Lapidary_Journal_Jewelry_Artist_-_November_-_December_2019

OPE

NIN

G^ P

HOT

O:^ J

IM^ L

AW

SON

;^ PR

OCE

SS^ P

HOT

OS:

KA

REN

J.^ L

AUS

ENG

N

O MATTER WHERE I’ve lived,

there have always been lots

of cowboys. That was true

in my original home state of South

Dakota and then in Minnesota,

Missouri, and Kansas, and it’s

certainly true here in southwest New

Mexico where I live now. Whether

you go to the annual rodeo, attend

the county fair, or shop in the local

stores, you are almost certain to

spot a cowboy. More often than not,

a cowboy is arm-in-arm with his

cowgirl.

Designed with that in mind, these

earrings have been a big hit as gift

items for holidays and special occa-

sions. I wanted to share the design

with all of you because I love wearing

them and always receive compliments

and comments about the design.

When I posted a photo of them on

Facebook, fi ve of my friends ordered

some almost immediately. The ear-

rings are lightweight, fun to wear, and

perfect for casual occasions.

TEXTURE THE METAL

1

Double a piece of tulle craft

ribbon and use scissors to cut a

section that is somewhat larger than

the size of the silver sheet metal.

Repeat the process for the brass.

Hint: Tulle craft ribbon is inex-

pensive and can be purchased in

discount or craft stores. It is also

available online.

2

Adjust the setting on the roll mill

so that the metal will roll through

easily. Then remove the metal and

slightly tighten the rollers. Next, feed

the ribbon between the rollers while

holding the metal fi rmly. Be sure the

ribbon completely covers the metal.

Roll each piece of metal through the

rollers at this setting.

3

Repeat the process of preparing

the craft ribbon, tightening the

rollers and rolling the metal. Tighten

the rollers slowly. You should not

have to strain when rolling the metal.

4

Anneal the metal. After a couple

of passes through the rollers,

the metal will work harden and it

will be necessary to anneal before

additional rolling. Use a torch with

a medium tip to heat the metal to a

dull red. Pickle, rinse, dry, and con-

tinue rolling until the metal reaches a

thickness between 24 and 26 gauge.

Tip: No roll mill, no problem. Use

textured metals of your choice in the

same gauge range.

Cowboy boot earrings embellished with a pair of hearts

By Karen J. Lauseng

1

4

2

3

Western

Romance

26 LAPIDARY JOURNAL JEWELRY ARTIST