Repurposed Plate into Broken China Jewelry: Step-by-Step Tutorial
In this video, I’ll guide you through the process of transforming a used plate into beautiful broken china earrings using lead-free solder. This DIY jewelry project is perfect for anyone looking to repurpose old plates into unique, wearable art.
Materials & Tools:
• Used plate (I sourced mine from Amazon)
• Lead-free solder (crucial for safety)
• Glass pistol grip cutter
• Glass chopping tool
• Inland glass grinder
• Copper foil
• Burnishing tool
• Soldering iron
• Jump rings
• Third-hand tool
• Glass cleaner
• Glass finishing compound
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Plate:
• Begin by selecting a used plate with a design you love. Clean it thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue.
2. Cut the Plate:
• Safety Tip: Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect your eyes and hands from sharp edges and debris.
• Score the plate along your desired pattern using a glass pistol grip cutter.
• Use a glass chopping tool to carefully break the scored lines into smaller, more manageable pieces.
3. Grind the Edges:
• Use an Inland glass grinder to smooth out the sharp edges of each piece. This step is crucial to ensure a safe and comfortable finish for your jewelry.
• Safety Tip: Always wear a dust mask while grinding to avoid inhaling glass particles.
4. Clean the Glass:
• Clean each piece of glass with a glass cleaner to remove any dust and ensure that the copper foil adheres properly.
5. Apply Copper Foil:
• Wrap each piece of glass with copper foil, ensuring that it is evenly applied.
• Use a burnishing tool to firmly press the foil onto the glass for a secure fit.
6. Solder the Foil:
• Safety Tip: Work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gloves to avoid burns.
• Heat your soldering iron and apply lead-free solder over the copper foil, securing it onto the glass.
• Use a third-hand tool to hold the jump ring in place. Solder both sides of the jump ring to ensure it’s securely attached to the glass.
7. Final Touches:
• After soldering, clean the piece once more and apply a glass finishing compound for a polished look.
Safety Reminders:
• Always use lead-free solder when making jewelry to ensure it’s safe to wear.
• Work in a well-ventilated area or use a fume extractor to avoid inhaling solder fumes.
• Keep a first aid kit nearby in case of any accidents.
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Here is my Etsy store link:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/AshBlissfulCreations
LINK TO MY FIRST STAINED GLASS JEWELRY TUTORIAL:
https://youtu.be/QjNshNih9aE
LINK TO MY VIDEO ON HOW TO CUT GLASS BY HAND:
https://youtu.be/wIkjMM-qsgM
As an Amazon Associate, I do earn from qualifying purchases, and this means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. I’ll earn some coffee money which I promise to be enjoying while I make more blissful content like this.
Items listed used:
GLASS FINISHING COMPOUND FOR WHEN FINISHED: https://amzn.to/3TYV0eK
Plate used: (I used the used plate option)
https://amzn.to/3SWXf0Z
SMOKE EXTRACTOR - https://amzn.to/3O69Hdp
LEAD-FREE SOLDER LINK: https://amzn.to/3WzKXif
SOLDERING IRON I USE LINK: https://amzn.to/3KkbLfE
STRAIGHT LINE/ANGLE GLASS CUTTING SYSTEM I USED LINK: (highly recommend) https://amzn.to/3yPiXgH (small one)
https://amzn.to/3yrSN1M (larger one, I use the small one but just in case)
GLASS GRINDER (highly recommended): https://amzn.to/3W0Xzke
STAINED GLASS FLUX: https://amzn.to/3PWYyhO
SOLDERING MAT: https://amzn.to/3reA1sd
GLASS RUNNERS/GLASS CUTTING PLIER KIT:
https://amzn.to/3TWk8UV
HIGH HEAT SPONGE FOR SOLDERING: https://amzn.to/3KIi25e
THIRD-HAND TOOL: https://amzn.to/3PWWExC
3/16 copper foil: https://amzn.to/3vN07Id
13/64 black back copper foil: https://amzn.to/441sPSs
COPPER FOIL DISPENSER TRAY (helps so much for foiling the glass, plus it keeps it organized): https://amzn.to/3UfA3fj
(I find this extra helpful!)
BURNISHING TOOL FOR COPPER FOIL: (super helpful!): https://amzn.to/3LMW1SM
PLIERS FOR JUMP RING: https://amzn.to/3xRfcpf
pistol grip oil feed glass cutter: https://amzn.to/3vMC4sS