WEAR IT: FOSSIL JEWELRY
B
AC
Fig. A: Lay objects directly onto the metal sheet and sheet, and then cut them out with metal shears.
hammer to create these types of texturized effects. Fig. C: Saw through your coil, one jump ring at a time.
Fig. B: Use the Sharpie to trace shapes on the copper
Set the pendant in your third hand and flux the
soldering site as well as the jump ring. Solder a small Quick Tip: Texturize metal
piece of easy onto the jump ring and flow the solder with your own customized
into the cracks using your torch. Quench and reapply handmade stamp.
the flux to the jump ring. It’s important to have clean Here’s how to make one:
surfaces, otherwise the solder will not flow easily. 1. Using your jeweler’s saw, cut a large screw in half
Use your tweezers to hold the jump ring, evenly heat at the stem.
both surfaces, and solder the 2 pieces together. 2. File down the surface.
3. Using your jeweler’s saw, cut out a small star (or any
4. Finish the piece. small shape you want) from a 16-gauge sheet of nickel
Finishing is important — it determines the overall or iron (iron lasts longer but is very difficult to cut).
mood of the piece. Make sure the pendant is oil- and 4. Solder the star onto the prepared surface.
dust-free, and then, using a paintbrush, apply a thin
layer of silver-black solution to the entire surface.
Silver black is an acid, so neutralize it afterwards
in a bowl of water and baking soda ( 1 tablespoon
baking soda per cup of water). Just dip it and then
remove it. Using a Scotch-Brite pad or 220-grit
sandpaper, buff away the black patina. Play around
with the effect until you achieve the look you want.
Thread the cord through the jump ring and enjoy!
Gretchen Walker is fascinated with ornamentation. She
earned a degree in goldsmithing, and now lives in San
Francisco, where she's both a jeweler and artist.
