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Making jewelry from things you find
laying in gutters: a tutorial
First things first: we’re not snooty and our general approach is lo-fi,
but we don’t trust the integrity of our found materials, which we scooped up
from the street, parking lot, etc. We wash and boil our found materials
before we begin, to, hopefully, eliminate any malicious things that may be
lurking in/on them.
Then we assemble our basic ingredients: found objects, tissue paper,
and a sealer/gloss/adhesive like mod podge, which we like because of its
totally rad label.
Onward!
Tear your tissue paper into a long strip just wide enough to cover the
edge of your base material, with a ‘lil sticking out on both the front and
back.
Some people like to use real tools, but, as you’ll learn, I don’t.
Witness exhibit 1, wherein I prefer my finger to a paintbrush. Tear your strip
of tissue into the right size to cover one edge. Dip your finger into your mod
podge and smear it over the edge of your object.
Stick your tissue on the edge you’ve prepped, and run your mod podgey
finger over it again.
Using your fingers covered with mod podge, mold the tissue around the
object’s edge in a way you find aesthetically pleasing.
Repeat on all sides. Do several layers. This will have a papier maché-y
effect when it’s dried. And really, when it’s wet too.
Repeat as necessary with other objects. I’m making earrings, so I have
two. This piece is a little thinner than the other one, so I’ll tear my tissue
strip a little narrower.
To speed things up, I’m going to do TWO EDGES AT ONCE this time. You
can do that, you know. You could probably do all edges at once if you were
really ambitious. I’m only half ambitious.
Once again, layer and repeat. Smooth down, build up as much or as
little as you like.
Once you’re done with your edges, cover your object/objects in your
gloss/sealant substance. Let dry, repeat a few times [front & back]. Some
people count layers, I don’t. I just know.
In German they call that fingerspitzengefühl.
Next part: ready your wire, which I probably should have warned you
about in the beginning.
We’ll be using the wire to create a loop to connect our base object to
the hardware that’s going to determine what kind of jewelry it is. Since these
are earrings, it will connect to earring pieces. Cut a strip of wire, or two equally
sized strips for earrings. Twist it into a loopy shape.
Next we’re going to hammer it flat. This adds neat texture and makes
the metal stronger. There are real tools
to use for this, but I use scrap metal and an everyday hammer. Note: this must
be done on a piece of metal. Small scrap metal works.
Once our dudes are hammered, we’re ready to affix them to the top of
our objects. We’ll do this with tissue
paper and mod podge, like we did to the edges before. Prep the wire for
affixing: sometimes you’ll need to trim the edges to fit on top.
And sometimes you’ll need to bend the wire arms to meet slants.
Like before, slather some mod podge on the edge you’re going to be
working with. With one hand hold the object and the wire in place on top, with
the other, smooth the tissue over the wire arms. This will take lots and lots
of layers to make sure it’s sturdy.
The outline of the wire arms will be mostly disguised when it’s ready,
and the loop won’t feel too wiggly.
Next, attach your earring pieces [or chain, if it’s a necklace, or…].
One last coat—front and back—for good measure.
Voila! You’re done! Now don’t stick them in your ears until you wipe
the earring pieces off with alcohol. Safety first, kids. Enjoy!
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