Fused Spirals Earrings Tutorial

Created by: Rita Hutchinson

Designer Tips

Lightly dome (dap) the blank in dapping block.
How to Dap (Dome)
Clean blank with penny brite and dry.
Apply counter enamel to back of blank. Fire and allow to cool.
Enameling Basics
Clean opposite side of blank with penny brite and dry.
Apply even coating of enamel to front of blank. Fire and allow to cool.
Create a design stencil by punching paper.
Sift contrasting enamel color over paper stencil. Carefully remove stencil. (If you bump or screw up design, simply brush off remaining powder and try again.) Fire and allow to cool.
Cut 2 sets of chain at desired lengths. (Hint – string the last loop of chain on a headpin and hold horizontally in order to trim chain evenly).
Create beaded dangles on ball-end head pins and attach to chain lengths.
Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF). - How to make beaded dangles, best way to open and close loops, etc.
Open loop on earwire and directly attach enameled piece and two chain dangles.
Dapping (doming) the blanks adds a lot to this simple design, whether you enamel them or not. If you don't feel like investing in enameling tools, this design can easily be modified by using metal stamps instead, or simply hammer-texturing the blank with a ball-peen hammer or a texturing hammer before dapping it.

Suggested Supplies

2 each #44-780-29 Copper Stamping Blank, Round with Loop, 25x22mm
1 each #81-500-1995-S Thompson Opaque 80-mesh Enamel for Metals - Black, Sample
1 each #81-500-1030-S Thompson Opaque 80-mesh Enamel for Metals - Foundation White, Sample
1 pair #34-003-12-AC TierraCast Earring Hook Findings w/ 3mm Bead, Black Niobium / Antiqued Copper Plated
1 foot (use 6"" or so) #40-090-13-9 Black Gunmetal Cable Chain by the FOOT, 2.1mm
1 hundred (use 8 beads) #26-155-32-9 Gunmetal Metal Beads, Rondelle, 3.2mm
1 hundred (use 4 pins) #37-099-15-9 Gunmetal Ball End Head Pin, Standard, 1.5"
1 strand (use 2 beads) #28-010-08-025 Fused Glass 8mm Round Bead, Matte Smoke AB
1 strand (use 2 beads) #28-010-08-045 Fused Glass 8mm Round Bead, Matte Crystal AB