Hand-cut, disc-cut earrings tutorial.....

MaryAnn Carroll

How about some unique earrings?  I used some not-so-fancy copper that I bought for a minimal price at a local welding company.  The owner was kind enough to go to the storage area to dig up some scrap copper to sell me.  This works great with enameling since the scratches and marks will disappear in the enameling process.

So....  I thought I would make a pair of earrings.... possibly as a late birthday present for my sister.  I started off with a small cut of copper.  I then took a natural beach stone and traced the shape.

Using heavy duty copper cutters, I cut the shapes out of the copper.

 

I used regular 220 sand paper to smooth out the edges.  I tried to round them the best that I can without stressing too much (not easy for me) about it since they are handmade, after all. 

I roughed in where I wanted my cuts.  After that, I used a punch to give me a visual of my center.

 I then decided what size hole I wanted.

Once I decided, I used the Bur Life to lubricate the punch.

Using the brass mallet, I took two hard hits. Try not to be distracted by my messy work area.  That's just me.

After the cut is made, I simply lifted the disc cutter to allow the punch to fall through.

 I continued until I had three holes cut in each piece.

 

I then used my very inexpensive dapping set (one day I'll invest in a better one).  I gave the pieces a little bit of a domed shape.

And here is why I wasn't too concerned about any markings in the copper.  I began the process of enameling by heating the copper with a torch.

 

 

After heating the copper, I simply dipped it into the enamel and heated it again.

At this point, you can add as much enamel as you would like to achieve the results that you want. You must heat the copper between each dip as the heated copper acts as a glue for the enamel. Once you have achieved the desired amount, simply remove the VERY hot piece using the pulling station.  You can always add more enamel if it doesn't turn out like you want.

 

 And there you have it.  Simple add ear wire and you're good to go....

 

Here are a couple of other pieces I made using a similar method.

Thanks for supporting those who create handmade with handmade.

MaryAnn