: Metalsmithing Class - Project 1 - Earrings :

Well I really wasn't planning on going 2 months between posts but when you have no internet, it kinda makes updating the blog a bit tricky.  Long story short: my modem died...I had very limited access to the internet...after much frustration and aggravation, I'm finally connected again.  Hallelujah!!  So, now that I'm up and running once more, I am ready to start sharing some of my pics from my first project. 

---

---

We started by measuring out and cutting sets of wire of  3 different lengths.
​After filing, bending, soldering, pickling, and cleaning up, I was ready to shape them on the mandrel. 

Using the hammers and mandrels to shape and add some texture.
​I decided to give each circle a  different texture.

I wanted to do something a little different than the demo our teacher gave us.
Instead of having the rings one inside the other, floating freely, I soldered mine together in a stack. 

My teacher showed me how to make a paddle earwire which I liked better than hanging from a standard earwire.
It was pretty easy to solder on and added an extra design element, in addition to some balance, to my earrings. 

I loved making these earrings and will definitely be making more of them when I finally get my hands on some tools. There are so many variations and things you can create with just some simple circles.
I can't wait to see where my imagination and creativity takes me!