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Judy Larson's Feathers and Leaves Earring Remodel, Metalwork. Texturing, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, . Clothing styles are always changing.

Feathers and Leaves Earring Remodel

by Judy Larson
  • Category: Metalwork
  • Technique(s): Texturing, Wrapping, Twisting
  • Skill Level: Intermediate
Clothing styles are always changing. We just get used to one thing, and BAM, it seems everything in our closet is no longer in style. The same thing happens with jewelry. Once loved and often worn pieces haven't seen the light of day for years- It is time to do some remodeling!

Materials

Silver Solder Paste Soft SS65- 1/4 T.O.
SOL-822.10
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $16.95
  • Gold Club Price: $12.71
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18 Gauge Half Round Dead Soft Argentium .940 Silver Wire
H19-18HRD
  • Lesson Quantity: 5.00 inches
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $2.67
  • Gold Club Price: $2.00
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24 Gauge Dead Soft Argentium Silver Sheet - 6 Inches
H19-24SM6
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 3 Inches
  • Price: $123.97
  • Gold Club Price: $92.98
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20 Gauge Round Dead Soft Argentium .940 Silver Wire
H19-20D
  • Lesson Quantity: 5.00 inches
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $3.56
  • Gold Club Price: $2.67
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Clear packing tape
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Sterling Silver earring components - assorted styles
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Sterling Silver Bails - Assorted styles
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16 gauge 8mm ID Argentium jump rings
  • Lesson Quantity: 6.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Add All Items to Cart

Tools

6 Step Barrel Plier - Pack of 1
G2-503
  • G2-503
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $14.95
  • Gold Club Price: $11.21
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Pro Shear
SHR-544.00
  • SHR-544.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $12.95
  • Gold Club Price: $9.71
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ultra fine retractable Sharpie
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Bench Block Helper with Steel and Nylon Blocks
DAP-500.30
  • DAP-500.30
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $29.95
  • Gold Club Price: $22.46
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Butane Canister 8 Ounces
GAS-1-1PK
  • GAS-1-1PK
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $9.95
  • Gold Club Price: $7.46
Out of Stock
Handy Flame Butane Torch
SOL-315.00
  • SOL-315.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $29.95
  • Gold Club Price: $22.46
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Cool Cup
SOL-700.00
  • SOL-700.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $15.97
  • Gold Club Price: $11.98
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12x12 Inch Rubber Mat
MAT-500.00
  • MAT-500.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $24.95
  • Gold Club Price: $18.71
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Aqui Flux, 1/2 Pint Spray Bottle
SOL-932.03
  • SOL-932.03
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $6.95
  • Gold Club Price: $5.21
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Cross Lock Tweezers Straight
TWZ-740.00
  • TWZ-740.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $5.80
  • Gold Club Price: $4.35
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Fire Brick
SOL-485.00
  • SOL-485.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $15.95
  • Gold Club Price: $11.96
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Premium Soldering Pick with Shield
SPK-777.00
  • SPK-777.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $23.95
  • Gold Club Price: $17.96
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Nylon Faced Mallet
HAM-365.05
  • HAM-365.05
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $14.95
  • Gold Club Price: $11.21
Out of Stock
Nylon Flat Pliers-Ergo
PLR-275.30
  • PLR-275.30
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $15.95
  • Gold Club Price: $11.96
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Chasing Hammer - Flat Faced with Polished Wooden Handle - Pack of 1
G3-13
  • G3-13
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $11.97
  • Gold Club Price: $8.98
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7 Piece Mini TruStrike Hammer Set with Stand
HAM-520.70
  • HAM-520.70
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $140.54
  • Gold Club Price: $105.40
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10 Piece Diamond Needle Files - 140mm X 3mm
G14-8
  • G14-8
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $13.57
  • Gold Club Price: $10.18
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WET/DRY PAPER 9 X 11 ASST- 20PC- 2EA GRIT 180-3000
ABR-500.90
  • ABR-500.90
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $24.95
  • Gold Club Price: $18.71
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SANDING SPONGES ASST- 5PC- 1EA GRIT 100-400
ABR-600.90
  • ABR-600.90
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $9.95
  • Gold Club Price: $7.46
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Round Nose Nylon Tipped Pliers--Large
PLR-827.50
  • PLR-827.50
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $12.95
  • Gold Club Price: $9.71
Add to Bag
Nylon Ring Bending Pliers
PLR-841.00
  • PLR-841.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $20.97
  • Gold Club Price: $15.73
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WireJewelry Pro-Series Double Barrel Tumbler, Jewelry and Metal Polishing Kit, Includes 2 Pounds of Jewelers Mix Shot and 8 Ounces of Shinebrite Burnishing Compound
G25-2-KIT2SS
  • G25-2-KIT2SS
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $293.27
  • Gold Club Price: $219.95
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NATURE'S TOUCH CITRIC PICKLE, 2LB PLASTIC JAR
CLN-163.00
  • CLN-163.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $17.95
  • Gold Club Price: $13.46
Out of Stock
Sparex Number 2 Pickling Compound
SOL-802.10
  • SOL-802.10
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $7.95
  • Gold Club Price: $5.96
Add to Bag
Copper Pickling Tweezers, Curved, Reinforced, 8-1/2 Inches
TWZ-959.00
  • TWZ-959.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $9.95
  • Gold Club Price: $7.46
Add to Bag
Optional Tools
Master Jewelry Soldering Kit
G32-MASTER
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $239.93
  • Gold Club Price: $179.95
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Add All Items to Cart
Instructions
Step 1
One-piece earrings are great.

The problem with these earrings was that they seemed too big, felt outdated in design, and no longer suited my lifestyle; additionally, the ear wires constantly got bent out of shape when putting them on, taking them off, or storing them in a jewelry box.

They were the perfect pieces for a remodel easy to work with since there were no stones to remove and the ball embellishments would be incorporated into the new design and, because the metal was brittle from years of use, the first step was to anneal each piece.
Judy Larson's Feathers and Leaves Earring Remodel - , Metalwork, Texturing, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, , no stones to remove
Judy Larson's Feathers and Leaves Earring Remodel - , Metalwork, Texturing, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, , the first step was to anneal each piece
Step 2
Once the pieces are annealed place them right side up on a bench block.

Use a small rubber/nylon mallet to flatten them.

Pull the ear wire section of each through the closed jaws of a soft jaw flat nose pliers to straighten them.
Judy Larson's Feathers and Leaves Earring Remodel - , Metalwork, Texturing, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, , Use a small rubber mallet to flatten them
Step 3
Photocopy the backs of the flattened pieces.

This is much easier and more accurate than tracing around each piece.
Judy Larson's Feathers and Leaves Earring Remodel - , Metalwork, Texturing, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, , Photocopy the backs of the flattened pieces
Step 4
Sketch new shapes and sizes on the photocopy.

Start by sketching shapes with a pencil, and once you're satisfied with the shape and size, darken the lines using an ultra fine point Sharpie then audition any additional elements to see what looks best.
Judy Larson's Feathers and Leaves Earring Remodel - , Metalwork, Texturing, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, , Sketch new shapes and sizes
Step 5
Cover the front and back of the photocopy of each design with clear packing tape which will help make a stiff template.

Cut the shape out and discard it, leaving a template to use.

Normally, the template would be placed on the back of the flattened metal piece.
Judy Larson's Feathers and Leaves Earring Remodel - , Metalwork, Texturing, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, , Cover the front and back
Judy Larson's Feathers and Leaves Earring Remodel - , Metalwork, Texturing, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, , Cut the shape out and discard it
Step 6
Because the center wire/ear wire and embellishments were not removed, center the template over the wire on the front of each piece.
Judy Larson's Feathers and Leaves Earring Remodel - , Metalwork, Texturing, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, , Scale the template
Step 7
Trace the shape on each piece using an ultra-fine point retractable Sharpie marker.

If making earrings, turn the image over to make mirror images.

Glue the templates scaled to size in Step 5 to sheet metal.
Judy Larson's Feathers and Leaves Earring Remodel - , Metalwork, Texturing, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, , Trace the shape
Step 8
Using preferred tools for cutting metal, cut each shape out along the drawn lines.

Notice that the center wires were left on the feather and leaf tips.

I was not sure at this point if I was going to ball the tips up to the shape or cut them off.
Judy Larson's Feathers and Leaves Earring Remodel - , Metalwork, Texturing, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, , Cut mirror image shapes
Step 9
Texture, or re-texture as was the case here, each piece.

A Mini TruStrike Sharp Designer Hammer was used on the feathers and a Mini TruStrike Designer Hammer and a Mini TruStrike Sharp Designer Hammer were used on the leaves.

Create a sawtooth edge on the leaves using a file.
Judy Larson's Feathers and Leaves Earring Remodel - , Metalwork, Texturing, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, , re-texture as was the case
Step 10
File and refine the edges of each piece.

Make sure to file and smooth the area behind the top of the leaf or feather where some of the original metal remains.

It should be filed down as close as possible to the wire without compromising the wire.
Pro Tip: If the wires have been manipulated too much by this time and become a bit work hardened, anneal them again
Judy Larson's Feathers and Leaves Earring Remodel - , Metalwork, Texturing, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, , File and refine the edges of each piece
Step 11
Sometimes leaves have little bumps on them.

When unsure of the solder used, it's safest to use easy paste solder to add a balled 1⁄4 piece of 20-gauge Argentium wire for visual interest.

Cut a 4 piece of 20-gauge Argentium wire for each feather or leaf, straighten it, curve the bottom to fit the leaf shape, and place it on a soldering surface. Apply medium or easy paste solder down the center, press the wire into it, and leave at least a 2¾" tail extending above.

Ball one 1/2 and two 3/8 pieces of 18-gauge Argentium wire for each feather, and one 3/16 piece for each leaf heat with a butane torch until the solder flows, then remove the heat and let cool.
Judy Larson's Feathers and Leaves Earring Remodel - , Metalwork, Texturing, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, , Cut a 4 piece of 20-gauge Argentium wire
Step 12
Pickle the pieces in preferred pickle solution.

Neutralize the pieces in baking soda water after removing them from the Sparex pickle, then rinse and dry them before continuing.
Step 13
If 16 gauge 8mm ID closed jump rings aren't available, make your own using step 5 on a 6-step barrel plier instead of an 8mm mandrel the top row shows the finished rings, and the bottom row illustrates the method left-fusing, center-medium paste solder, right-medium sheet solder.

For less cleanup, use a smaller amount of paste solder and a smaller piece of chip solder than shown, as more paste solder and a larger piece of chip solder were used in the photo for visibility.

Clean and refine the seams after making the rings, and if there is fire scale on the metal, pickle the rings before use.
Judy Larson's Feathers and Leaves Earring Remodel - , Metalwork, Texturing, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, , Clean and refine the seams after making the rings
Step 14
Place 16 gauge 8mm ID Argentium jump rings on a bench block use a flat faced hammer to flatten each ring.
Judy Larson's Feathers and Leaves Earring Remodel - , Metalwork, Texturing, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, , Use a flat faced hammer to flatten each ring
Step 15
Place the wire between step 1 and 2 of the 6 step barrel pliers.
Judy Larson's Feathers and Leaves Earring Remodel - , Metalwork, Texturing, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, , Place the wire between step 1 and 2 barrel pliers.
Step 16
Placing the feather or leaf as close to the jaws as possible, wrap the wire around the step one barrel, going from the front to the back of the feather or leaf

The wire should wrap to the left of center, and then slide a flattened ring into the loop, as shown in the second photo.
Judy Larson's Feathers and Leaves Earring Remodel - , Metalwork, Texturing, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, , wrap the wire around the step one barrel
Judy Larson's Feathers and Leaves Earring Remodel - , Metalwork, Texturing, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, , Slide a flattened ring into the loop
Step 17
Pull the wire tail to the front, then push it through the ring from front to back as shown adjust both wraps to tighten slightly, ensuring the feather or leaf can still move freely on the ring.

Turn the feather or leaf over, then pull the wire tail down and to the left, as shown in the second photo.
Judy Larson's Feathers and Leaves Earring Remodel - , Metalwork, Texturing, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, , Pull the wire tail to the front
Judy Larson's Feathers and Leaves Earring Remodel - , Metalwork, Texturing, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, , Turn the feather or leaf over
Step 18
Turn the leaf right side up, then pull the wire tail up on the right side of both wraps on the ring pull the tail through the ring from front to back, as shown in the first photo.

Pull the wire down to the back of the pendant, then pull the wire tail to the front and across the feather or leaf stem going from right to left, as shown in the second photo.
Judy Larson's Feathers and Leaves Earring Remodel - , Metalwork, Texturing, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, , Turn the leaf right side up
Judy Larson's Feathers and Leaves Earring Remodel - , Metalwork, Texturing, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, , pull the wire tail to the front and across the feather
Step 19
Wrap the stem two or three times, depending on how much wire is left after connecting the piece to the ring, then trim off the excess wire and tuck the cut wire end in using the tips of chain nose pliers.

There should be enough wire to wrap the "stem" at least three times trim off any excess wire and tuck the cut wire end in using the tips of chain nose pliers.
Judy Larson's Feathers and Leaves Earring Remodel - , Metalwork, Texturing, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, , Wrap the stem two or three times
Step 20
As with many things that are flat in real life, shaped silver versions are more pleasing to the eye-first photo shaped and flat.
Judy Larson's Feathers and Leaves Earring Remodel - , Metalwork, Texturing, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, , shaped and flat
Step 21
Use soft jaw round nose, flat nose, and ring bending pliers to shape the pieces.
Judy Larson's Feathers and Leaves Earring Remodel - , Metalwork, Texturing, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, , Use soft jaw round nose
Judy Larson's Feathers and Leaves Earring Remodel - , Metalwork, Texturing, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, , bending pliers to shape the pieces
Step 22
After checking to see if the pieces need more filing and refining to be smooth to the touch, tumble them for several hours.
Judy Larson's Feathers and Leaves Earring Remodel - , Metalwork, Texturing, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, , tumble them
Step 23
Bright silver, especially bright white Argentium silver, makes it hard to see all the texture you may wish to patina the pieces to highlight all your hard work.

Removing excess patina with fine sanding pads or 0000 steel wool can impart a satin finish to the pieces.

To bring back more shine, they can be tumbled again for 20 to 30 minutes.
Judy Larson's Feathers and Leaves Earring Remodel - , Metalwork, Texturing, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, , Removing excess patina with fine sanding pads
Step 24
What would you turn the remakes into? Earrings or Pendants? My daughter wanted them as earrings.

I can see them as pendants with a small gemstone dangle added beside the leaf or feather, or even a small bezel set stone or CZ on the leaf or feather.
Pro Tip: While many dislike ear nuts on French hooks, shorter hooks can let earrings fall out if pushed by clothing. Longer ear wires help balance longer earrings and reduce this risk
Judy Larson's Feathers and Leaves Earring Remodel - , Metalwork, Texturing, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, , tumbled again for 20 to 30 minutes

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