Jewelry-Making Techniques

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How to Use Pin Closures

Instructions by Michelle Wood, Jewelry-Making Expert, Exclusively for Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®
D91N

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Adjusting Length

STEP 1

After firing and finishing your Metal Clay design with the pin finding attached, check the length of the pin against the space between the two parts of the pin finding. If the pin extends past the end of the brooch, use the wire cutters to trim to the appropriate length--having the point of the pin extending just past the pin-catch half of the pin finding, yet not out past the edge of the brooch where it could poke you. Use sandpaper, ranging from 600-1200 grit, working from the lowest to the highest grit, to re-sharpen the end of the pin so it will pierce your clothing cleanly.
STEP 2
Attach the pin as follows: Line up the pin loop with the knobs inside the pin finding.
STEP 3
Using chain-nose pliers, compress the sides of the pin finding, capturing and securing the pin loop between the knobs inside the finding.

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