Like intriguing little lenses, or novelty toys from a bygone age, these charming baubles always open a window for conversation. These tiny portholes are fun to make from ordinary hardware store copper pipe. Who knew? No prior experience required. You’ll learn a multitude of metalworking techniques in this class: sawing, tab setting and finishing as well as soldering with silver. This will be a slightly tedious class, so if fiddly little tiny projects is your thing, then join us! There’s nothing I love better than turning on tunes and getting lost in the metalworking process. I feel sure you will too! I get alot of personal satisfaction out of teaching metalworking AND making it fun! My hope is that we each make one 3/4" charm and one 1/2". I can almost guarantee you’ll get constant compliments on your finished product!
Supply List:
- Copper pipe 3/4” diameter and ½”diameter- 6” length will yield enough for this class. You may only have time to finish one, so its up to you whether you bring both diameters. You may even want to share pipe with a buddy.
- small piece of 22ga copper, or roofing copper scrap- this will be for backs, bails, or embellishments, so around 4"x4"is probably plenty. If you feel frisky bring sterling sheet! (No nickel though!)
- A hardware store pipe cutter- alot of people have these in their garage already, but I got one at Home Depot for $10 (Get the stronger one, not the little plastic one, its too whimpy) Henery’s hardware in Port Townsend should have pipe and cutters. www.henery.doitbest.com/home.aspx (360) 385-5900
- A pre-made chain or cord for your necklace or bracelet (for affordable charm bracelets try here: ladysmithsupply.etsy.com)
- Artwork or photos for inside your charms
Homework:
- seal artwork on both sides with modpodge or matte medium if you want to bring it puched already, do! Needs to fit inside 3/4" and /or 1/2" circle.
- Punches for paper artwork 3/4” and ½”
- wet/dry sandpaper for metal 220,320,400 they often come in an assortment pack. Ace hardware usually has it. (NOT the blonde kind for wood) Henery’s hardware in Port Townsend may have some (360) 385-5900.
- mica sheet(s) and scissors to cut it
- a handful of small glass florist pebbles
- little jingly bits like holeless beads, or mica flakes, or glitter for
inside your 1/2" size trinkets
- tweezers
- a jeweler’s sawframe and sawblades #2/0 (and/or smaller)- try contenti.com
- a small metal benchblock and a portable benchpin OR my FAVORITE: a metal block/benchpin combo available here: www.contenti.com/products/bench-pins/110-287.html
- small jewelry pliers- chain nose and round nose
- 20ga wire to make jump rings, or already made jump rings
- Any jewelry working tools of your own you already have like files (if you don’t have any yet, you might want to wait and try mine, but keep in mind we’ll have to share, may slow you down.)
- a Dremel and drill bits if you have one, but I will bring my flexshaft drill and hand drill
Optional items:
- Tiny metal stamps and hammer for them- I will bring some to share but you may want your own
- beads to embellish your creation
- wire and findings to attach beads
- jewelry ½ round hand files #2 and #4 cut - these are $24+, but mine have lasted YEARS and I wouldn’t be without them! Available here: www.contenti.com/products/files/230-174-2_0.html
- Krylon or other brand clear spray to seal the copper. I don't use this, but you might want to. Renaissance wax is another option. Again this might be a great item to share with roomies since it'll only take a tad.
