Copyright © 2010 by Lily Baker
ALLRIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, except as may be expressly permitted in writing from the publisher. Requests for permission should be addressed to Lily Baker 1612 N.E. 192nd Shoreline, WA. 98155 www.metalartsforboysandgirls.com Printed in the United States of America Written and illustrated by Lily Baker ISBN 9781453731277
Disclaimer: Lily Baker (the “author”) makes no express or implied representations or warranties, including warranties of performance, merchantabilities, and fitness for a particular purpose, regarding this information. Your use of this information is at your own risk. You assume full responsibilities and risk of loss resulting from the use of this information. The author will not be responsible for direct special, indirect, incidental, consequential or punitive damages or any other damages whatsoever. Note: Every effort has been made to design all the projects in this book to be safe and easy; however, it is impossible to predict every situation and the ability of every artist. Therefore it is imperative that a competent adult is supervising at all time
The whole idea of this book is to introduce artists of all ages to the wonderful world of metalworking. The tools, materials and processes introduced in this book are the same tools and materials used for centuries by master metal workers. This book gives simple instructions on how to set up your own metal working studio and create lasting one of a kind works of art. With adult supervision any of these projects will be an educational and exciting experience We believe that a child’s sense of self-worth and self-confidence is directly linked to their sense of accomplishment. Working with quality tools and inspirational materials allows children to master new skills, without the frustration of unchallenging materials and lackluster results. Whether you are a child or an adult, enjoy the fun processes of working metal without concern for the end product. The knowledge you gain as you try some of these projects will unlock endless possibilities. Children and adults can enjoy this lighthearted introduction to this seemingly untouchable medium. The processes are all introduced in an age appropriate manner that emphasizes safety awareness.
JUMP RINGS You will need a pair of wire cutters, a wrapping rod and some wire of any size. I like to use 12- to 18- gauge wire, but it just depends on what kind of look you are going for and what you have on hand. You don't want the wire to be too soft as it will make a week link. You also do not want the wire to be so thick that you cannot work with it.
The last link is added to a bracelet made of brass with a copper chain.
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Big rings, little rings, what can we make with Jump rings? You can make many wonderful creations by linking jump rings. This is a good project for long road trips and for people with limited space and tools.
Morgan, age 17, cuts one jump ring at a time, after wrapping wire around a metal rod, to create a tight spring.
Wire is wrapped around a rod and then cut into jump rings.
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Making jump rings •Start out by deciding what size you want the links to be (I like about 1/4 inch).
• Using your wire cutters start cutting the links apart. Cut the end off so you have a nice ring to start with. Cut one ring at a time and make each cut in line with the one before; this will give you complete rings. Continue snipping the rings until you are done with the spring. At this point you should have enough rings to get a good start on a bracelet, a necklace, or a collar for a pet.
• Take a moment to look around the house for a metal or wood rod. A pencil, chopstick, the end of a round file or a piece of large wire would all be great as a wrapping rod. • Using 18 inches of wire and your wrapping rod, hold them in one hand and use your thumb to hold the wire against the rod. With the other hand start wrapping the wire around the rod by making like a tight spring. Don’t worry if your first few times around are loose and sloppy; once you have the wire tight on the rod you can start wrapping more precisely. Try to have the wraps lying right next to each other and perpendicular to the rod. Once you run out of wire you will slide the rod out of the spring that you have created.
Did you know? Chainmaille was once used to protect medieval nights. It is made by inter-linking jump-rings.
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Two examples of prong settings made from wire, one as a ring and one as a pendent both have been layered with a small metal dish as a design variation.