Judy Freyer Thompson's Circle Earrings, Contemporary Wire Jewelry. Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder. Wherever you look, there are circles.

Circle Earrings

by Judy Freyer Thompson
  • Category: Contemporary
  • Technique(s): Butane Torch Techniques
  • Skill Level: Intermediate
Wherever you look, there are circles. Bottles, bowls, glasses, flowers, tables, etc. Don't forget jump rings! Circles of wire come together for these fun earrings.

Grab some tools and wire and let's go!

Materials

12 Gauge Round Dead Soft Copper Wire
H11-12D
  • Lesson Quantity: 15.00 inches
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 5FT
  • Price: $9.78
  • Gold Club Price: $7.34
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Tools

WireJewelry - Ultimate Wire-Pliers Jewelry Pliers with Case, Set of 5
G15-20
  • G15-20
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $170.72
  • Gold Club Price: $128.04
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Steel Bench Block 4x4 Inch - Pack of 1
G17-10
  • G17-10
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $21.95
  • Gold Club Price: $16.46
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6PC File Set
FIL-912.10
  • FIL-912.10
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $39.97
  • Gold Club Price: $29.98
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Flat Face Chasing Hammer
HAM-161.00
  • HAM-161.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $14.97
  • Gold Club Price: $11.23
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Wubbers Jumbo Round Mandrel Pliers
G2-1305
  • G2-1305
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $35.97
  • Gold Club Price: $26.98
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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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Deluxe V-Slot Bench Pin with Clamp
BPN-105.00
  • BPN-105.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $10.95
  • Gold Club Price: $8.21
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Classic Wubbers Bent Nose Pliers
G2-1239
  • G2-1239
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $27.95
  • Gold Club Price: $20.96
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Copper Solder Paste, 1/2 ozt, Soft
SOL-824.10
  • SOL-824.10
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $9.95
  • Gold Club Price: $7.46
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Solderite Soldering Board, Hard, 6 Inch by 6 Inch
SOL-420.10
  • SOL-420.10
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $14.97
  • Gold Club Price: $11.23
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Jumbo Max Flame Butane Torch
SOL-310.00
  • SOL-310.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $49.95
  • Gold Club Price: $37.46
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Small Brass Brush
BRS-966.10
  • BRS-966.10
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $10.97
  • Gold Club Price: $8.23
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Pickle Pot, 16 Ounces
CLN-584.00
  • CLN-584.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $31.95
  • Gold Club Price: $23.96
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Sparex Number 2 Pickling Compound
SOL-802.10
  • SOL-802.10
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $6.95
  • Gold Club Price: $5.21
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Instructions
Step 1
Clean the wire with the 400 grit sandpaper if necessary.

Wrap a length of wire around the 1 ¼" mandrel to make two jump rings and remove from the mandrel.
Judy Freyer Thompson's Circle Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Circle Earrings
Step 2
Using both sides of the Jumbo Wubbers pliers, make 2 jump rings of each size, remove from the mandrel. Repeat using the X-large Wubbers pliers, making 2 jumps rings using each size, remove from the mandrel.
Judy Freyer Thompson's Circle Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Circle Earrings
Step 3
Using the Xuron cutters, cut the jump rings apart.
Judy Freyer Thompson's Circle Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Circle Earrings
Step 4
File the ends flush with the flat file, resting them on the bench pin.
Judy Freyer Thompson's Circle Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Circle Earrings
Step 5
Wiggle the rings side to side to close completely using the flat and bent nose pliers.
Judy Freyer Thompson's Circle Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Circle Earrings
Step 6
Lay the smaller jump rings on the soldering brick. Apply solder paste per manufacturers' directions or use copper wire solder and solder the rings closed using the butane torch. Let rings cool completely.
Judy Freyer Thompson's Circle Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Circle Earrings
Step 7
Open one 1 ¼" jump ring and place one each size of the soldered rings on the large ring then close to align ends. Repeat with other 1 ¼' jump ring.
Judy Freyer Thompson's Circle Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Circle Earrings
Step 8
Close the ring and lay it on the soldering brick. Position the seam of the large ring away from the smaller rings. Apply solder paste per manufacturers' directions or use copper wire solder and solder the rings closed using the butane torch. Let rings cool completely.

When rings are cool place them in the safe pickle to remove fire scale.

Remove from the pickle, wash with soap and water and dry thoroughly. Remove any residual fire scale with the brass brush.

Lay the rings on the steel bench block, using the ball side of the hammer, lightly hammer the rings to add some interest, as well as work harden.
Judy Freyer Thompson's Circle Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Circle Earrings
Step 9
At this time may wish to apply a patina such as Liver of Sulpher, or just leave them their natural copper color.

Attach ear wires.

Judy Freyer Thompson's Circle Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, Circle Earrings