When it comes to wirework, jewellery is probably one of the easier things you can make. Copper jewellery is a great place to start, as it is cheap to make. It features heat-giving qualities when it comes in contact with the skin, and the warm earthy appearance it gives off. A soft metal that comes in sheets, beads and wire for making jewellery. Copper is very easy to bend, manipulate and hammer. But, if you leave the wire untreated, it will tarnish to a green patina over time. If you are just a beginner, then you can quickly learn how to make copper jewellery using beads and copper-wire components. Earrings are easy to start with. If you are looking to sell your jewellery later, you can always build metal display stands in copper as well – to showcase your products.
To make copper-wire earrings you will need:
- Earring components
- Copper beads
- Wire headpins
- Copper ear wires
All these items can be found at craft supply stores. You are best to go with 4-8mm glass or stone beads. Natural beads that come in earthy colours are beautiful and will offset the copper’s reddish colours. Ensure that the drill holes in the beads are not too large; you want them to fit over the 20 gauge wire.
On the copper headpin, place the copper beads and other decorative accents in wood, stone or glass. You can arrange these how you want. Copper jewellery is organic looking and is complemented by a more electric design that is less organised. Using your round nose pliers, make a small loop on the top of the headpin, don’t finish it though. With the chain-nose pliers, set out each open loop that is inside each hole of the earring components. Using your pliers finish wrapping the circles around each dangle to ensure it gets securely fastened to the chandelier component. You will now have two earring components with a beautiful mix of earthy tone beads.
With the chain nose pliers, you need to open the loop on the ear wire and slide it to the top of the earring component. If the earring is one-sided, then you will need to make sure you have the correct side facing out before you close the loop. Now close the loop, so the earring is secure. Repeat the same thing with the other earring component.
Now clean the metal components with a treated polishing cloth. It is best to store the jewellery in a non-tarnish tissue paper to lower the tarnishing and help the jewellery to stay shiny. If you want a more antiqued look then letting it tarnish will acquire that.
When copper comes into contact with your skin, it can become discoloured; this won’t harm you unless you are allergic. If your skin starts to itch or become red and swollen, then you may be having an allergic reaction, and you should contact your doctor immediately.
The best thing about making copper-wire jewellery is the fact you can use it to start your own business. If you are a beginner, you can begin making items for your friends and family and once you grow to different designs and feel confident in making the jewellery you can consider selling it.
Social media pages and local markets work well for advertising and selling your handmade items.
Get your friends to help you get the word out, and before you know it, you will be getting plenty of orders for copper-wire jewellery even the possibility of a few custom jewellery orders.
