bleach ink pen cloth small section of wood or plywood
Instructions
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Instructions
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1
Begin by tracing the outline of a cross onto the copper plate with an ink pen. You can buy sheets of copper or silver plate at the local hardware store. Be sure the cross is of a good size for a necklace. Follow the same procedure for two crosses of a smaller size for the earrings.
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2
With the tin snips, cut along the outline of the crosses, removing them from the sheet of copper plate.
Keep in mind that the edges will be sharp until sealed in Step 4 so use caution and possibly wear gloves if you can work in them. -
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3
Using the hammer, beat the crosses to create a distressed look. Or, if you prefer, you can leave smooth. To get an even more distressed look, place the crosses in bleach. This will turn the copper plate green. Allow to dry thoroughly and wipe with a cloth.
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4
Put the cross over a piece of wood or something sturdy and punch a hole with a small nail, ice pick or hole punch at the top middle of each cross.
Paint two coats of polyurethane finish over the entire cross, coating both sides and along the edges. Allow to dry in between coats. This will prevent the copper plate from tarnishing. -
5
Thread the large cross through a necklace chain and thread each of the small crosses onto a dangling earring hardware.
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Tips & Warnings
Create animal designs or curly Qs for unique designs. Use copper pennies with a hole punched in them. Use leather neck chains for variety.
Be sure to wear gloves when using tin snips.
- Photo Credit burningbed.com
