One reason why I like 2 part expoxy resin clay so much is it provides even more options to jewelry makers. Especially if you are not into hot connection techniques like soldering. This tutorial shows you how to make stud earrings with connector beads and resin clay. It was featured for the Best Beads giveaway earlier this week.
You will need bugle beads, daisy rondelles and ball or regular headpins for the dangles. By all means change up the dangle designs with different beads. Any 4 hole connector beads of your choice. The ones I used had pretty crystals. Stud earrings components should have large pads to increase the adhesive surface area and ear nuts. I like big ear nuts because they make it easier to grasp them.
There are all kinds of resin clays out there. I used "silver" (actually pale grey in color) crystal clay for this project. But I also have Apoxie clay which has been around for a long time. Please note that resin clays have a shelf life so don't leave them unused for years!!
As I used gun metal ball pins and wanted to stay with the same metal for the connection part, I snipped off the ball portion of a pin. (The supplies photo shows headpins as I took the picture after making the project. By that time I had used up all of my gun metal ball pins.)
Then curve this length of wire into a U shape and insert it through 2 of the holes of the connector bead.
Make sure to leave a gentle curve of wire showing below the bead. Cut off excess wire so you just have enough to make a loop on both ends inside the bead.
Make 2 sets of 3 dangles with the middle dangle a little longer than those on the side. Make wire loops at the top.
Now hook the dangles onto the connector beads and close the loops.
If you prefer to hang everything onto a hook rather than make stud earrings, then feed some wire through the top holes of the connector beads and do a wrapped loop.
To make stud earrings, prepare two tiny balls of resin clay. Start with 2 equal amounts of Part A and Part B. Knead them together until the clay is well blended and activated - it will feel sticky. The clay is not toxic so I use my hands but there are always people who might be sensitive so wear gloves if you are concerned. No matter how careful I am not to prepare too much resin clay, I always seem to have excess. So a good tip is to make sure you have a couple of other projects lined up to use it up.
The round balls of resin clay should be gently pressed into the backs of the connector beads. Note how easily it covers and immobilizes the wire work inside. I used just enough clay to be about level with the raised portion of the metal connectors I used. Press the pads of the earring studs on the resin clay and let it air dry overnight. I left the grey color as it is. But you can also paint something silvery onto the resin clay if you wish.
Before You Go: ______________________________
Original Post by
THE BEADING GEM Jewelry Making Tips -
Jewelry Business Tips 
No comments:
Post a Comment