Colored Pencil on Copper Earrings

by Kristal Wick

Category: Contemporary
Technique(s): Hole Punching
Skill Level: Beginner

I used copper blanks for this project. You can also cut out any shape from copper sheet as well. You also need to purchase Prismacolor Premier Color Pencils. These colored pencils are pricey but they are the only brand that will work for this process due to their wax content. You'll be glad you did!

Materials

Metal Discs -- Copper - 11/16" (package of 10)

DIS-COP.241116

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $6.97
Gold Club Price: $5.23

Out of Stock

Metal Discs -- Copper - 5/8" (package of 10)

DIS-COP.262

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $5.97
Gold Club Price: $4.48

Out of Stock

20 Gauge 0.032 Dead Soft Copper Sheet Metal - 6x12 Inch

MET-705.20M

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $18.78
Gold Club Price: $14.09

Add to Bag

Sterling Silver Earwires 21.5mm w/ 1.5mm Bead - Pack of 2

K19-49

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $2.34
Gold Club Price: $1.76

Add to Bag

Add All Items to Cart

Tools

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

Add to Bag

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

Clear acrylic spray

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

Faber-Castell Kneaded Eraser

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

Extra fine Sharpie pen

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

Small flat paint brush

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

Gesso

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

graphite pencil

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

Add All Items to Cart

Instructions

Step 1

Punch a hole in your copper blanks and sand the entire top surface of the blanks using fine sandpaper. You want the gesso to adhere to the metal which is why sanding is really important. Use fine sand paper or fine steel wool to sand the surface. Be sure to sand any area you wish to color on.

Clean the blanks using Bon Ami cleanser and don't touch the surface with your fingers or you may transfer oil or dirt onto the surface and prevent the gesso from adhering properly.

Kristal Wick's Colored Pencil on Copper Earrings - , Contemporary Wire Jewelry, How To Punch Holes, Hole Punching, Punch A Hole, colored pencil on copper

Step 2

Apply a smooth, thin coat of gesso using the paint brush and let dry. Apply a second coat and let dry. Clean your brush with soap and water right away so the gesso doesn't dry and ruin your brush.

Step 3

Using a very light touch, draw your design onto the copper surface using the pencil being careful not to chip off the dried gesso. Using the Sharpie pen draw over the pencil lines. Erase any pencil lines with a kneaded eraser so no marks are left on the surface. You can freehand this or use small stencils.

Step 4

Now for the fun part! Time to color. Start with your light colors first and shade with your darker colors. You do not want to color too much or press too hard. This takes a little practice.

Step 5

Once you're pleased with your coloring, spray your piece with clear acrylic spray. I like to use a matte finish but glossy works fine too. Be really careful to spray 1-2 quick, light sprays. If you spray too much or too thick a coat, the colors will bleed and run.

Step 6

Let completely dry, attach an ear wire (or make your own): https://www.wirejewelry.com/jewelry_making_patterns_tutorials/Make-a-Perfect-Pair-of-Ear-Wires_322.html

Reviews

Kristal Wick

Internationally award winning designer, teacher and official Swarovski Instructor, she resides with her 2 puppies, Sparkle and Bling in beautiful Colorado. Kristal's fashion endeavors include designing & creating jewelry for the Jimmy Buffet Band backup singers & dancers; appearing numerous times on HGTV, PBS and JTV and teaching on cruise ships worldwide. The author of 4 books: Metal Clay 101 for Beaders, Foxy Epoxy, Fabulous Fabric Beads Sassy Silky Savvy; 2 DVDs: Mixed Media: Beaded Bracelets with Fiber Beads and Crystals, Resin, Wire Mixed Media: Jewelry Making with Handmade Beads, Crystals, Resin, and More! Past editor of BeadingDaily.com, her designs have been featured in over 85 publications. Kristal's jewelry has been represented in galleries spanning the globe including Santa Fe - Canyon Rd. Alaska, Cayman Islands, Italy, Germany & the Virgin Islands.