Friday, May 18, 2012

Handmade

Many people are intimidated when a piece is required to be 50% handmade or more.  No need.  Here are some links to great tutorials to learn to make your own earwires, chain and clasps.  It's learning the little things, that help you to create unique, handmade pieces.  These tutorials are wonderful, and each can be altered a bit to fit your style as well.  For example, I took Cindy's handmade clasp, and just sprial the bottom, without the little divet for your chain or wire.  That's just how I like to make them.  You can make them fancier, more plain, add more wire around the hook for texture, add beads, what-ever you like!  Have fun with them.

Spiral Clasp Tutorial by Cindy Wimmer (photo rights of Cindy Wimmer)

Art Jewelry Magazine Fancy Earwires Tutorial (photo by Art Jewelry Magazine)

You will probabaly have to sign up with Art Jewelry Magazine online to view this, but its worth it, they have lots of video's and how to projects!  It's a great resource.


There weren't a lot of good video's on you tube for making your own chain, but this one is good.  I would highly reccomend hammering your links to strengthen them before assembling.


It gives you a good foundation though.

I hope these help!  Happy creating!







6 comments:

  1. Thanks for the great links Staci! I've been dabbling with making my own wire components for a while now but really need to do more than just dabbling.

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    1. Just go for it. Once you get the feel for it, you can do soooo much with it! Have fun!

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  2. I love Cindy's clasps! Very substantial and pretty.

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  3. I like making my own ear wires, but almost every time I ball the end of the sterling, the little ball has a few wrinkles. Any suggestions for how to make them smooth?

    Thanks for the links!
    -Lela

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    1. Not sure. I don't usually have the problem with sterling, but copper is rough when I ball it. Thus, I use it in rustic designs. its must have something to do with the heat???

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    2. Yeah, I don't know either... I've been working on some this afternoon & after a LOS bath, I think I actually like the look. Seems like it just adds a little more dimension and adds to the hand made look.

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