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Here’s how to make a special pair of earrings using earring findings and beaded thread…
Here are some fun earrings you can construct at home! This is a great way to use the pieces of copper or brass that you created patina on using our salt and vinegar patina tutorials as well as some of your fave beads. Please note that this tutorial contains affiliate links.
You’ll need these tools and materials to make these earrings:
1: A pair of brass earrings with drilled holes or charm loops, I used these ones I made a while ago.
2: Some nylon beading thread. I used two scrap pieces about 30cm long.
3: A beading needle with a thin loop of thread attached to it.
4: Beads. I used these purple and blue glass seed beads.
5: Jump rings. I used two copper jump rings.
6: Scissors.
7: Super glue.
8: Pliers.
Follow these steps to make your cute pair of earrings:
1: Close both of the jump rings using your pliers.
2: Fold one of the pieces of thread in half and loop it around the jump ring.
3: Tie some additional knots to secure the thread to the jump ring.
4: Pull the thread through the loop at the bottom of the needle.
5: Begin adding beads to the string in your chosen pattern.
6: Continue adding beads until you have a length you like, I made mine about 7cm long.
7: Tie a knot at the end of the thread to secure the beads onto the thread.
8: Tie the end of the thread onto the jump ring to form a loop, thread it through the jump ring and tie a couple of knots to secure it.
9: Trim the excess thread using scissors.
10: Add a dab of superglue to both knots to secure them.
11: Repeat steps 2-10 for the second beaded loop.
12: Open the jump rings and thread them through the earring findings. Close the jump rings using your pliers to secure them in place.
Now your earrings are finished and ready to wear! How fun is this design?
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Here’s how to patina brass charms using salt and vinegar…
I’ve already shown you how to turn copper green using salt and vinegar, and the same process can be used on brass! Brass has a high copper content, so it can develop a nice patina when you put it in a container with salt and vinegar, simple ingredients that you can find easily at the supermarket. This is a fun way to add some character and interesting patterns to your metal jewelry designs! Please note that this tutorial contains affiliate links.
You’ll need these tools and materials to do this patina process:
1: Brass charms. I used these brass charms that I made a while ago.
2: A plastic container. I used a recycled takeaway container with a lid.
3: Paper towels. I haven’t tried it with reusable cloth, but I bet that would work too!
4: Salt.
5: Vinegar. I used white vinegar for this process.
Follow these steps to add patina to your brass charms:
1: Put the paper towel in the container.
2: Add a dash of vinegar to the paper towel.
3: Sprinkle some salt over the top.
4: Put the charms in the container and put the lid on. Set this container aside for a while, maybe overnight, to allow the patina to develop.
5: Once the charms have a patina you like, take them out of the container and wipe them down gently using more paper towel.
Isn’t it interesting to see how the patina will develop?! this one formed a lot around the grains of salt. Now you can use them in your jewelry designs! Please note that the patina can be delicate, so you can protect it using a product like renaissance wax.
