I have been wearing a couple of mine I have made this way for years. They are very durable, and I always receive compliments on them.
The inspiration for this project originally came from Encyclopedia of Craft Projects in an Afternoon
It can even be used in the classroom, as evidenced by our very own Materials Science teacher! Here is a learning objective:
By working with different types and gauges of wire, students will better understand the properties of wire hardness and softness, as well as how to shape and harden the metal.
Remove these ads by
Signing UpStep 1: Materials and Supplies
- 12-14 gauge copper, silver, aluminum, or other wire*
- 22-gauge matching or contrasting wire
- Interesting cabochon, stone, or piece of glass
- Wire cutters
- Round-nose pliers
- Anvil
- Ballpeen hammer
*As wdancer pointed out, don't use aluminum and copper together on this, as "copper and aluminum corrode each other pretty quickly through galvanic corrosion." If you want to use aluminum wire, use a different kind of contrasting wire, even though the instructions in the book suggest combining aluminum and copper. Little did they know, and thank goodness for the Instructables community!











































Visit Our Store »
Go Pro Today »




I, for one, am quite impressed with your artistic ability and thoughtful "mechanical/chemical" considerations.
Well thought out!
Keep it up!!
Voted.
Does the copper from turn green against your skin?
I don't recommend glue because it will not hold up with this kind of application and weight over the long term.
And no, it has not turned green. That's more likely to happen on saltier parts of the skin, like hands and arms. Some people's chemistry is also more likely to trigger that. The original project called for aluminum wire, but I like the look and feel of the copper better.
I agree that E6000 may not be the best in some circumstances. The glass on metal pad and post earrings I glued for my wife... eventually fell off by themselves without any stresses being applied. Lucky it fell off in the jewelry box! :)
Instead of aluminum wire, we'll use stainless steel.
Great job!
What is the stone? And does your wife like it?
http://wists.com/bliblu/elf/4e5304e60a0b6c11cb9dbec7c67088ad
Is there a way to post this on 'pinterest' or is that a rival site? I just like to share good things everywhere to as many people as possible. :-D
I'll try to update the text later.