This instructable will show you how to make your own foldformed earrings with some basic tools. The possible designs are endless!

Step 1: Tools Needed

You will need the following tools to complete this project:
1) circle template
2) marker
3) files
4) 0.4-0.6mm thick piece of coper
5) hammers - rawhide & metal
6) shears
7) anvil or steel plate
8) hole punch for piercing metal, drill or dremel
9) torch, kiln or natural gas stove to anneal copper

Step 2: Cut & File Circles

Use the circle template to draw circles on your copper. My circles had a diameter of 1.5". Cut out the circles with your shears & file the edges smooth.

Step 3: Fold Circles in Half

Fold your copper circles in half & hammer flat with rawhide mallet.

Step 4: Hammer Fold

Hammer fold edge with metal hammer.

Step 5: Anneal & Quench

The copper is stiff after all the hammering. Therefore, anneal it before going to the next step. You can use a torch such as propane or butane to anneal your copper. I held my pieces over one of the burners on my natural gas stove. When the copper turns dull red - it's annealed. Quench the piece by dropping it in a container of water. Dry thoroughly before continuing.

Step 6: Open Fold & Confirm It

Open up the copper & hammer on the fold.

Step 7: Repeat the Annealing & Hammering

You can hammer as many folds into your piece as you like. I chose to do four folds to get a "star" pattern.

Step 8: Add Holes

Add holes for your ear wire. I used a punch for piercing thin gauge metal, but a rotary hand tool (dremel) or drill would work equally well.

Step 9: Final Cleanup

You can lightly sand your copper circles with 500 or 600 grit sandpaper or drop them in a pickle to remove all the firescale (black & red spots). I used a pickle because it's faster. My pickle is made from a super saturated solution of vinegar and sea salt. Finally I added the ear wire which you can buy in the jewelry section of your local craft store or Walmart. I decided to keep going with these earrings, so I cut out parts of the edges, textured them with hammers and stamps, plus used purple Sharpies for color.