M is for Metal
It's silly for someone who makes jewelry to wear the same necklace every day, right? So lately I've been searching for some new metal jewelry-making techniques. My goal is pretty simple: create another "every day" necklace that I can wear with anything.
Here are 5 metal and wire tutorials that caught my attention recently:
Bead Caps
I love this tutorial by Heather Powers at Humblebeads. I've been using more bead caps in my designs and I love the idea of making my own. (I would recommend wearing gloves when using the patina solution, just to be on the extra safe side.)
Dino Bone Chain
I love this easy chain by Janice Berkebile. I want to try making a version of this with copper wire.
Non-Toxic Patina
Melanie Brooks at Earthenwood Studio shared this link recently, which shows how to patina brass using dark apple cider vinegar and salt. I definitely want to try this technique. (Be warned that B'Sue Boutiques has a lot of great tutorials, so you might get sucked into watching a bunch of them at once like I did!)
Spiral Wire Clasp Tutorial
This easy tutorial by Cindy Wimmer makes me want to create my own handmade clasp for my next necklace. I don't own a tumbler (yet), but this tutorial has convinced me that I need one in order to make the clasp as strong as possible. (The action of the tumbler will harden the wire.)
Wire Nest Tutorial
Spring is here and what better way to celebrate than to create a tiny bird's nest with wire and beads?
Any other metal or wire tutorials I should check out?