I was so happy when LMAJ decided to focus on texturing metal this month. I LOVE texture. My work is very texture heavy, and I am always looking for ways to texture as much metal on my jewelry as I can!
One area that sometimes gets ignored in the texture department in handmade jewelry is the ear wire. It is pretty easy to texture ear wires, you just have to be mindful about not tapping the metal wire too hard so you don't cause the wire to walk and lose your straight ear wire before you bend it into what you will be using.
One of my favorite tools on my bench is a roll of tape. I use strips of tape all of the time to hold metal down when I texture ear wires or stamp metal. Here's what I mean...
I usually texture about half-way up the wire....
I use the chisel end of my riveting hammer or a chisel-like tool in my chasing tool collection!
I just take the tape off about halfway, just enough to grab the wire and put another one in its place so that they will match! Pretty easy, and it adds just one more special touch your handmade earrings. You won't be able to really see the texture unless you oxidize the metal...which is why I oxidize all of my work!
If you texture your ear wires, please leave a comment and tell us what tools you like to use to do it..or if you have any great ideas to add to the conversation! Happy Texturing!
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