Buttons, Buttons, Part 2

by Lynda
(Spring Valley, CA)

Okay, here is the information requested on my original posting, Button, Button, Who's Got the..., about using buttons for quick and easy earrings and rings.

First, the rings. I learned to make wired wrapped rings by watching YouTube videos. If you're not already aware, there are hundreds of jewelry tutorials on YouTube.

For the button rings, I typed 'wire wrapped ring tutorial' and watched the ones that popped up. Some so-so, some quite good.

I then sat in front of my computer with the materials and practiced while watching the best ones. The advantage is that I could pause the video after each step to give me time to complete that step before moving on. Or repeat the step, if needed.

For the earrings, credit deservedly goes to Denise Peck. Her five minute earring article is in the Oct.-Nov. 2010 issue of Step by Step Wire Jewelry magazine.

She suggests using 18 or 20 gauge half hard sterling wire. I used silver plated wire for these first attempts in both 18 and 20 gauge and then work hardened the curved top of the ear wires by lightly tapping them with a rawhide mallet on a bench block.

I will definitely make more of these little beauties.

I hope the resources and the photo will inspire you to try some too!

Lynda
Fresh Baked Designs