Not all 2 x 4 x 8 are equal

Rebuilding my (finishing) my torching table
I have the hood and posts all done now I need to fix the table top
want to raise it a little and create some storage space - it seems I always find more ways to fix my work area than actually work ...... I figure this is the last big modification - but that's this week... I'll find some other project to keep me from actually making beads.

I did accomplish making some amphora face pendants along with some horse head pendants - I'll post them soon

back to 2 x 4's   I bought some at Lowes without really reading the sign and it turns out they were not quite 8ft so I had one 2 x 4 x 8 from Home depot then found the other three I had from Lowes were short by about 6 inches ( they make these so you don't have to cut studs when you install a header and footer - will come in handy as I build my walls- didn't even know they existed) so I thought I'd have the frame done tonight but it will have to wait till tomorrow - I really want to be torching on the weekend

Microfold Earrings - Step 5

Now the first set is pinched or "confirmed"  we need to bring it even further together
now pinch together the next set so that the folds are tighter causing it to arch

Once arched you can straighten out earring if it warps or bend against a round pole to tighten and harden the folds.  the ends can be soldered with a jump ring and earring findings or you can drill a hole and put a jump ring and earring findings.  These are lightweight earrings.  they can be enameled or apply a patina to dress them up

voila - simple and fun earrings
video coming soon if you could not follow

Microfold Earrings - Step 4

Now folded we will use our pliers to "confirm" pinch folds together

pinch folds on the short side

Microfold Earrings - Step 3

now you have all the edges (except top) folded in
lay out your pieces so you can see the mirror images - we will present the short corner to the folding brake or the tube wringer and wring them through

Microfold Earrings - Step 2

Now mark along the two longest edges .01" and along the bottom .01"
Use your pen or pencil to mark into the copper - makes it easier to fold
we do this so the edges are not sharp.  Once edges are drawn  cut corners on bottom of earrings so that it makes it easier to fold
Use your ruler to help fold and you can use your fingers (watch you do not cut them ) or the edge of your pliers (or a knife) once bent over use your pliers to ensure they are folded flat. If you feel any sharp edges use a nail file to smooth them out.

Microfold Earrings - Step 1 - cut your copper sheet

Cut a piece of copper   2.0"   x  2.5"

Mark across bottom at 1-1/4"    and 3/4"    do same at top  - we are creating mirror image pieces
Use your pen or pencil to draw line or mark copper - cut along line  set side by side as mirror images

Microfold Earrings - copper - preparation

I am still putting together the video but I thought I'd post the step by step

I purchased a roll of 36 ga copper sheet -This thin copper can be used for embossing, punching, rubbing and decorating.I have found it packaged in rolls, metal foil can be cut to size with household scissors. Gauge: 36ga. - .005” thick. Curry's arts stores have it in Canada and Dick Blick has it in the USA.

I do use my regular scissors to cut and the 36ga lends it self to not have to be annealed once it is worked  and is still easy to use after microfolding through the brake or the tube wringer.

Equipment to assemble:
Scissors
Ruler
Pencil or pen
tube wringer (see image in below post)  or microfold brake
flat nose pliers - smallest you can find with thin tips - helps in "confirming" the folds
36ga copper sheet  (2.0 inches x 2.5" min)

Once you have all this we can start