Tiny Silver Charms part 1

by Judy Larson

Category: Contemporary
Technique(s): Hole Punching, Texturing, Butane Torch Techniques
Skill Level: Intermediate

These tiny charms can be used to dangle off chain bracelets or necklaces Here's the first few of number of designs I've done. Watch for additional tutorials on the others.

Materials

24 Gauge Dead Soft Argentium Silver Sheet - 6 Inches

H19-24SM6

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 6 Inches
Price: $258.99
Gold Club Price: $194.24

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28 Gauge Round Half Hard Argentium .940 Silver Wire

H19-28H

Lesson Quantity: 5.00 inches
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
Price: $0.65
Gold Club Price: $0.49

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20 gauge 2mm sterling jump rings

Lesson Quantity: 12.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

4mm Fine Silver Bezel Cup - Pack of 20

F9-01

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $4.97
Gold Club Price: $3.73

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6mm x 2mm daisy spacer

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

metal scraps

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

18 gauge round wire balled up

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

24 Gauge Round Half Hard Argentium .940 Silver Wire

H19-24H

Lesson Quantity: 6.00 inches
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
Price: $1.62
Gold Club Price: $1.22

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Tools

Small Disc Cutter, 7 Pieces

DAP-400.10

DAP-400.10
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $46.95
Gold Club Price: $35.21

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11 Piece Wood Dapping Set

DAP-160.00

DAP-160.00
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $64.97
Gold Club Price: $48.73

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1 1/2 Inch Steel Dapping Block

G17-3

G17-3
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $16.57
Gold Club Price: $12.43

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Euro Punch Plier 1.50mm

PLR-133.70

PLR-133.70
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $14.97
Gold Club Price: $11.23

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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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7 Holes Metal Punch Kit- 2.38mm to 7.14mm - Pack of 1 Kit

G15-8

G15-8
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $54.95
Gold Club Price: $41.21

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French Shears - Straight Shear with Spring

SHR-530.01

SHR-530.01
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $25.97
Gold Club Price: $19.48

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Xuron Sheer - Non Serrated

SHR-691.81

SHR-691.81
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $31.95
Gold Club Price: $23.96

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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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4 Saw Frame with Tension Screw

SAW-334.00

SAW-334.00
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $21.97
Gold Club Price: $16.48

Out of Stock

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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Steel and Rubber Bench Block 4x4 Inches

G17-44

G17-44
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $29.95
Gold Club Price: $22.46

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Solderite Soldering Board 6 Inch by 12 Inch Soft

SOL-421.20

SOL-421.20
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $21.95
Gold Club Price: $16.46

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Basic Soldering Kit

G15-4

G15-4
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $58.95
Gold Club Price: $44.21

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WireJewelry Professional Single Barrel Rotary Rock Tumbler with 3 Pound Capacity Drum (2021 Version)

G24-1V2

G24-1V2
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $106.60
Gold Club Price: $79.95

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Stainless Steel Shot - 1 lb Bag

G24-4

G24-4
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $43.95
Gold Club Price: $32.96

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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

10 Piece Diamond Needle Files - 140mm X 3mm

G14-8

G14-8
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $13.57
Gold Club Price: $10.18

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Instructions

Step 1

Read through the directions before starting any of the projects.

Optional: Texture the back side of the sheet metal if desired. A rolling mill texture sheet was used to texture one side of the sheet metal for some of the charms made here.

Pro Tip: 2mm jump rings are soldered to one or both sides of most charms to simulate an eyelet. This is optional and may not be wanted if the back of the charm is textured.

Step 2

Scale the design template up or down until the distance between the dots is 1".

Step 3

Transfer the designs to the sheet metal. Hint: Put the designs through a Xyron sticker maker with a repositionable sticker cartridge. Attach the stickers to 22 or 24 gauge sheet metal scrap.

Step 4

Cut out each design. The flower and heart will be the most difficult to cut with shears. A saw will make more accurate cuts. After each shape is cut out, remove the template sticker paper. Hint: Use the excess metal around the designs to make small dangle charms.

Step 5

The pieces may be bent after cutting. Place them on a bench block and hammer them with a rubber mallet to flatten them.

Step 6

Close all the 2mm jump rings that will be used on all the charms.

Step 7

Use a 1.8mm hole punch to punch small metal dots in metal scrap to use as embellishments on some of the charms. Save all the hole punch dots from each charm to use as embellishments also. Place them on a bench block and lightly tap to make them flat.

The charms will be made in the order shown on the template.

Step 8:

Pointed Teardrop

Place a small dab of medium paste solder towards the top more rounded end of the teardrop shape. Press a 2mm closed jump ring into the paste solder. Heat until the solder flows.

Step 9

Punch a hole in the center of the jump ring with the 1.8mm hole punch.

Step 10

Use an ultra fine point Sharpie to mark where holes will be punched. Punch several random holes with a 1.8mm hole punch. In Steps 10, 11, and 12 do not punch holes too close to the edge of the charm.

Step 11

Punch several random holes with a 1.5mm hole punch.

Step 12

Punch remaining holes with a 1.25mm hole punch.

Step 13

Flatten the shape on a bench block with a rubber or plastic mallet. Use files and sanding pads to clean and refine the rough punched hole edges on the back.

Step 14

Place a small amount of medium paste solder around the hole at the top of the teardrop on the back. Press a 2mm jump ring into the solder, centering it over the hole. Heat until the solder flows.

Step 15

Clean and refine the teardrop edges of the charm with files and sanding pads. Make sure to slightly round the lower point so it doesn't catch on anything when worn.

Step 16:

Disc - two versions

Place a circle disc on a bench block. Use a Mini TruStrike Embossing Hammer to texture the edge of the circle. Turn the circle over, place it on a thin piece of plastic, and texture the edge. The plastic protects the texture on the other side. If desired, lightly texture the center of the circle on both sides with a Mini TruStrike Designer/Texture Hammer.

Step 17:

Version A

Working on a Solderite board, decide on placement of a 2mm jump ring, three 1.8mm dots, and a 4mm bezel cup. When pleased with the placement, remove the jump ring. Place a small dab of medium paste solder where the jump ring will be placed. Press the jump ring into the solder. Remove the dots. Place small bits of medium paste solder in those spots and press the dots into it. Butter the back of the bezel cup with medium paste solder and press into place. Heat until the solder flows.

Step 18

Punch a hole in the center of the jump ring with a 1.8mm hole punch.

Step 19

Clean and refine the edges of the circle charm and the punched hole with files and sanding pads. Wait to set the stone until after the bracelet is made.

Step 20:

Version B

Cut two 5/16" discs from 24 or 26 gauge sheet metal. Dome them to the depth preferred.

Pro Tip: Stamp a design on the dome before doming.

Step 21

Run the domed discs across 320 grit sandpaper to flatten the backs.

Step 22

Place a small dab of medium paste solder close the edge of the circle disc. Press a 2mm closed jump ring into the solder. Place medium paste solder around the inner edge of the underside of the domed disc. Press into place on the flat circle disc. Heat until the solder flows. IMPORTANT NOTE: Because the flat disc was textured, expanding air can escape from under the dome as the connection between the two pieces is not perfectly flush. If the flat disc is polished and perfectly flat, DO NOT solder a domed disc to it. The rapidly expanding heated air under the dome could cause the domed disc to pop off at a high velocity which could harm you.

Step 23

Pickle, rinse, and dry the piece.

Step 24

Punch a hole in the center of the jump ring with a 1.8mm hole punch.

Step 25

Dig an impression in a magnesia soldering brick that will fit the dome attached to the disc. Place the dome in the impression. Place medium paste solder around the punched hole. Press a 2mm closed jump ring into the solder. Place medium paste solder around the inner edge of the underside of the domed disc. Press the domed disc into place on the flat circle disc. Heat until the solder flows.

Step 26

Clean and refine the edges of the circle charm with files and sanding pads.

Step 27:

Long Rectangle-Walk Your Own Path

Use a 7 Holes Metal punch kit to cut two 1/8" discs and three 3/32" discs from scrap sheet. The discs will be dimpled. Flatten them on a bench block with a flat faced hammer. Use a 1.8mm hole punch pliers to cut as many dots as needed to fill the remaining spaces on the rectangle-four were used here.

Step 28

Working on a Solderite board, decide on placement of a 2mm jump ring and the discs.

Step 29

Remove the jump ring. Place a small dab of medium paste solder where the jump ring will be placed. Press the jump ring into the solder. Remove one disc at a time and place a small dot of medium paste solder in that spot. Press the disc into the solder. Repeat for all the discs. Heat until the solder flows.

Step 30

Punch a hole in the center of the jump ring with a 1.8mm hole punch. Trim a bit metal from each corner. Round the corners with a file. Clean and refine the edges of the rectangle and the punched hole with files and sanding pads.

Step 31:

Square - two versions

Version A - Fold a piece of 28 gauge round wire in half and twist it. Use soft jaw pliers to form the wire into a soft swirl that will fit within the square.

Step 32

Place a dab of medium paste solder in one corner of the square. Press a 2mm closed jump ring into the solder.

Step 33

Butter the back of the twisted wire piece with medium paste solder, extending all the way out onto the tail. Turn the piece over and press into place in the center of the square. Heat until the solder flows.

Step 34

Punch a hole in the center of the jump ring with a 1.8mm hole punch. Trim a bit metal from each corner. Trim off the wire tail. Round the corners with a file. Clean and refine the edges of the square and the punched hole with files and sanding pads. Pay particular attention to the cut wire end.

Step 35

Version B: Note: This charm should be made with a textured square.

Cut two 1/4" discs from 24 or 26 gauge sheet metal. Dome them to the depth you prefer. Cut six 1.8mm dots from scrap sheet with a 1.8mm hole punch. Flatten the dots. See Step 22 for directions and photos.

Step 36

Run the domed discs across 320 grit sandpaper to flatten the backs.

Step 37

Working on a Solderite board, place a dab of medium paste solder in one corner of the square. Press a 2mm closed jump ring into the solder. Place medium paste solder around the inner edge of the underside of the domed disc. Press into place on the square. Place small dots of medium paste solder at the three other corners. Press 1.8mm metal dots into the solder. Heat until the solder flows.

Step 38

Pickle, rinse, and dry the piece.

Step 39

Punch a hole in the center of the jump ring with a 1.8mm hole punch.

Step 40

Dig an impression in the magnesia soldering brick that will fit the dome attached to the square. Place the dome in the impression. Place medium paste solder around the punched hole. Press a 2mm closed jump ring into the solder. Place medium paste solder around the inner edge of the underside of the domed disc. Press into place on the square. Heat until the solder flows.

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!