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Buttons, Buttons, Part 2

by Lynda.
(Spring Valley, California USA)

Okay, here is the information requested on my original posting, Button, Button, Who’s Got the…, about using buttons for quick and easy earrings and rings.

First, the rings. I learned to make wired wrapped rings by watching YouTube videos. If you’re not already aware, there are hundreds of jewelry tutorials on YouTube.

For the button rings, I typed ‘wire wrapped ring tutorial’ and watched the ones that popped up. Some so-so, some quite good.

I then sat in front of my computer with the materials and practiced while watching the best ones. The advantage is that I could pause the video after each step to give me time to complete that step before moving on. Or repeat the step, if needed.

For the earrings, credit deservedly goes to Denise Peck. Her five minute earring article is in the Oct.-Nov. 2010 issue of Step by Step Wire Jewelry magazine.

She suggests using 18 or 20 gauge half hard sterling wire. I used silver plated wire for these first attempts in both 18 and 20 gauge and then work hardened the curved top of the ear wires by lightly tapping them with a rawhide mallet on a bench block.

I will definitely make more of these little beauties.

I hope the resources and the photo will inspire you to try some too!

Lynda
Fresh Baked Designs

Comments:

Button Jewelry part 2
by: Rena

Thanks so much for taking the time to send in Part 2 and adding all this helpful info, Lynda! And it’s especially great to see the backs of your pieces. Great job on these.

Thanks also to the folks who created the YouTube video tutorials, and especially to Denise Peck (I’d love to link to her here but couldn’t find a website for her).

Lovely project, and a great way to make remarkable jewelry inexpensively. I will look at buttons in an entirely new light now, evaluating them for their potential as jewelry components! :o)

great idea
by: Kathryn

I create enamel jewelry and I was thinking about making some buttons. At the same time I was asked by someone about making rings with my enamels.
Your article gives me some ideas to think about for both.
Thank you for taking the time to share.
Kathryn
KEL-A Unique Art
www.KEL-A.com

Sophisticated
by: SterlingCrystal

Hi Lynda,

I saw Denise Peck’s article as well, and thought it was a nifty technique. I’d like to say, however, that your choice of buttons really increases the level of sophistication over those shown in the article. I know it is just the technique, but it feels like you have taken it one step further.

I especially like the tan coloured buttons with the Celtic looking “heart” swirls.

Also, congratulations for actually getting out there and making them, rather than being like me: “wow, that looks like fun, and easy too” … and then closing the magazine and not actually getting around to trying it!

Sam Ryder
SterlingCrystal
www.sterlingcrystal.etsy.com