Leaf Wrap Metal Rings version 2

by Judy Larson

Category: Metalwork
Technique(s): Texturing, Butane Torch Techniques
Skill Level: Intermediate

As I get older, I find I need larger sized wide rings to fit over my knuckles, but then they are really loose when they are all the way on. Adjustable open back rings will pinch the inside of my finger if they are tightened to not spin on my finger. The solution for me is an overlap band ring. The bonus of the two versions here is that one 3" long band can be adjusted to fit from a size 6 to a size 9.5. Add a quarter inch to the length and the ring will easily size up to a 10-11. Take away a quarter inch in band length to make ring sizes down to a 4. The width of the band is comfortable on the palm side of the finger and does not pinch because the overlap is on top of the finger.

Materials

20 Gauge Dead Soft Argentium Silver Sheet - 6 Inches

H19-20SM6

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1 Inch
Price: $69.44
Gold Club Price: $52.08

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22 Gauge Dead Soft Sterling Silver Sheet - 6 Inches

H8-22SM6

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1 Inch
Price: $49.49
Gold Club Price: $37.12

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18 Gauge Half Round Half Hard .925 Sterling Silver Wire

H8-18HRH

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
Price: $2.55
Gold Club Price: $1.92

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Tools

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: $18.95
Gold Club Price: $14.21

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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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French Shears - Curved Shear with Spring

SHR-531.01

SHR-531.01
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $29.97
Gold Club Price: $22.48

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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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Blazer Big Buddy Turbo Torch, Black

TRCH-8010

TRCH-8010
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $40.00
Gold Club Price: $30.00

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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

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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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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

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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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NATURE'S TOUCH CITRIC PICKLE, 2LB PLASTIC JAR

CLN-163.00

CLN-163.00
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $17.95
Gold Club Price: $13.46

Out of Stock

Round Nose Wire Pliers

G2-507

G2-507
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $32.95
Gold Club Price: $24.71

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5 1/2 Inch Nylon Flat Jaw Pliers with Replacement Jaws

G2-1

G2-1
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $9.97
Gold Club Price: $7.48

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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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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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Instructions

Step 1

Read through the tutorial before starting the project. Follow all safety precautions pertaining to the tools and supplies being used and the area being worked in.

Cut a 3/8" (9.5 to 10mm) x 3" (76mm) piece of 22 gauge sheet metal. Do not use anything thinner. 20 gauge sheet metal will also work, but because it is thicker, it is harder to shape.

Step 2

Texture the strip with hammers and/or decorative stamps.

Step 3

Think about the ring design. Some embellishment used on the leading end of the ring band will work better than others. The 10mm bezel cup and cabochon fit the width of the ring band, but the stone may pop out when the band is shaped into a curve. The turquoise 4x4x13 bead, bezel set, would work better because it is narrower, allowing the end to curve. The metal ball flower would work if the balls are not soldered together. The strip of three metal balls is a good embellishment because it is narrow, allowing the leading end of the ring to curve. Assemble all the embellishments.

Judy Larson's Leaf Wrap Metal Rings version 2 - , Metalwork, Texturing, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, leaf wrap ring

Step 4

The leaf and small metal ball embellishments work because they are not attached to each other. The dots on the second ring bands are flattened 1.5mm hole punches. The leading end of both ring bands can bend to touch the part of the band it overlaps. Use medium silver paste solder to attach the embellishments on silver. If the ring band is a base metal, use a corresponding solder.

Place the leaf on a raised surface for soldering so the heat can get under it. Another option would be a ceramic honeycomb soldering surface. Place the embellishments on the solder. Heat until the solder flows.

Step 5

Pickle the ring band to remove fire scale. Rinse and dry the ring band before going on to the next step.

Step 6

File the end of the ring band around the embellishments. Round the corners of the other end of the ring band. Use sanding sponges to soften the filed ends and the long edges of the ring band.

Step 7

Slightly curve the ring band with your fingers.

Step 8

Starting at the end that will be inside the ring, use a small rubber/nylon hammer to shape the band end on a ring mandrel. It is best to start at least two sizes smaller than the finished size desired as the ring size expands during shaping. Continue wrapping the ring around the mandrel and shaping with the rubber/nylon hammer. Reverse the ring on the mandrel often during shaping to avoid a slight cone shape to the ring.

Pro Tip: If making wrap rings to give away or sell, do not patina the rings and make them all a size 6. It is easy to expand the size. I have expanded the 3" wrap ring up to a size 9.5.

Step 9

Tumble the ring for an hour or so to bring up a shine.

Step 10

Patina the ring. Use a fine grit sanding sponge to remove patina from the high spots. Tumble for 20 to 30 minutes to bring back a shine, if desired.

Reviews

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!