A simple necklace made easily A Framed Skull

 This project started like most of mine with a sweep through the junk on my bench. I found a vintage brass frame that fit a recent silver frame and connected those with the prongs on the brass piece. Simply folding down the top two the inserting the silver frame and folding down the bottom ones. I knew I would want a background to set the focal on. Bronze sheet called NuGold was the right gauge 26 and a good color. In order to make a good fit I resorted to the dividers.

 Setting them to the width of the silver frame on the back of the piece.

This then was transferred to the bronze sheet by running the points along one straight edge while scratching the sheet with the other point.

 You can see the marks where I slipped off course before getting a good score. No problem because this will get textured.

 The same procedure is used to size the length.

 Again marking along the edge.

 Shears were used to cut the sheet and to clip the corners of the piece.

 A reasonable fit. Not too concerned about perfect at this point because the next step is texturing with a hammer. That will spread out the metal and it will get trimmed again before setting with E-6000 glue.

 Nice texture from a special pattern hammer and its ready to glue into place. The focal for this frame is a silver skull which has had its crossed bones removed with a jewelers saw. Next a bead was glued into the back of the head to give a good mounting point. Glue was then added to the bead and the skull set in place.

The finished piece has a large jump ring and a rollo necklace from Bsueboutiques
and the inner frame and skull from Vintage Jewelry Supplies. The outer frame was from Ebay
https://www.etsy.com/listing/162486949/handmade-framed-skull-necklace

Simple ring riveted construction

 Todays project begins with the elements and one tool. The BeadSmith EZ-Rivet tool is used to punch a hole in the top center of the ring shank. To do this, place the ring in the jaws and center the punch on the desired point. Tighten the screw handle until it pushes through the metal.

 Looking closely at the rivet you may see that I have used some E-6000 glue. Not really a case of belt and suspenders, but an aid to keeping all the parts aligned when riveting.

 After placing the components on the rivet, allow it to set up for 45 seconds. This will make it stay in place for the riveting. I don't show the riveting here but it works thee same as the punch. put the assembly into the jaw and center the rivet forming end on the top of the rivet. Turn the handle and form the head.

 You can see the fine result here, no messy hammer work, no balancing act while you strike with the hammer, just center, turn and done. A strong professional looking join. Yes it will get covered, but you can take pride in knowing it is right, even underneath the focal which in this case is an eye ball. The glass eye from Van Dykes Taxidermy is hollow on the back and is set with a small amount of E-6000

And the finished ring is ready for cleanup to remove the glue residues.  I chose a spring barrel from a pocket watch but you could use any combination of bezel and focals that please you.