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Key Elements Necklace Tutorial
Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue
Designer Tips
Layer watch gears, vinyl/vulcanite heishi and a piece of a colorful aluminum can (cut to size) between key hole window blanks.
Rivet the items into place to create a pin or pendant. Plan your layout before hole punching and riveting. The rivets that hold the top and bottom gears, also connect the pin back.
Since the superior quality pin backs already have 1/16" holes, there is no need to punch holes in the pin for riveting - which is good, because this steel pin back would damage most jewelry hole punches.
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Important: This design was created with soft brass faux watch parts, easy to cut with the Crafted Findings riveting system. However, they are no longer available. The steel watch parts are much harder, and can damage jewelry cutters. For punching holes in the steel watch parts, we recommend the less-expensive (but still excellent quality) Euro Tool "helicopter" punch. Note that replacement parts are only about $3.00! If you frequently cut steel (or found objects of unknown material), this designer can attest that you will want to keep replacement parts on hand. (All of Rings & Things' jewelry hole punches are designed for cutting softer metals such as sterling silver, copper and brass -- expect some "protest" from your jewelry tools if you use them on steel.)
When cutting holes with the Crafted Findings riveting system (or any "helicopter" style punch) always unscrew the handle until the piece naturally falls off. Never tug components off the punch.
Texture the top blank as desired. For this design, the edges of the rectangle and keyhole were lightly textured with a ballpein hammer to give them a worn look. Patina if desired.
Vinyl/vulcanite heishi or other disk beads (or washers with 1/16" holes) act as spacers for the rivets on the four corners, giving this piece a shadowbox effect. It's easy to add a larger center hole to these vinyl heishi using the "helicopter" hole punch.
Turn the pin into a pendant, by adding a Vertical Brooch Converter, and hang it from heavy ball chain.
Tip: Use the ring clamp to clamp together the top and bottom pieces of the brass window blank, so you can punch a hole through both at the same time.
1 ounce [use 3] #44-704 Faux Watch Gears, Mixed, Bulk, 1oz - no longer available, sub #44-701: 1 2-oz package #44-701 Watch Parts, Mixed, Bulk, 2oz - these are steel; be careful so you don't damage your cutter
1 each #86-343 Win-Ox™, 3 oz.
Tools
#69-907 Tool, 1/16" Long Reach Rivet Piercing/ Setting (The original length #69-900 will also work.)
#69-135 Tool, Hammer, Ball Pein, 4oz
#69-136 Tool, Hammer, Nylon
#69-409 Tool, Lindstrom®, Shear
#69-365 Tool, Ring Clamp
Additional Supplies
0000 steel wool (from hardware or craft store)
Aluminum can (This project upcycles an Arizona Green Tea can)
