Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling, Metalwork. Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder. Here's another way to decorate your Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet.
Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling
by Judy Larson
  • Category: Metalwork
  • Technique(s): Butane Torch Techniques
  • Skill Level: Beginner
Here's another way to decorate your Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet. Again, it's a great way to use up scrap pieces of metal from your bench!

Materials

30 Gauge 0.010 Dead Soft Copper Sheet Metal - 6x6 Inch
MET-705.30
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $8.18
  • Gold Club Price: $6.14
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22 Gauge 0.025 Dead Soft Copper Sheet Metal - 6x6 Inch
MET-705.22
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $11.30
  • Gold Club Price: $8.48
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24 Gauge 0.020 Dead Soft Red Brass Sheet Metal - 6x6 Inch
MET-704.24
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $8.98
  • Gold Club Price: $6.74
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Tools

5/8 Inch Double Rubber/Nylon Head Hammer - Pack of 1
G3-26
  • G3-26
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $4.97
  • Gold Club Price: $3.73
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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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Premium Steel Bench Block 2 1/2 X 2 1/2
G17-9
  • G17-9
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $15.97
  • Gold Club Price: $11.98
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Steel Bench Block 4x4 Inch - Pack of 1
G17-10
  • G17-10
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $21.95
  • Gold Club Price: $16.46
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C.H.P Milano Small Sprue Cutter, 6-1/4 Inches, Flush Cut
PLR-488.00
  • PLR-488.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $24.95
  • Gold Club Price: $18.71
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Solderite Soldering Board 6 Inch by 6 Inch Soft
SOL-421.10
  • SOL-421.10
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $12.95
  • Gold Club Price: $9.71
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Deluxe Soldering Kit
G15-5
  • G15-5
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $116.97
  • Gold Club Price: $87.73
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Copper Solder Paste, 1/2 ozt, Soft
SOL-824.10
  • SOL-824.10
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $9.95
  • Gold Club Price: $7.46
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2 Hole Metal Punch
G12-60
  • G12-60
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $9.97
  • Gold Club Price: $7.48
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Instructions
Step 1
Read through the directions before beginning. Note: Save all the metal scraps, no matter how tiny, for the last project.

Use the information on the template for the size to cut the pieces used as embellishments on the bracelet links. Make sure the pieces are longer than needed. The excess metal hanging over the edges of the links will be cut away after soldering.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling
Step 2
I started fold forming a piece of 30-gauge copper. If you are like me, you save a lot of scraps, thinking they might come in handy for something being made in the future. When I realized I had Sherman Fold scraps cut from the edge of a piece I attached to an Eva Sherman cuff I made, I pulled them out and knew they would be perfect attached to these bracelet links. Of course, any heavily textured or tightly fold formed piece of metal will work instead.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling
Step 3
Use a rubber mallet to lightly flatten the fold formed scrap. It is natural for it to curve so don't worry. Lightly buff the top with a sanding pad to see the texture design.
Step 4
Place the "O" ring toggle link on a bench block. Dividing the washer into four quadrants with an ultra fine point retractable Sharpie makes it easier to use the Mini TruStrike Sharp Designer Hammer to hammer even lines radiating out from center.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling
Step 5
An eighth inch wide piece of 24 or 26 gauge brass cut for the T-bar is attached to a ¼" x 1" piece of 20 or 22 gauge copper. Refer to PREPARING THE BRACELET LINK PIECES-Part 2 for directions for finishing the T-bar.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling
Step 6
Place the slightly flattened strip of fold formed metal on a bracelet link. Make sure that the texture that will show on the finished link is pleasing. Cut the piece longer than needed. The excess will be trimmed away after soldering. Use an ultra fine point retractable Sharpie to draw a straight line along one edge of the piece. Draw another line a scant ¼" away from the first line. Trim away the excess metal. Repeat the process with the other links. These pieces will be placed right next to the jump rings on one end of each link. The pieces for the "O" ring toggle and the smallest link should be cut no more than 1/8" wide.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling
Step 7
Cut a piece of 24 or 26 gauge brass no more than 3/8" wide. Texture the brass strip using a Mini TruStrike Sharp Designer Hammer. The strip will curve if hammering only from one end to the other. Turn it around and hammer again and the piece will straighten. Use an ultra fine point retractable Sharpie to draw a straight line along one edge of the piece. Draw another line 3/16" away from the first line. Trim away and save the excess metal.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling
Step 8
Cut each brass piece longer than needed. The excess metal will be trimmed away after soldering.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling
Step 9
Flatten the textured brass pieces.
Step 10
Now is the time to decide what embellishment will be used. If not using eyelets and sparkly chatons or domed rivet embellishments, cut a silver or nickel silver 1/8" disk for all but the "O" ring toggle link and the smallest link. Flatten the discs.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling
Step 11
Butter the entire back of a fold formed piece, including all the dips, with copper paste solder. Place the piece on the copper bracelet link, solder side down, pushing the edge against the jump rings on one end of the link.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling
Step 12
Place each piece onto the soldering surface. Here, a solderite board was used. Heat each piece separately until a flash of silver is visible when the solder flows. Immediately remove the heat and go on to the next piece until all are soldered.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling
Step 13
Use flush cutters to trim away the excess fold formed metal. Do not worry if a part of a fold formed section has not attached to the link.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling
Step 14
The pieces will look terrible after soldering. Place in a pickle pot with super pickle and they will come out looking much better. Rinse the pieces. Some people like to place the pieces in baking soda water to neutralize the pickle and then rinse them. Dry the pieces before going to the next step. Note: Super pickle is not needed for this step because both soldered pieces are copper, but since it will be needed for the next solder step, it was used anyway.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling
Step 15
Most of the fold formed pieces will have an area that did not fully adhere to the bracelet link. Use the tips of chain nose pliers to press down the edges of the fold formed pieces, avoiding the raised texture areas where possible. Use one end of a half a wooden clothespin to press the edges of fold formed pieces that the pliers did not reach onto the bracelet link. All the solder used in Step 13 spread out on the back of the fold formed piece so during the next soldering step, the fold formed pieces will fully adhere.
Step 16
A quick brush with a soft bristle brass or steel brush will make the links look even better. This is not necessary, but you can get an idea of how the pieces will look after they are tumbled. This was when I decided I wanted to texture the "O" ring toggle washer. It was very difficult to not hit the fold formed piece while texturing. It would have been so much better to do this back in Step 4, as written in the directions.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling
Step 17
Butter the backs of the textured brass strips and place solder side down on the bracelet links. If not using eyelets or domed rivets, place a small amount of copper paste solder on the back of a silver disc. Place solder side down on the bracelet link where an eyelet or rivet would be attached.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling
Step 18
Place each piece onto a raised soldering surface. Heat each piece separately until you see the solder flow. Immediately remove the heat and go on to the next piece until all are soldered.
Step 19
Place the links in a pickle pot with super pickle until the fire scale is removed. Rinse the pieces. Some people like to place the pieces in baking soda water to neutralize the pickle and then rinse them. Dry the pieces before going to the next step.
Step 20
Use a soft bristle brass or steel brush on each piece. Use a flush cutter for heavier metal to trim the excess brass.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling
Step 21
Trim off the corners of each link using a flush cutter. Use a metal shears to away the excess metal at the top of the washer on the "O" ring toggle piece. File and refine each piece so there are no sharp edges that can scratch the skin or snag on clothing.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling
Step 22
Use a 2mm hole punch to make holes where you would like to place the eyelets.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling
Step 23
Place an eyelet in a hole on one link. Use an eyelet setter to attach the eyelet. Repeat the process for all but the ½" link.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling
Step 24
Place the links in the tumbler with shot, water and a drop of dish detergent. Tumble for several hours and they will come out bright and shiny. Note: The sparkly chatons will be secured in place after the bracelet sections have been patinated.
Pro Tip: Hold off on doing any patina to the pieces until all the bracelets sections are done.
Judy Larson's Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet 6 - A Little Bling - , Metalwork, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Mixed Metal Sampler Bracelet A Little Bling