Bleeding heart copper champleve enamel earrings

I finally finished my first completed champleve design! Here are my crimson red copper heart earrings, which I made using Victoria Red enamel -- a deep, blood red-colored glass:

Champleve is turning out to be more complicated than I'd thought. You have to keep track of just how long the pieces sit in the acid; otherwise, the ferric chloride will burn right through the back of the metal. Still, you want to create a fairly deep groove so that the enamel has something to fill. As for the enamel, the idea is to fill the groove so that the glass ends up flush with the metal; it shouldn't overflow. It's supposed to look inlaid. So it's taken some practice to get the hang of this. I'm still learning, but I'm getting there and these earrings are cute!

I polished the copper using special metal polishing cloths and made the earring hooks using 20 gauge copper wire. I tried a different method for making the hooks; instead of just closing up the end loop as I usually do, I wire wrapped the bottom of the hook to give it extra security. It didn't take long to do, but the earring wire is a lot stronger.

In my last post I debated whether I should get a kiln, but I've decide to instead rent some studio space for the summer. This way, I don't have to worry about safety and ventilation issues. I'm actually going to use space in the Brooklyn-based jewelry studio where I took last year's summer enamel class. That kiln isn't the best, but it's probably better than what I'd use at home -- and I "know" the kiln so I have an idea of how long to heat pieces. I made some nice pieces there last year so it'll be a good place to work and practice champleve.

Sometimes I'm not sure if people can tell that I'm working and improving, but a friend recently told me that a mutual acquaintance commented to him about my stuff. She told him that she could see that I was getting better and making more complicated pieces. I really appreciate that she's noticed!

The summer has been pretty quiet, but I might be doing a craft fair/fundraising for a local school for kids with Cerebral Palsy. I hope it goes well -- not just for myself, but because it'll be nice to raise a good amount for the charity.

Meantime, check out my jewellery at Naomi's Designs and MayaGirl Creations.

Mixed metal jewelry designs

After having such a good experience at the craft fair this weekend, I decided to go ahead and finish the jewelry projects that I'd started in class. I could wait until I begin advanced metalsmithing tomorrow and work on my pieces at the school, but I'd rather put them behind me and work on something new. Besides, I'm happy with the way my stuff turned out. My last teacher would probably say that they're not shiny enough and would criticize me for not soldering the jumprings, but I think they're pretty and would proudly wear them.

I made an abstract copper pendant with a silver bezel and blue glass cabochon:

And then made a pair of abstract copper earrings with silver earring hooks:

The earrings are actually made of material that was leftover from the pendant. I spent over an hour hammering a sheet of copper to get that textured design and had a lot left over after sawing out the disc. I didn't want the rest to go to waste and had just enough to make a cute pair of earrings.

Carving out the designs with a jeweler's saw was a challenge, but I'm getting the hang out it. The hardest part, believe it or not, was sawing out the circle for the pendant. I was so careful with it because I wanted to keep it round and not accidentally saw into the space, so it took me forever to finish it.

I'm happy with my work, though. I may not be the best metalsmith -- yet -- but I like how my stuff came out. And really, that's all I can ask for, right?

To purchase my jewelry, head to Naomi's Designs.

Make Wire Wrapped Copper Spiral Earrings

Part of the fun of making jewelry is teaching others how to do so. As I learn more skills, I'd love to eventually teach some jewelry making classes. Doing crafts is fun and a great stress reliever; so even if you don't intend to open a jewelry business, you can still make a simple jewelry piece on a rainy afternoon. There are many jewelry patterns online that will show you how to get started.

That said, I just published another jewelry making tutorial on HubPages. This one gives step-by-step instructions for making wire wrapped copper spiral earrings. They're extremely easy to make, but so, so pretty -- and they make lovely, inexpensive gifts. With Mother's Day right around the corner, these are a good choice for Mom or Grandma or an aunt or sister. If they're anything like my mother, they'll appreciate getting a beautiful handmade gift.

Anyway, here is the link to my tutorial on wire wrapped earrings.

To purchase my other jewelry, head to Naomi's Designs On Etsy.