No matter what your level of expertise, it is easy to make personalised Christmas decorations, tags and jewellery using this star shaped cutter and selection of stamps.You can use this project to make a variety of different designs!
Step 1:
Cut out your star.
Using the star cutter, cut a star to a size of your choice from the metal sheet of your choice. In the example we have used silver.
Step 2:
Cut out your discs.
With a disc cutter or piercing saw, cut out discs of metal slightly larger than the star you will be fixing to them. Use a ball pein hammer to give a hammered texture if you choose.
Step 3:
Punch the hole.
Use the hole punch to carefully make a hole in the top point near the edge of the circle, taking care to leave a good rim of metal. Mark a point with a felt pen to act as a guide. Use an emery stick to smooth the edges and remove any burrs.
Step 4:
Make your mark.
Take the stamp of your choice, and use with a brass hammer to personalise the small star, either a Christmassy shape if it is going to be a gift tag, or a person’s initials etc.
Step 5:
Prepare for soldering.
On the reverse of the star, evenly squeeze on a little silver solder paste. Make sure you don’t apply the paste right to the edge of the star, as it will spread when heated.
Step 6:
Solder the star to the base.
Place the star, solder side down, onto the metal disc, and heat the whole piece until the star is securely soldered on.
Step 7:
Add the jump ring.
Thread a jump ring through the hole and solder shut. Quench and pickle the piece.
Step 8:
The finishing touches.
Paint oxidising solution onto the stamped design, and use a polishing or pendant motor to clean away the excess solution. Finish in a tumble polisher if desired.
Step 9:
Ready to gift.
String with ribbon and hang on the Christmas tree, use as a tag on a special present, or put on a chain as a pendant.
Top tip: Try using multiple graduating stars for a stacked pendant, stamp with children’s initials, or add a set stone of your choosing.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our article about how to start jewellery making. If you have any questions or want to know more, get in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. We’d also love to see what you’ve been making so please share pictures of your creations with us too, tagging Cooksongold!
Lydia Niziblian
I'm an independent jewellery designer/maker, working from my studio in the heart of Whitchurch Village in Cardiff, my hometown. My jewellery designs feature a range of textures, patinas and finishes, exploring the concepts of weathering, aging and wear. These are brought to life with colourful, carefully selected gemstones, and contrasting textures and materials.