In this video, that’s another episode of creative jewelry making with your microwelder, I’ll be guiding you through the process of creating stunning long spike stud earrings from scratch. Let’s get started!
Materials and Tools
- 16 gauge Sterling silver wire
- Screw cutters or heavy gauge wire cutters
- Chain nose pliers
- Hammer
- Files
- Marker
- Microwelder (set at 20 Watts)
Step 1: Cutting the Wire
Start with 16 gauge Sterling silver wire. Don’t worry if the ends are a bit crooked; we’ll straighten them out later. Cut the wire to about 1.5 inches, but leave a bit of extra length to trim later. Use screw cutters, which are perfect for thick wires and won’t damage your fine cutters.
Step 2: Straightening the Wire
Straighten the wire using chain nose pliers. Bend and straighten as much as possible with the pliers, and then use your fingers to further align the wire. The goal is to make the wire straight enough to roll easily on a flat surface.
Step 3: Hammering the Wire
Now, trim the wire to the desired length. To ensure both pieces are the same, you can use a ruler for precision. Once cut, hammer one side of each wire flat, tapering it to a point. Remember to hammer lightly and evenly on both sides to prevent bending. If one side flares out more than the other, gently hammer it back into shape.
Step 4: Filing the Ends
Using a file, smooth out the ends of the wire. First, file them flat, then round off the edges to avoid any sharp points. Rotate the wire as you file to achieve a uniform dome shape.
Step 5: Preparing to Weld
To make stud earrings, choose stud posts with a base for welding. Mark the position where you want the post to be attached using a marker. This ensures both earrings will be symmetrical.
Step 6: Welding the Posts
Set your microwelder to 20 Watts and weld the post to the marked position on the wire. Hold the post at a 45-degree angle and melt the base onto the wire. Repeat this process until the post is securely attached.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Check the earrings for any necessary adjustments. Use a file to smooth out any rough edges and ensure the posts are straight. For a professional finish, you can use a dremel with a satin or brush finish wheel. Alternatively, use nail files with various grits for a polished look.
Final Product
And there you have it! A beautiful pair of long spike stud earrings crafted from sterling silver wire. This project showcases the precision and creativity you can achieve with your microwelder.
Stay Connected
I hope you enjoyed this episode! If you found it helpful, please like, subscribe, and comment below. Your feedback helps us grow and brings more creative content to the channel. For more information about the materials and tools used in this video, check the description below.
I’m Dana from Stones and Findings, a wholesaler of premium quality chains, findings, and microwelders. Visit our website for more information on our products and training courses.
Happy welding!