1. Copper Wire Earrings Level 3 Aiden Church

2. Buying Wire I bought 20 inches of copper, thinking that I would make 6 rings total with 4”, 3”, and 2”. What I discovered is that it looks better if there are only two rings used rather than three (a 2” and 3”), and that they only use about 10 inches of wire. The silver for the ear wires should be round wire, as big a gauge as you want that can still fit in your ear. I used 18 gage silver. You will need about 2 ½” for each ear.

3. Begin with the Loops Make two 3” wire jump rings, and two 2” wire jump rings, using the smallest amount of solder possible because the silver solder will show up on the copper. When you are done soldering, round out the rings on the largest mandrel

4. Texturing the Rings To get the right texturing on the copper rings, you will need a metal block and a hammer. First, flatten out the rings Next, use a smaller hammer to make indentations on the front side of the rings so that the texturing is showing when they are being worn.

5. Making the Earring Hook Use silver, round wire. The largest gauge that can fit into your ear. I used 18 gauge. Be sure to file the end of both sides so that it is rounded off and won’t stab your ear. Bend the wire to match the picture.

6. Hooping the Earrings First, bend the silver wire around in a loop on the bottom where the copper will hang. Do not pickle or you will lose the shine of the silver and will have to buff a very small piece of metal for no reason. Before you hang the rings, buff the copper with a sunshine cloth. Using the big buffer will take out the markings from the hammer. Then, slide on the 2 inch ring, then the 3 inch ring behind it. Clamp down on the silver loop so that it is tight, almost completely touching the back of the earring hook.

7. Finished!