Bicycle chain with rivets and gorgeous jewelry do not usually appear in the same sentence. However, Kerry, of Wandering Jeweler on Etsy.com is known for her unique style utilizing found metal objects, rivets, and more in creating spectacular pieces of jewelry you will wear forever.
Kerry's Etsy shop is this "wandering jeweler's" place for travel inspired jewelery. Much of what she sells is made of materials she has found while traveling with her family. Wire, metal, resin, glass, copper, bike parts, and silk are some of her favorite things.
Ever wonder how the heck Kerry does what she does?
Today, this self taught jeweler shares one of her techniques. Take it away, Kerry!
Safety First!
Safety notes: Always wear safety glasses when using wire cutters and when riveting
Watch your fingers when hammering
Rivet 1
A couple of the items you need to rivet (regular hammer is shown to show how small a rivet hammer is) Riveting hammer, bench block and a couple of pieces of metal to rivet together.
Rivet 2
Optional - I like to put the metal rivet (in this case fine silver) in the vise and flare out one end. I start with the narrow side of the hammer to flare out the rivet a bit then I flip the hammer over and hit it a few times with the flat side to flatten out the top
Rivet 3
Measure how much wire you need for the rivet. The propper length is about 1/2 the diameter of the wire above and below the stack (ie. your wire is 2mm round, then you leave 1mm above and 1 mm below the stack of metal).
Rivet 4
My two pieces of metal and the rivet.
Again, my two pieces of metal and the rivet.
Rivet 5
Flaring out the backside of the rivet on my bench block starting with the narrow part of my hammer
Rivet 6
Finished rivet on the backside
Rivet 7
Finished project with my riveting hammer and two whole punch
Some helpful hints
- If you decide to texture your metal, I find that it is better to do this first so you don't distort the hole size.
- Make sure that the wire is snug in the holes, it should be hard to put in the hole. It is best to punch the hole slightly smaller than you need and use a bead reamer to make it large enough to put the wire through.
Are you officially a fan of this affordable, timeless, and unique jewelry? I am !
Here are web locations where you can find more of Kerry and Wandering Jeweler:
Visit Kerry's website.
Her shop's RSS Feed!
15 comments :
Nice to find out more about how you make your amazing jewelry, Kerry!
I love this post. I was just looking at some rivets last night that you can buy. I didn't know you just use your own wire!!! Sweet..thanks Kerry
This is so neat. Who would have thought that these metal pieces would make such stunning jewelry. Nice job!
Awesome! You make it look so easy!
Beautiful jewelry, and such a well written tutorial. I've been thinking of learning to rivet, and Kerry does make it look easy!!!
Very cool post! Riveting is so much fun!
easy to follow, enjoyed learning from Kerry : )
Great post! Thank you so much for the info on riveting. Kerry, your jewelry is terrific!
Wonderful and informative post! Amazing work as well! I love how unique everything is!
Great tutorial! I love your tip about putting the rivet in a vise and flare it out a little before putting it in the metals your joining! I've only riveted a few times and I found that keeping that tiny piece of metal in the hole was frustratingly hard to do.
Kerry, your jewelry is so fantastic and unique. Love it! Thanks for sharing this awesome tutorial.
That is so neat how you transform metal pieces into jewelry, great feature!!!!
Interesting post! Your work is great! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Norah for all your help with the blog post. You did an awesome job with it.
Dashery, I had the same problem with the tiny metal rivets, I remember reading the vise tip someplace and I found it so helpful... unfortunately I can't remember where I saw it.
I think this is just awesome...thx Kerry for insight into this fun technique. You make it look so easy, but I know there's an uphill curve to learning this...your pieces are so "riveting." HAHA They are!! So cool and mod...very different, and the eco-friendly part must appeal to many. Fantastic!
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