Hearts and Flowers Charms

by Judy Larson

Category: Classic
Technique(s): Cutting, Filing / Finishing, Butane Torch Techniques, Design
Skill Level: Intermediate

Judy Larson shares why handmade jewelry makes such a meaningful Valentine's gift. Hearts and Flowers charms offer a personal touch that lasts far longer than chocolates or roses.

These sweet designs can be worn alone or combined into a charm bracelet that tells a special story.

Materials

20 Gauge Dead Soft Argentium Silver Sheet - 6 Inches

H19-20SM6

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1 Inch
Price: $211.53
Gold Club Price: $158.65

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22 Gauge Dead Soft Argentium Silver Sheet - 6 Inches

H19-22SM6

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1 Inch
Price: $163.99
Gold Club Price: $122.99

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18 Gauge Square Half Hard Argentium .940 Silver Wire

H19-18SQH

Lesson Quantity: 12.00 inches
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
Price: $21.61
Gold Club Price: $16.21

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20 Gauge Square Dead Soft Argentium .940 Silver Wire

H19-20SQD

Lesson Quantity: 12.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
Price: $13.34
Gold Club Price: $10.01

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22 Gauge Square Half Hard Argentium .940 Silver Wire

H19-22SQH

Lesson Quantity: 12.00 inches
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
Price: $8.23
Gold Club Price: $6.17

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16 Gauge Round Dead Soft Argentium .940 Silver Wire

H19-16D

Lesson Quantity: 12.00 inches
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
Price: $27.33
Gold Club Price: $20.50

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Craft glue stick

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

Aqui Flux, 1/2 Pint Spray Bottle

SOL-932.03

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $8.95
Gold Club Price: $6.71

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Sterling Silver Charm Key 7.5X18mm - Pack of 1

K1-41

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $2.72
Gold Club Price: $2.04

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Gold Filled Charm Heart 10mm - Pack of 1

J1-64

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $3.44
Gold Club Price: $2.58

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20 or 22 gauge 2mm ID Argentium jump rings

Lesson Quantity: 12.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

Baby Heart Crystal/White Gold Foil, Approx. Size 14mm

A3-199

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $3.97
Gold Club Price: $2.98

Out of Stock

6mm Fine Silver Bezel Cup - Pack of 10

F9-02

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $3.97
Gold Club Price: $2.98

Out of Stock

Assorted 6mm Round Cabochons to choose from

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Liver of Sulphur Gel, 1 Ounce Bottle

SOL-610.01

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $9.95
Gold Club Price: $7.46

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Optional: 24 gauge gold-filled scraps for embellishments

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

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Tools

Basic Sawing Kit

G15-7

G15-7
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $34.95
Gold Club Price: $26.21

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6 Piece Assorted File Set with Wooden Handle

G14-7

G14-7
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $5.57
Gold Club Price: $4.18

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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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Toothpick

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

SANDING SPONGES ASST- 5PC- 1EA GRIT 100-400

ABR-600.90

ABR-600.90
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $9.95
Gold Club Price: $7.46

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Silver Solder Paste Hard SS75 - 1/4 T.O.

SOL-822.20

SOL-822.20
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $36.95
Gold Club Price: $27.71

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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: $35.95
Gold Club Price: $26.96

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Silver Solder Paste Soft SS65- 1/4 T.O.

SOL-822.10

SOL-822.10
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $34.95
Gold Club Price: $26.21

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Euro Tool Metal Hole Punch Pliers, 1.8 Millimeters

PLR-133.50

PLR-133.50
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $11.98
Gold Club Price: $8.98

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Design Stamp, Whimsical, Heart

PUN-109.01

PUN-109.01
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $9.95
Gold Club Price: $7.46

Out of Stock

Designer Metal Stamps--Sweet Heart

PUN-103.25

PUN-103.25
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $9.95
Gold Club Price: $7.46

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Designer Metal Stamps--Star Swirl

PUN-109.04

PUN-109.04
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $10.57
Gold Club Price: $7.93

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JewelryTools.com has a variety of additional stamps to choose from

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

Brass Hammer - 1 Pound

HAM-456.10

HAM-456.10
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $24.97
Gold Club Price: $18.73

Out of Stock

Designer Stamp Set--Uppercase Fancy Lucida Stamp Set

PUN-208.90

PUN-208.90
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $97.95
Gold Club Price: $73.46

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Bench Blocks - 130 X 130 X 20

DUR-1187

DUR-1187
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $66.67
Gold Club Price: $50.00

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7 Piece Mini TruStrike Hammer Set with Stand

HAM-520.70

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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6 Step Barrel Plier - Pack of 1

G2-503

G2-503
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $14.95
Gold Club Price: $11.21

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Wubbers Small Bail Making Pliers

G2-1301

G2-1301
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $24.95
Gold Club Price: $18.71

Add to Bag

Wubbers X-Large Round Mandrel Pliers

G2-1304

G2-1304
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $35.97
Gold Club Price: $26.98

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ultra fine retractable Sharpie

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

Handy Flame Butane Torch

SOL-315.00

SOL-315.00
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $29.95
Gold Club Price: $22.46

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Fire Brick

SOL-485.00

SOL-485.00
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $15.95
Gold Club Price: $11.96

Out of Stock

7 inch Rotating Soldering Pan w/ 3rd Hand And Pumice

SOL-525.00

SOL-525.00
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $42.95
Gold Club Price: $32.21

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WireJewelry Pro-Series Single Barrel Tumbler, Jewelry and Metal Polishing Kit, Includes 1 Pound of Jewelers Mix Shot and 8 Ounces of Shinebrite Burnishing Compound

G25-1-KITSS

G25-1-KITSS
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $182.60
Gold Club Price: $136.95

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PROFESSIONAL QUALITY RING MANDREL 1-16

MAN-295.00

MAN-295.00
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $24.95
Gold Club Price: $18.71

Add to Bag

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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Optional Tools

Lindstrom Multi-Purpose Shear, 5-3/4 Inches

G2-6000

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $39.95
Gold Club Price: $29.96

Add to Bag

Master Jewelry Soldering Kit

G32-MASTER

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $254.60
Gold Club Price: $190.95

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Add All Items to Cart

Instructions

Step 1

Start new projects with rough sketches to spark creativity.

Hearts and Valentine sentiments work year-round, so let your imagination run free.

Keep charms small to avoid oversized designs.

Use 1/8 graph paper for precise planning.

The finished heart shown is the largest in this series. The other large charm appears in Step 20.

Scale templates to your desired size if using them.

Print on typing paper.

Do not cut templates out. Just cut them apart to separate.

The X O charm is a sketch only. See Steps 4 and 5 for construction notes.

Throw a few small of these easy No Measure Hearts made with shaped jump rings between the hearts from this series on a bracelet or necklace.

Click Here

These Tiny Silver Charms are another charm option. Click Here

Think ahead. Do you want to use textured/stamped metal? Should the edges of some pieces be hammered?

Step 2

Refer to the template photo for the sheet gauge of each charm part.

Use a glue stick to adhere each template to the desired gauge sheet metal.

Allow glue to dry for at least 20 minutes before cutting shapes.

Use large scrap metal to fit front sections for these charms:

Key To My Heart, LOVE Ribbon Heart, Ring Around My Heart, Bezel Set Heart, and Southwest Vibe Turquoise Heart.

Silver prices have soared recently.

Wire and jump rings for these charms come from non-recycled material.

Charm connections do not need metal strength for integrity.

Sheet metal and bezel wire are made from recycled scrap.

Step 3

Cut out each shape.

These charms were cut using a saw, but some work with Lindstrom shears.

Refine all edges with files and sanding pads before use.

Step 4

Stamp hearts, stars, and a feather arrow on scrap metal. Cut them out as embellishments.

Choose stamps that suit your design.

Use a 1.8mm hole punch for dot embellishments.

Step 5

Many charms layer in several steps.

Keep embellishments on the first side as flat as possible. Both front and back get decorated.

The Small Heart With Dot Border's back was easy to embellish. Its front sits flat on the soldering surface.

Nestle the Rose charm's flower side in pumice. This levels the back for a large 3D heart.

Use medium paste solder for front-side connections, regardless of steps.

Use easy paste solder for back-side embellishments.

Remove excess paste with wood toothpicks before soldering.

After soldering front pieces to backing, cut away excess metal.

Punch 1.8mm hanging loop holes. Reserve dots as embellishments.

File and refine edges and holes on pieces without embellishments.

Step 6

Hugs

Form a ring on a 6-step barrel plier with 18 gauge square Argentium wire.

Straighten and cut 18 gauge square wire longer than needed for a Kiss X.

Ensure square cuts so short side legs sit flush with the long center leg.

Place medium paste solder under each seam.

Heat until solder flows. Cool.

Trim X legs to match O size.

Stamp "HUGS" on the back of 22 gauge scrap using 2mm letter stamps.

Make the scrap large enough for the X, O, 18 gauge square wire border, and hanging loop.

Outline ghost letter images on the front with an ultra-fine point retractable Sharpie marker.

Straighten two 1" and two 1/2" pieces of 18 gauge square wire. These are longer than needed.

Put medium paste solder on the back of the X and O.

Press them over the marked HUGS outline.

Place medium paste solder on one side of each square wire.

Center wires, solder side down, equidistant from X and O. Press into place.

Heat on a soldering surface until solder flows. Cool.

Keep flame away until paste solder stops flaming or smoking. Otherwise, solder bubbles and pieces shift.

Pickle, rinse, neutralize, and rinse each piece after soldering.

Cut short wires to fit tightly between long side wires, just above and below the X and O.

Make a hanging loop with 18 gauge square wire.

Put medium paste solder on the back of each piece. Press into place.

Heat around the charm until solder flows. Remove heat immediately.

Cool before moving.

Trim excess metal around the piece and inside the hanging loop.

File and refine all edges.

Back: 20 gauge dots made with 1.8mm hole punch.

All back embellishments in this series are soldered on with easy paste solder.

Step 7

Make 22 gauge square wire rings on the smallest barrel of a Wubbers Small Bail Making Pliers.

Butter the back of both 22 gauge lip sections with medium paste solder.

Press them onto a scrap 20 gauge sheet.

Place medium paste solder on the back of the ring. Press it onto the 20 gauge sheet.

Heat around the charm on a soldering surface until solder flows. Remove heat immediately.

Cool before moving.

Use a 1.8mm hole punch to remove metal from the center of the jump ring.

Trim away excess metal, leaving a very narrow edge of 20 gauge backing around the lips.

File and refine the piece.

Step 8

Place the oval on a bench block.

Hammer the 20 gauge oval's edge with the domed face of the Mini TruStrike Planishing Hammer for a faceted look.

Position the oval, faceted side up, on a soldering surface.

Put medium paste solder on the back of a 22 gauge 2mm jump ring. Position at the oval's top.

A textured scrap made the heart. Texture yours to make it stand out.

Butter the heart's back with medium paste solder.

Add a small dot of medium paste solder to the heart center. Push in a lightly flattened 1.8mm 20 gauge dot.

Heat around the charm until solder flows. Remove heat immediately. Cool before moving.

Use a 1.8mm hole punch to remove metal from the center of the jump ring.

File and refine the piece if needed.

Back: Stamped 22 gauge star; 20 gauge 1.8mm hole punch dot

Step 9

Silver Heart With a Heart of Gold

Texture one side of the 20 gauge heart with the Mini TruStrike Designer/Texture Hammer.

Place textured side up on a soldering surface.

Butter the back of a 24 gauge gold-filled heart with medium paste solder.

Center the gold heart, solder side down, on the textured heart.

Place medium paste solder on the back of a 20 gauge 2mm ID jump ring.

Push jump ring into the top "V" of the heart. Ensure metal touches metal.

Spritz gold-filled heart with flux to protect it. Heat around unit until solder flows. Remove heat immediately. Cool before moving.

If needed, refine the edges with sanding pads.

Back: 22 gauge stamped heart; 24 gauge stamped gold-filled feather arrow

Step 10

Open Heart With Dots

Curve a short 20 gauge square wire piece on the largest barrel of 6-step pliers.

Cut and file ends flush with the heart's curved top.

Punch eight 20 gauge dots with a 1.8mm hole punch. Lightly flatten on a bench block.

Place open heart on a soldering surface.

Put medium paste solder on the 20 gauge square wire hanging loop ends.

Push loop into place, touching heart top.

Place small dots of medium paste solder around heart. Press flattened dots into solder.

Heat around charm until solder flows. Remove heat immediately. Cool before moving.

If needed, refine the edges with sanding pads.

Back: Make seven hearts made with 1/2" pieces of 22 gauge wire following the directions in Lacy Washers.

Lacy Washers. Click Here

Step 11

Key To My Heart

Curve short 20 gauge square wire on the largest barrel of 6-step pliers.

Cut and file ends flush with heart's curved top. Refine seams.

Place heart on soldering surface.

Put medium paste solder on hanging loop ends.

Push loop into place, touching heart top.

Heat around lock until solder flows. Remove heat immediately. Cool before moving.

Refine hanging loop seams.

Butter lock back. Press onto 20 gauge scrap sheet.

Heat around lock on soldering surface until solder flows. Remove heat immediately. Cool before moving.

Trim excess metal around piece and inside loop.

File and refine all edges.

There is no need to make a key because K1-41 key charm pairs perfectly!

Step 12

Skinny Heart

Put medium paste solder on back of 22 gauge 2mm jump ring.

Position at rounded top of 20 gauge backing.

Butter heart back with medium paste solder.

Put medium paste solder on back of star or small embellishment.

Push embellishment onto heart.

Heat around charm on soldering surface until solder flows. Remove heat immediately. Cool before moving.

Use a 1.8mm hole punch to remove metal from the center of the jump ring.

File and refine the piece if needed.

Back: 22 gauge stamped heart; two 20 gauge 1.8mm hole punch dots

Step 13

LOVE Ribbon Open Heart

This narrow heart used 22 gauge outer metal from another project cutout.

The template is slightly wider to ease soldering the ribbon.

Curve short 20 gauge square wire on largest barrel of 6-step pliers.

Cut and file ends flush with heart's curved top. Refine seams.

Put medium paste solder on backs of heart and hanging loop.

Press pieces onto 20 gauge scrap sheet.

Heat around charm on soldering surface until solder flows. Remove heat immediately. Cool before moving.

Use an ultra-fine point Sharpie to mark cutting lines around the heart's outside and inside.

Trim away excess metal.

File and refine all edges.

Hint: Punch a 1.8mm hole where shown in the sketch. Saw out the inner heart. Reserve it for Step 17.

Stamp "LOVE" in the center of a larger-than-needed 20 or 22 gauge sheet.

Letters here measure about 1.5mm tall.

Cut out the ribbon template.

Center and glue it over the word. File and refine cut edges.

Shape the ribbon with 6-step barrel pliers so ends sit flush on the narrow heart.

Butter the back of the heart with medium paste solder.

Put medium paste solder on the back of a star or small embellishment.

Push embellishment into place on the heart.

File and refine the piece if needed.

Back: 24 gauge gold filled heart; ten 20 gauge 1.8mm hole punch dots.

When soldering, remember to use flux to protect the gold-filled heart.

Step 14

Small Heart With Dot Border

Punch fourteen 20 gauge dots with a 1.8mm hole punch for the heart edge.

Lightly flatten each dot on a bench block.

Refer to Step 7 for an 18 gauge square wire ring on the smallest side of Wubbers Small Bail Making pliers.

Trim metal at the jump ring opening. File ends to match heart curve.

Place medium paste solder around heart edge.

Position heart on soldering surface. Press dots into solder.

Put medium paste solder on jump ring ends.

Push ring into place, metal touching metal.

Heat around charm until solder flows. Remove heat immediately. Cool before moving.

File and refine the heart if needed.

Back: Small water cast cup; ball a 1/4" long piece of 18 gauge wire; make three tiny dapped metal leaves following the directions found in

Making Tiny Dapped Metal Leaves. Click Here

Step 15

You Hold My Heart In Your Hand

Cut finger and thumb lines for a realistic hand look.

If sawing is difficult, stamp lines with straight and curved chisels.

Butter the back of a 24 gauge gold-filled heart.

Center heart, solder side down, in the palm.

Butter the back of the 24 gauge arrow. Place it above the heart.

Put medium paste solder on the back of a 22 gauge 2mm ID jump ring.

Center jump ring along bottom wrist edge.

Spritz gold-filled heart with flux for protection.

Heat around hand until solder flows.

Remove heat immediately. Cool before moving.

Use a 1.8mm hole punch to remove metal from the center of the jump ring.

File and refine the hand if needed.

Back: 22 gauge stamped silver heart

Step 16

A Rose For My Sweetheart

Make a small flower bud embellishment following the directions found here. Click Here

Make a tiny dapped metal leaf following the directions found in Making Tiny Dapped Metal Leaves. Click Here

Texture the back of the 20 gauge teardrop shape using a Mini TruStrike Designer/Texture Hammer.

Place the backing on a soldering surface.

Use medium paste solder to secure the flower to the backing. Cool before continuing.

Shape a hanging loop with the flower stem.

Cut wire 3/8" longer than needed. Ball the end for a small unopened bud.

Press stem and bud onto backing.

Place medium paste solder under bud and stem on backing.

Put medium paste solder on leaf back. Press leaf into place.

Heat around flower charm on soldering surface until solder flows. Remove heat immediately. Cool before moving.

File and refine the rose charm if needed.

Back: J1-64 Gold-filled Heart Charm; 3/16" dapped disc

Step 17

Heart in a Square

This heart is the cut-out center from the LOVE Ribbon Open Heart.

A hole near the edge allowed saw blade insertion. The hole and short saw line hide under a flower embellishment.

Ball a 1/4" piece of 18 gauge round wire.

Make five tiny dapped metal leaves as in Step 16.

Place 20 gauge square on a bench block. Lightly texture the back with Mini TruStrike Designer/Texture Hammer.

Texture the heart on the bench block with the same hammer.

Place square, texture side down, on soldering surface.

Butter heart back. Position solder side down on square.

Put medium paste solder on back of 22 gauge 2mm ID jump ring. Press on square corner above heart.

Add medium paste solder to heart hole. Press silver ball into it.

Put medium paste solder on backs of three leaves. Arrange equidistant around ball.

Butter backs of final two leaves. Place over lower leaves and press lightly.

Heat around charm until solder flows. Remove heat immediately. Cool before moving.

File and refine as needed.

Back: 22 gauge stamped star; cut out shooting star tail; 1.8mm 20 gauge hole punch dots

Step 18

Put A Ring Around It

Trim the hanging loop from the puffed J1-64 Gold-filled Heart Charm.

Using the directions for making the Love Locks Heart Charm, use scraps to shape a small heart the same size as the gold-filled heart.

Love Locks Heart Charm Click Here

Make two 16 gauge 13mm ID closed rings.

Use the smaller side of Wubbers Extra-Large Bail Making Pliers for this size.

Flush cut both ends. Solder together with medium paste solder.

Use a rubber mallet and ring mandrel to round the rings.

Flatten one side of the rings on 320 grit sandpaper placed on a bench block.

Texture 20 gauge scrap sheet.

Put medium paste solder on the flat backs of the rings.

Press the rings into place on the textured backing.

Ring Around My Heart

16 gauge round wire hanging loops follow HUGS (Step 6) and LOCK (Step 11) method, with flattened backs.

Use medium paste solder to attach them.

Put medium paste solder on back of each heart. Center in a ring.

Spritz gold-filled heart with flux for protection.

Heat around unit until solder flows.

Remove heat immediately. Cool before moving.

Use a 1.8mm hole punch to remove metal from the middle of the hanging loops.

Trim away excess metal around the piece and inside the hanging loops.

File and refine each piece.

Backs: Stamped 22 gauge heart and star ; 20 gauge 1.8mm hole punch dots

Step 19

This Bezel Set Heart is a mix of Medieval elements and Milagro elements.

Go through your stash and find a heart cabochon or bead on the smaller side.

This one measures about 12mm x 13mm.

The heart is kind of clear, so when placed on shiny silver, it almost seems to glow.

Follow the directions for making a bezel, found here: Click Here

Follow the directions in After The Rain Bracelets to make and finish the heart. Click Here

Make the hanging loop with 22 gauge square wire.

File the ends to fit the curve of the bezel.

Ball 1/4" pieces of 18 gauge wire.

Back

Recycled metal for this and the next charm's backing was carefully sorted to avoid contamination.

Backs were stamped with maker initials and metal content.

After the charm is patinated and secured to a bracelet chain, the heart will be secured in the setting.

Step 20

Charming Southwest Turquoise

This loosely shaped heart charm started with a broken 10mm turquoise bead.

The stamp used here measures approximately 9mm wide.

Stamp three images on 22 gauge sheet.

Position a 10mm bezel or premade bezel cup on top of the stamping.

Use an ultra-fine point retractable Sharpie to mark the bezel's curve on the stamping.

Cut stampings out.

File and refine them the to fit the curve of the bezel.

Make a 22 gauge square wire hanging loop.

Cut two 22 gauge 2mm ID jump rings to fit the sided between the stamping.

Put medium paste solder on the back of each piece. Press onto 20 gauge scrap sheet.

Solder bezel wire or cup to backing first with medium paste solder for easier outer piece positioning.

Heat around charm on soldering surface until solder flows. Remove heat immediately. Cool before moving.

Punch 1.8mm hole to remove jump ring center metal.

Saw or file excess metal inside hole.

Trim excess around piece, leaving narrow ledge.

Refine with files and sanding pads.

Back: 22 gauge textured 5/16" disc stamped with maker initials and metal content.

After the charm is patinated and secured to a bracelet chain, the broken bead "cabochon" will be secured in the setting.

Step 21

Finished fronts

Step 22

Finished Backs

Step 23

Inspect all charms closely when finished.

Paste solder halos and fine scratches won't show after patina.

Patina disguises most imperfections.

Bracelet charms get knocked around over years, gaining a well-loved look.

Reviews

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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!