OK, once I get started it's like eating brownies, you can't stop at one...Here are some more ideas and shapes for forged earrings....if you missed the first post with the step by step photos, go to the Rustic Hoop Earrings blog. I'm off to the Bead and Button show--come say hi if you are there!
I've been obsessed with this shape lately-- I'm sure it's because of all the brightly colored long summer skirts I've been seeing!
I started with 12 Gauge Bronze Wire and cut 5-6 inches depending on how large you want your hoops. Heat to glowing to make sure the wire is fully annealed and quench. Bend over something round to make the bottom hoop and flatten with a chasing hammer. The easiest thing to use is a piece of hardened steel such this piece from my dap and die set.
Next shape the sides, it's hard to get them perfectly matched. TIP: I always make both of the earrings in a pair at the same time so they turn out matching...
Shape the sides and then hammer to match the bottom leaving the ends so you can turn the plane and make the holes where you can put your ear wire.
It's tricky to do these ends and I have found that turning a bench block on end works the best for shaping and for drilling I do the same with a block of wood.
The holes are difficult to make in the wire and the best way I've found is to use my Hole Punch Pliers to mark where I want to drill and then use a Size 60 Drill bit as it's small enough to put the hole through the 12 Gauge wire. When I try to do it any other way I end up skittering off and messing it up...
Make the ear wires to look something like this (oops don't notice that they aren't the same...)
Add the ear wires and tap lightly to work harden them into place. I usually count 20 taps to make sure they are nice and strong.
Here are some more, the shapes are obviously endless and so fun...
1
long and swingy...
These are made from 12 guage nickel silver wire and sterling ear wires...they were pennies to make and very nice!
Don't let wire limit your design...this one is made with a scrap of sheet metal--there are no shortage of those around here...
I was thinking that holes could be made in these or maybe stones added on wires...these are still on my workbench and may show up again...leave a comment if you'd like The Overflowing Stash is growing not shrinking!!
