When spring time comes, I always want to make bug and leaf and flowery jewelry. I am paticularily fond of bumble bees! I knew I would have to use these raw brass bees paired with some of the new Swarovski crystal color, Metallic Sunshine. It is a beautiful warm honey color, perfect for this project! To see how to make the set, read below. All the products to make these pieces have links so you can order them and recreate this jewelry!
Sweet Bee Necklace featuring Swarovski Crystal Metallic Sunshine Briolettes
Sweet Bee Earrings featuring Swarovski Crystal Metallic Sunshine Briolettes.
Supplies needed for this project:
Everything you need to make the necklace! To make earrings too, simply add 2 more bees, 2 more crystals, and a pair of earring wires!
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- Antique Brass Cable Chain, such as 40-099-16-6
Punch a hole in the wings with the metal hole punch.
Punch a hole on the bottom of the bee.
Now the bees have holes on each wing and on the bottom.
Dip the bees in the Novacan solution to antique the brass.
The metal will turn black in the solution.
Use the polishing pads to remove the top layer of patina. It will leave the darkness in the crevices and make the details pop.
I love the way these bees look after they have been antiqued.
Attach the crystal briolette to the bottom of the bee with a jump ring and some chain nose pliers. Remember to always open the jump rings sideways and not pull them apart.
Cut the chain to your desired length for the necklace. I cut mine 17 inches long, so the necklace ended up at about 18 inches total once the clasp was added.
Attach chain on one wing with a jump ring. Repeat on the other side.
After you attach the chain, cut the chain in the center back with your wire cutters. Attach a jump ring on one side and a jump ring with a lobster clasp on the other.
Completed Sweet Bee Necklace!
Completed earrings! Just do everything like you were making a necklace, but cut four pieces of chain about 1 1/2 inches. Attach them to a jump ring and the niobium earring wires at the top.
Well, I hoped you liked that tutorial! And be sure to see our other raw brass charms now that you know how easily they can be transformed into beautiful jewelry! And check out these other “Springy Designs” below! ~Tiffany
Foliage Necklace Tutorial by Rita Hutchinson
Bell Flowers Bracelet Tutorial by Mollie Valente
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