Negative Space Earrings

by Judy Larson

Category: Metalwork
Technique(s): Cutting, Dapping, Butane Torch Techniques
Skill Level: Intermediate

I like to cram as many different pieces as possible together onto a piece of metal to conserve as much of it as possible. I broke with my usual way of doing things and cut out just two pair of Tropical Leaf Earrings. I could not throw the leftover pieces into the scrap box so left them on my work surface. It took me several months to see what others probably saw immediately...the negative space scrap would work for earrings, too!

Materials

Negative space sheet from Tropical Leaf Earrings

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

26 Gauge Dead Soft Argentium Silver Sheet - 6 Inches

H19-26SM6

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1 Inch
Price: $40.08
Gold Club Price: $30.06

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7 Piece Mini TruStrike Hammer Set with Stand

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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2.5mm 22 gauge sterling jump rings

Lesson Quantity: 2.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 2.00 each

22 Gauge Round Half Hard Argentium .940 Silver Wire

H19-22H

Lesson Quantity: 3.00 inches
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
Price: $2.30
Gold Club Price: $1.73

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Post earring findings

Lesson Quantity: 2.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 2.00 each

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Tools

Silver Solder Paste Medium SS70 - 1/4 T.O.

SOL-822.15

SOL-822.15
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $18.95
Gold Club Price: $14.21

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4 Saw Frame with Tension Screw

SAW-334.00

SAW-334.00
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $21.97
Gold Club Price: $16.48

Out of Stock

5/0 saw blades

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

Euro Corner Punch Plier 1.50mm

PLR-133.80

PLR-133.80
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $22.95
Gold Club Price: $17.21

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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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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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Blazer Big Buddy Turbo Torch, Black

TRCH-8010

TRCH-8010
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $40.00
Gold Club Price: $30.00

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Magnesia Soldering Block

SOL-455.00

SOL-455.00
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $7.95
Gold Club Price: $5.96

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Chain Nose Wire Pliers

G2-508

G2-508
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $32.95
Gold Club Price: $24.71

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Pickle Pot, 16 Ounces

CLN-584.00

CLN-584.00
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $31.95
Gold Club Price: $23.96

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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

GROBET FILE - BARRETTE CUT 4, 6"

FIL-31.031

FIL-31.031
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $35.10
Gold Club Price: $26.33

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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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Instructions

Step 1

Read through the tutorial before starting the project. Follow all safety precautions pertaining to the tools and supplies being used and the space you are working in. These earrings can be made with any negative space frame.

After carefully cutting a shape from sheet metal, you may find that you like the negative space left behind. If I had been thinking ahead to these earrings, I would have cut the Tropical Leaf earrings out differently. I would have started at the center top as that area will be filed down in Step 10. The saw cut would not be nearly as noticeable there.

In Step 5, a jump ring is placed in the rounded-out area at the top of the negative space leaf frame. Use a round file to adjust the curve to fit the size jump ring that will be used.

Judy Larson's Negative Space Earrings - , Metalwork, Cutting, Cutting Tool, Cutters, Dapping, Dapping Jewelry, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, negative space earrings

Step 2

Using the negative space piece as a guide, cut a piece of 26 gauge sheet the same size or a bit larger. Adding texture to this sheet adds visual interest to the finished earrings. Use a rolling mill texture sheet to add texture or lightly texture the sheet with a Mini TruStrike Designer/Texture Hammer. The texture should not be too deep or the negative space frame may not adhere well to the textured backing during soldering.

Step 3

To solder together properly, it is important that both pieces are flat. They may need to be annealed. After annealing, push the saw cuts on the negative space frame together. Flatten the piece on a bench block, re-aligning the saw cuts as necessary. Flatten the textured backing.

Step 4

Spread an even layer of medium paste solder over the back of the negative space frame in the areas where it will be attached to the textured backing. Place extra paste solder on the saw cuts in the frame.

Step 5

Position the frame solder side down on the textured backing. Press it into place. Place medium paste solder on the back of jump rings that fit the curve at the top of the frame. Press them into place.

Step 6

The length of the wire cut for the midrib of the leaf depends upon the size of the leaf and personal choice. Flush cut both ends of the wire. Curve the wire to the curve of the leaf. Put medium paste solder on the back of the wire. Press the wire into place, making sure that one wire end pushes against the jump ring.

Step 7

Place the piece on a soldering surface. Gradually heat the piece around the outside and down the center between the two frames. Concentrate more on the double layers of metal rather than the backing. Heat until the solder flows. Allow to cool naturally. Check to make sure the solder flowed under the inner frame sections of the leaf.

Note: The two saw cuts in the frame did not solder together, even though they were pushed together as tightly as possible before placing on the backing. As the metal "relaxed" when being heated, it went back to the original shape with a slight opening in the saw cuts. This is why the Tropical Leaves earring shapes should have been cut starting at the top.

Step 8

Pickle, rinse, and dry the piece.

Step 9

Cut around each leaf leaving a 1/16" frame. The width of the frame here was determined by the distance between the two frames. These earrings can be cut with shears, but it will be difficult because the two layers of metal soldered together are quite thick.

Pro Tip: It may be easier to follow a line drawn with an ultra fine point retractable Sharpie marker.

Step 10

Use files and sanding sponges to refine the outer edge of each earring. File away most of the frame above the jump rings to make it easier for them to attach to the selected earring findings.

Step 11

Tumbling the pieces for several hours will polish them.

Step 12

The earrings are pretty the way they are, but adding patina will bring out the texture of the backing as well as the design shape of the negative space frame.

Step 13

Remove patina from the high points of each piece using 0000 steel wool.

Step 14

Many earring shapes can benefit from a bit of shaping. A subtle curve can make all the difference in how an earring hangs and frames the face.

Step 15

Using steel wool to remove excess patina leaves a satin finish. If more of a shine is desired, tumble the pieces again for 20 to 30 minutes.

Step 16

Attach the finished leaves to earring findings.

Reviews

Judy Larson

My philosophy has always been "I will never live long enough to learn everything I want to learn, go everywhere I want to go and see everything I want to see!" So, what I make and how I create it is always changing and evolving. I was born shortly after WWII to parents who grew up during the Depression. They always had a "we can do it, we can make it" attitude which rubbed off on my two younger brothers and me. My brothers are amazing and can make and do ANYTHING! When I was a little girl, my mother gave me an old carved cigar box, which I cherish, filled with pop beads, wooden beads and yarn for stringing. That was the beginning of my jewelry making journey.

On a visit to the Grand Canyon when I was a young woman, I was fortunate enough to help a Native American silversmith sand cast my first silver bracelet and bezel set a large turquoise nugget on top. I was in love, hook, line and sinker! While working full time and having a family here in northern Minnesota, my artistic endeavors slowed down but never stopped. I am an artist, scrapbooker, seamstress, woodworker and jewelry artisan. Now that I am retired, I am able to indulge in all my hobbies. However, there just never seems to be enough time in the day to do it all, but I try!

I have been teaching community education beginner and intermediate jewelry making classes since my retirement. Many of my students have been bitten so hard by the jewelry making bug that they say I have turned them into monsters-they just can't get enough. Making jewelry, seeing something take shape from small bits and pieces, is so rewarding that I hope it brings out the "monster" in you, too!