Learn how to craft your own stylish earring backs at home with this instructional tutorial and a few simple hand tools; no electricity, soldering, or studio required. This four-page PDF jewelry tutorial illustrates the mathematical formula and step-by-step process of simultaneously bending a pair of headpins into an identically shaped pair of custom earring backs. This tutorial reveals the techniques that took me years to refine, as the commercially available earring backs did not compliment my jewelry designs because they were made from a thin wire in boring machine-made shapes. To make my earring designs stand out from the crowd with unique findings, I started handcrafting my signature earring backs that were functionally easy to use with a 2mm ball at the small loop for a finger grip, and aesthetically beautiful with the utilization of sacred geometry (Pi = 3.14).
Once you understand the earring-back crafting technique, I have included an additional two-page handout that reviews the tools and supplies needed to make your own headpins. Using 19-gauge Argentium silver wire and a common propane torch, this tutorial will take you step-by-step through a simple 3-second ‘teardropping’ process, which is followed by pickle-cleaning and steel-shot tumbling to create amazing headpins. This tutorial reveals the unique method that took me years of trial and error to perfect, as the commercially available headpins did not aesthetically compliment my handcrafted beaded chain jewelry designs.
Please note that this listing is to purchase the digital PDF download only, and no physical supplies are included. This design is a slight derivative from the projects within my second published book: Chain and Bead Jewelry Creative Connections, and the headpin tutorial is an abbreviated format of the detailed information that is covered in my fourth published book: Chain and Bead Jewelry Soldering Connections.
After purchasing this item, you will be able to download the PDF file directly through Etsy. If you have any problems downloading your purchased PDF document, please contact me directly through Etsy’s Message service, or send an email to (info[at]davidchain.com).
Tools Needed for Bending Earring Backs: Flat-nose pliers, round-nose pliers (marked at 2.5mm diameter), digital calipers, felt-tip pen, flat file, and two bending mandrels (2.35mm and 8mm). Optional: Rotary tumbler and steel shot for strengthening the finished earring backs.
Tools Needed for Making Silver Headpins: Flat-nose pliers, side-cutters, propane torch, lighter, water bowl, Solderite board, digital calipers, pickle-cleaning solution, baking soda, and a rotary tumbler with steel shot.
Supplies Needed: AWG 19-gauge pre-made headpins at 2-inch (5cm) length or 19-gauge Argentium silver wire (specific lengths stated within).
To source correctly-sized jump rings, and review my recommendations for quality hand tools and studio supplies, please visit my website at: www.davidchain.com/supplies.
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*Legal Copyright Notice: These digital PDF tutorials are sold expressly for individual and personal use only. Please do not post these PDF tutorials onto any website forums, blogs, or message boards. Furthermore, these digital PDF tutorials may not be used for teaching workshops, given away for free, or sold in any format. All jewelry designs, images, and text are the copyrighted intellectual property of Scott David Plumlee, and may not be used without express written permission. Thank you in advance for respecting my copyright.
Although I am protective of my copyright, I do allow individual artisans my permission to sell the finished jewelry design to clients or through consignment art galleries, all I would ask is that you list ‘Designed by: Scott David Plumlee, Handcrafted by: your name’. However, this permission to sell my original jewelry designs is limited to individual artisans who are handcrafting a limited quantity to support their hobby and does not allow for the bulk selling of machine-made, mass-produced replicas of my original jewelry designs.
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Inspiring others with my passion for handcrafting beaded chain jewelry is the goal of this Etsy store, and I hope it encourages people to discover the quiet meditative practice of assembling jump rings and spark their curiosity to seek a creative adventure.
Visit my website to review the published five-book educational series and a full listing of derivative jewelry project tutorials from each book title at: www.davidchain.com
Follow the Davidchain Jewelry Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/DavidchainJewelry
Many thanks, Scott David Plumlee
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