Single-Strand Necklace and Earring Set with Enamel, Dichroic Glass and Copper Drops and Chainmaille

Use hole punch pliers to punch a hole at the pointed top of eight copper 15x10mm and seven copper 24x20mm flat teardrop embellishments (two for earrings). Use a file to smooth the edges of the hole, if needed.

Clean the surface of each copper component using Penny Brite® then rinse thoroughly.

Tip: The water should "sheet" off of the blank (not drag along the surface).

Place one copper component on a heatproof trivet over a sheet of scrap paper or something similar. Use the sifter to apply a thin, even layer of opaque black Vitrearc® enamel to one side of the copper component.

Carefully place the trivet on the mesh screen on the tripod. Ensure the punched hole is free of enamel. (If needed, use a beading awl or toothpick to clean any enamel from the hole). Working from underneath the component, slowly introduce the flame to the metal so it does not blow enamel from the surface of the metal. Continue heating the copper component from underneath until a glossy counter enamel is created. Let it stand for a few seconds to cool then carefully place it on a heat-proof surface to cool completely.

Notes:

• Be sure to use proper safety equipment when using enamel and heat.
• For more information refer to ''Applying a Counter Enamel and Top Coat of Glass Enamels'' illustrated instructions.

Repeat Steps 3 and 4 to apply a counter enamel to each component.

Once cool, use Penny Brite and a wire brush to thoroughly clean the scaling from the front side of each enameled component.

Apply a thin, even layer of clear enamel to the front side of one enameled component.

Place pieces of glass stringers and opaque white and cobalt #15 seed beads over the clear enamel powder as desired.

Tip: Since two components are for the earrings, it may be preferable to make them as similar as possible.

Necklace Assembly

String one silver-finished 4mm round and one emerald green 3mm round onto one 1-inch eye pin, then form a simple loop. Repeat to create a total of 13 emerald green links.

Repeat using a 1-inch head pin, creating an emerald green drop.

Pass one 5.5mm jump ring through the hole in one enameled component and the loop on the 4mm round end of one emerald link, then close. Repeat to attach an emerald link to each enameled component.

Pass one 8mm jump ring through four 5.5mm jump rings, then close. Repeat to attach a second 8mm jump ring creating a 2-2-2 chain.

Pass an 8mm floater jump ring between the two previous 8mm jump rings and around two of the previous 5.5mm jump rings, without passing through the center of any.

Attach one large jump ring to the two small jump rings on each side of the floater. Continue the Celtic line for approximately 17 inches, ending with two 5.5mm jump rings.

Connect three 5.5mm jump rings and eight 7mm jump rings, creating an extender chain. Pass one 7mm jump ring through the loop on one emerald drop and the last 7mm jump ring in the chain, then close.

Use one 5.5mm jump ring to attach one lobster claw clasp to a second 5.5mm jump ring. Use an additional 5.5mm jump ring to connect the last jump ring to the double 5.5mm jump rings on the opposite end of the chain.

String one silver-finished 4mm round and one emerald green 3mm round onto one 1-inch eye pin, then form a simple loop. Repeat to create a total of two emerald green links.

Pass one 5.5mm jump ring through the hole in one enameled component and the loop on the 4mm round end of one emerald link, then close. Attach a kidney ear wire to the opposite end of the link.

Repeat to create a second earring.