Project by Kristina Pitaniello of Boston, Mass.
Kristina first started making engraved sterling cuffs when she made one for her former boyfriend. The message: "LISTEN". Kristina engraves the message on a leather cuff.
Materials:
leather
rivets
small faceted stones
files
hammer
anvil or metal block
drill bits
hole punch
jewelers saw
leather punch
edge coat
silver sheet
snaps
graver
shearer
drill
sandpaper
snap setter
awl
scissors
Steps:
1. Cut a small strip of leather with the shearer. Trim the edges with scissors. Coat the edges and set aside to dry.
2. Draw/trace a shape on the sheet silver with a permanent marker.
3. Cut out the shape with the jeweler's saw. File the edges, and then sand the edges with three different grits of sandpaper.
4. Awl both ends of the piece to guide the drill bit. Then drill both sides.
5. Trace/draw what will be engraved onto the silver--in this case it's the word HUMAN. Then engrave it.
6. Awl holes for stone or stones. Then drill holes for stones.
7. Set silver piece on leather and mark with the awl through the holes in the piece. Use the leather punch to make these holes in the leather.
8. Place the silver back on the leather and set the rivets through both the leather and the silver. Hammer the tops of the rivets carefully.
9. Place the stone in its hole on the silver. Use the graver to chip up four pieces of metal around the stone. Use a beading tool to soften these chips into balls.
10. Measure and punch holes for snaps. Set snaps.
To buy a kit to make this cuff, visit Kristina's website: www.pitaniello.com
Website: www.yourfavoritediamonds.com
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