By Sian Williamson
One of our bloggers wrote this how-to-make guide to show you that you can make jewellery out of the simplest of things.
How this project came to be:
Every so often, I try to make something using recycled items. As someone who is self learning, it’s a great test to see what level I’m at, kind of like a self exam. For these projects, I don’t normally have a plan, just a “see what happens if..” mindset. Although the end result was far from perfect, I’m still quite happy with it.
If you have any old copper pipe lying around, here’s a great crafty idea to try.
Step 1: Gather up your copper, saw frame, files, soldering equipment and that all important cup of tea.
Step 2: Cut the pipe into two lengths, one long and one short.
Step 3: Solder the bottom to a scrap peice of copper sheet.
Step 4:Cut off the excess sheet that’s just been soldered.
Step 5: Then file it all flush. Do the same for the shorter length.
Step 6: File in two matching dips (this will be for the hinge)
Step 7: Cut, file then solder two tiny lengths of copper tube. For the larger part of the copper pipe, only solder one peice of tiny copper tube in the middle of the dip. When brought together, these “knuckles” should sit snugly together, one larger central one and two smaller ones each side.
Step 8: Cut another length of the copper pipe to go inside the main box. You might need to reduce the width of this by making a cut down the length, remove a small section either by filing or with your saw, then solder closed again to ensure this bit will fit snugly inside the main box. This will provide the box with extra stability.
Step 9: Draw and cut out heart shape leafs from copper sheet.
Step 10: File them into shape.
Step 11: Solder some copper wire onto the leafs.
Step 12: Then solder them all onto one length of 1.0mm copper wire.
Step 13: Wrap the length of leaves around the base of the main box, solder into place. Make adjustments to where you want the leaves to sit as you go. Snip off the remaining length of leaves and keep for the lid.
Step 14: Hammer in a tiny length of copper wire for the hinge. I used 2mm copper tube with 1.0mm copper wire.
Step 15: Don’t forget to add a bail and use more copper tube for the clasp to slide through.
Step 16: Make the clasp and spend some time filing everything into shape. You might need another cup of tea at this point.
Step 17: Dip into platinol and polish up. Add some cording (with handmade ends) or chain.
Now you can step back and enjoy the finished piece…. and enjoy another cup of tea!
Cooksongold