Kristal Wick's Colored Pencil on Copper Earrings, Contemporary Wire Jewelry. How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole. I used copper blanks for this project.
Colored Pencil on Copper Earrings
by Kristal Wick
  • Category: Contemporary
  • Technique(s): Hole Punching
  • Skill Level: Beginner
I used copper blanks for this project. You can also cut out any shape from copper sheet as well. You also need to purchase Prismacolor Premier Color Pencils. These colored pencils are pricey but they are the only brand that will work for this process due to their wax content. You'll be glad you did!

Materials

Metal Discs -- Copper - 11/16" (package of 10)
DIS-COP.241116
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $6.97
  • Gold Club Price: $5.23
Out of Stock
Metal Discs -- Copper - 5/8" (package of 10)
DIS-COP.262
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $5.97
  • Gold Club Price: $4.48
Out of Stock
20 Gauge 0.032 Dead Soft Copper Sheet Metal - 6x12 Inch
MET-705.20M
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $16.96
  • Gold Club Price: $12.72
Add to Bag
Sterling Silver Earwires 21.5mm w/ 1.5mm Bead - Pack of 2
K19-49
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $2.34
  • Gold Club Price: $1.76
Add to Bag
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Tools

Euro Tool Metal Hole Punch Pliers, 1.8 Millimeters
PLR-133.50
  • PLR-133.50
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $11.98
  • Gold Club Price: $8.98
Add to Bag
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Clear acrylic spray
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Faber-Castell Kneaded Eraser
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Extra fine Sharpie pen
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Small flat paint brush
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Gesso
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
graphite pencil
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
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Instructions
Step 1
Punch a hole in your copper blanks and sand the entire top surface of the blanks using fine sandpaper. You want the gesso to adhere to the metal which is why sanding is really important. Use fine sand paper or fine steel wool to sand the surface. Be sure to sand any area you wish to color on.
Clean the blanks using Bon Ami cleanser and don't touch the surface with your fingers or you may transfer oil or dirt onto the surface and prevent the gesso from adhering properly.
Kristal Wick's Colored Pencil on Copper Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, colored pencil on copper
Step 2
Apply a smooth, thin coat of gesso using the paint brush and let dry. Apply a second coat and let dry. Clean your brush with soap and water right away so the gesso doesn't dry and ruin your brush.
Kristal Wick's Colored Pencil on Copper Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, colored pencil on copper
Step 3
Using a very light touch, draw your design onto the copper surface using the pencil being careful not to chip off the dried gesso. Using the Sharpie pen draw over the pencil lines. Erase any pencil lines with a kneaded eraser so no marks are left on the surface. You can freehand this or use small stencils.

Step 4
Now for the fun part! Time to color. Start with your light colors first and shade with your darker colors. You do not want to color too much or press too hard. This takes a little practice.
Kristal Wick's Colored Pencil on Copper Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, colored pencil on copper
Kristal Wick's Colored Pencil on Copper Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, colored pencil on copper
Step 5
Once you're pleased with your coloring, spray your piece with clear acrylic spray. I like to use a matte finish but glossy works fine too. Be really careful to spray 1-2 quick, light sprays. If you spray too much or too thick a coat, the colors will bleed and run.
Step 6
Let completely dry, attach an ear wire (or make your own): https://www.wirejewelry.com/jewelry_making_patterns_tutorials/Make-a-Perfect-Pair-of-Ear-Wires_322.html
Kristal Wick's Colored Pencil on Copper Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, colored pencil on copper