Jewelry-Making Techniques

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Creating an Old World Square Link

by Tammy Honaman, Author, Jewelry-Making Expert and Educator,
Exclusively for Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®
BA5X

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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. Press the center punch down until it stries 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 : : :

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