Red Bird Enameled Earrings Tutorial

Created by: Rita Hutchinson

Designer Tips

Position and emboss pattern on blanks with the Big Shot Jewelry Studio and embossing die. (See Big Shot Embossing blog article)
Counter-enamel the blank (fire the back) with black enamel. Allow to cool and then clean with penny brite. (See How to Torch-Fire Enamels.)
Create a small amount of enamel paste (use distilled water or Klyr-fire) in red and translucent brown, apply to blank as desired. Allow to dry and then fire.
Allow to cool and remove excess firescale by carefully sanding non-enameled areas.

Wire-wrap Crystal bead to charm and attach to earwire. Repeat. See looping instructions. (Crimp Pliers are fantastic for tucking in the tail on wire wrapped loops.)
Apply Novacan patina with Q-Tip to wire areas. Rinse and dry.

Suggested Supplies

2 each #44-780-03 Copper Stamping Blank, Tablet with Hole
1 dozen [use 2] #05-000-06-21 Swarovski 5000 Faceted Round Beads, 6mm - Light Siam
1 each #81-500-1880-S Thompson Opaque 80-mesh Enamel for Metals - Flame Red, Sample
1 each #81-500-2120-S Thompson Translucent 80-mesh Enamel for Metals - Otter Brown, Sample
1 each #81-500-1995-S Thompson Opaque 80-mesh Enamel for Metals - Black, Sample
1 spool [use about a foot] #47-405-22 Copper Jewelry Wire, 22ga, Round, 125'
1 gross [use 2] #34-362-7 Antiqued Copper Plated Earring Hook Findings, Plain
1 gross [use 2] #33-961 Clear Rubber Earring Back, Wire Keeper