I thought I would let you in on a little secret!
Here is a behind the scenes look at the steps it takes to create my newest Sterling Silver and Copper Necklace!
Ready? Ok!
Step 1: Cut and measure the chain - so far so good? easy peasy!
Step 2: Make the large jump rings scattered on chain. Wrap sterling silver wire around a mandrel to the chosen size....cut with a flush cutters.
Step 3: File or go over with a snap on disk on your flex shaft the ends of the cut jump rings to prepare for soldering. Then using your pliers attach the circles to the cut chian...then close the jump rings making sure there is a tight fit!
Step 4: Solder the jump rings as well as the clasp.
Step 5: Pickle.
Step 6: Measure and cut the sterling silver sheet for the square charm. Make sure to lubricate your saw blade first! Cut slowly and methodically! When it's cut, file the edges smooth and round the corners. Then dome the shape slightly. Lastly go over with a snap on disk, or a piece of sandpaper to give the gorgeous matte finish!
Step 7: Time to make your copper swirl. Cut the wire and free form a shape to your liking. Enjoy the process...have fun with it!
Step 8: Hammer to add dimension.
Step 9: Connect the shapes with a large sterling silver jump ring, add to the chain, solder the jump ring closed to make sure it will NOT come apart and shapes be lost!
Step 10: Send the entire piece to the tumbler, with steel shot for a nice long bath!
Step 11: When it is finished tumbling it's time to flatten and texture the sterling silver circles.
And then...ta dah! You are done!
Now you know exactly how much time, effort and love go into this as well as all of my designs! Any questions? Feel free to ask!
xo,
lisa
Fantastic tutorial! Gorgeous necklace!
ReplyDeleteThat is so cool to see how the steps are done. I could probably repeat those steps now, but could never put that creativity into a design. Simply beautiful!
ReplyDeleteSometimes it's hard to think of the "behind the scenes" process(which is an exhaustive one!) when we look at the beautiful finished product. Thanks for the reminder, and thanks for YOUR labor!
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful tutorial because it demonstrates quite a number of techniques. I will feature/link in a future post so others can come visit!
ReplyDeletePearl
http://www.beadinggem.com
What a fun necklace Lisa! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLisa, love it. Coming over for more lessons.
ReplyDeletethanks everyone! I'm glad you've found it useful :)
ReplyDeletexoxox
What a treat to see your process! I hope you do lots more. Your hard work surely pays off!
ReplyDelete:)
You forgot the part where you shopped for just the right elements and supplies, and paid for them. There is money into the end product... customers seem to forget that part. Just because it is handmade doesn't mean it was free to you to make it.
ReplyDelete