Types of Joining Links 

•  Rivets: A rivet has the ability to hold pieces together without solder. You need to push your small piece of wire through similar holes in two or three separate pieces.
• Screws: A special “tap and die” set, designed for jewellers, allows small wire and tubes to be used to make screws that are in proportion of the piece. The size of the wire you are going to tap should be larger than the inside diameter of the tube, but smaller than the outside.
• Hooks: A hook can be used to fasten a chain or necklace or even to hang additional pieces from which prevents these pieces unhooking themselves when being worn. This type of joining method enables the piece to be more versatile, for example you might want to add a pendant to a simple chain but on some occasions just have the chain on its own.
• Hinges: Used to join two pieces which can then be moved without losing the integral line. On each edge, alternate your pieces of tube and solder them. Ensure wire passes through all the tube sections.

Joining Tips

1. Practice: When you are making joining links for your new design, we would recommend making a couple of mock-ups first. These can be made using paper, card, modelling clay etc. You should choose a material that mirrors the behaviour of the metal you intend to use.
2. Experiment: The most common joining links are having holes and jump rings. Try and make your piece stand out from the rest with an innovative joining method!
3. Strong Links: You need to ensure that the wire you are going to use for a jump ring is strong enough for your piece. The circle will distort if this is too light for the weight of the chain/necklace.
4. Solder your jump rings: To make your jump rings look neater, you might want to solder them. You will only need a small amount of solder, as long as you ensure the join is really tight. Large pieces of solder might form a lump, which will need to be filed down.

You will need:

FIMO Effect White Glitter

FIMO Effect Red Glitter

FIMO Effect Blue Glitter

Blade Set 

Acrylic Rollers

Ruler

Cocktail stick or large needle

Jump Rings

Clasps

Chain

Small Pliers

Baking Tray

Step 1

Knead 4 portions of blue FIMO to soften and roll 5mm deep. Cut a rectangle 3.5cm x 5cm. Roll 2 portions of white FIMO until 2mm deep and cut strips 1cm wide for the vertical and horizontal cross pieces. Cut strips 6mm wide to make the diagonals. Trim the ends at an angle so the strips fit neatly together. Gently roll over your cross to flatten it. Trim any white FIMO from around the edges. 

Step 2

Roll 3 portions of red FIMO until 2mm deep. Cut strips 5mm wide and place over the vertical and horizontal cross pieces. Cut strips 3mm wide, trim the ends at an angle and place over the diagonals. Gently roll over your cross to flatten it. Trim any red FIMO from around the edges.

Step 3

Gently bend your flag. Make a hole in the corner with a cocktail stick and place onto a baking tray. Oven-bake for 30 mins at 110°C / 230°F and allow to cool. Attach a jump ring through the hole in your flag and add a clasp or clip chain.

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