Here’s a quick way to make granulation beads in various sizes is to use different gauges of fine silver wire:
- Start with a 1/8” or 5/32” piece of brass tubing about 3” long. Bend one end of the silver wire and insert it into the tubing. Place the tubing along with the wire into a hand held variable-speed drill.
- Tighten the chuck and then squeeze the trigger slightly while holding onto the wire. The wire will slowly start to wind around the tubing.
- When all the wire has wrapped around the tubing turn the drill off and take the tubing out of the drill. The coil of wire will slip right off.
- Snip the wire with either a small scissors or wire cutter to make individual jump rings.
- Place a clean solderite pad in a metal container that has a lip like a small cookie sheet with sides. The pan will catch any balls that run off the solderite pad.
- Arrange the jump rings onto the pad so that there is a little space in-between and hit each one gently with a torch. A solderite pad will not leave a residue on the beads and they will have a slightly flat side which is good for enameling.
Tips:
- One side of the solderite pad can be used for soldering and the other for making granules.
- Use a variety of gauge wires for different sized balls. I like to use 22, 24, 26 and 28 gauges.
- Beading containers are inexpensive and are a great way to keep granules organized and sorted by size.
Learn More:
Joanne will be teaching Granulation on Enamel March 21 & 22, 2015. Learn to make and attach granules to both flat and curved surfaces. Then, enamel over the surface to bring a new element of texture and sparkle to jewelry.