Find Out Friday: Steampunk Ring

For this Find Out Friday we have combined two of our favorite things - buttons and Steampunk. We are going to make this great ring: 

Let's begin!

Here is what you will need: 

1 adjustable glue-on ring

1 Steampunk button 

E6000 adhesive

Gilders Paste in silver

Clear acrylic sealer

Tools:

Diamond File

Heavy duty wire cutters

The first step is to cut off the shank on the back of the button. DO NOT use your good jewelry making cutters for this. Use a pair of household or utility wire cutters, the strength of the metal will permanently damage fine jewelry making cutters. 

Next, take a diamond file and file down any rough edges where you cut the shank off. You want to get it so the area where the shank was, is now flush with the back of the button and completely smooth. 

Turn the button over, and using your finger, lightly apply silver Gilders Paste to the raised details on the button. You will see that they now "pop". 

If you end up with too much silver, simply wipe off any excess with a paper towel. Let dry for 30 minutes. Take outside and spray 3 light coats of clear matte finish acrylic sealer over the button. Let each coat dry thoroughly before applying the next coat. 

Take your adjustable ring band and apply a "glob" (such technical terms we jewelry makers use) of E6000 adhesive onto the glue on pad. 

Press the glue-on pad of the ring onto the backside of the button. Center it to cover the area where you removed the shank. Let dry. 

You're all done! This same technique can be used for any button with a metal or plastic shank. Enjoy!

- Julie