Beading Instructions

Beading Resources > Free Beading Instructions > Tutorials > Creating an Old World Square Link
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 Creating an Old World Square Link 

by Tammy Honaman, Author, Jewelry-Making Designer and Educator,
Exclusively for Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®
BA5X
: : : Materials : : :
  • Focal, brass, 32x32mm double-sided flat square blank with (2) 4x2mm holes
  • Drop, brass, 22x14mm double-sided flat rectangle blank with 1.3mm hole
  • Bead cap, antiqued brass-finished ''pewter'' (zinc-based alloy), 5mm lacy cone, fits 6mm bead
  • Washer, brass, 7mm single-sided flat round flower with pressed petal design and 1.4mm hole
  • Brad, brass, 7x4mm flat head, 16 gauge
  • Leather scraps, turquoise
  • Flexshaft speed control set, Foredom
  • Ball peen hammer
  • Bench block, steel
  • Pliers, hole-punch, EURO TOOL, 1.8mm punch
  • Pliers, flush-cutters 
  • Scissors 
  • Permanent marker
  • Scrap wood
  • 3/64 inch drill bit
  • Center punch
    • End of Materials List
    Step 1
    Cut a piece of leather larger than the rectangle but small enough to fit between the openings on the sides of the square.
    Step 2
    Place the rectangle onto the leather where you want it to be positioned. Using the marker, place a mark where the hole in the rectangle meets the leather, so you know where to punch a hole. Using the hole punch, make a hole at the mark in the leather.

    Place the leather onto the square focal, positioning it where you want it. Using the marker, place a mark where the hole in the leather meets the square, so you know where to drill your first hole.

    Place the square onto a block of wood. Place the center punch on the mark on the square. Strike the center punch with a rawhide mallet to create a depression for the drill bit to catch in. Drill a hole.
    Step 3
    Layer the pieces together and place a brad through the holes.
    Step 4
    Place the assembly face down onto a steel bench block. Press on the layers so they are fitted together well. Trim the brad to 1/8" above the last layer. Be sure to cover the piece of wire that will be cut off so it doesn't go flying.
    Step 5
    Using the ball peen hammer, strike the brad, working around the end so you move the metal outward and so it's flat.
    Step 6
    Flip the assembly over and place it onto a piece of wood. Determine where you want the next hole to be placed--the second hole in the piece shown is opposite the first. Using the rawhide mallet, strike the center punch at the mark to create a depression. Drill a hole at the mark, drilling slowly so, as you pass through each layer, the assembly stays as you have it lined up.
    Step 7
    Put a brad through the drill hole then repeat Steps 4-5.

    Optional: Repeat Step 6 to place a hole in the center.

    Repeat Step 3 adding in other findings, like the brass flower and flattened lacy cone bead cap, as shown.

    Repeat Steps 4-5 to secure the final brad in place.
    : : : Additional Resources : : :
  • View the design inspiration and instructions for the necklace utilizing this pendant
  • ''Riveting With a Wire Rivet'' how-to video and instructions
    • End of Additional Resources

    Have a question regarding this project? Email Customer Service.

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    All products sold by Fire Mountain Gems and Beads are not intended for use by children 14 years of age and under.

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