Welcome to your Sacred Souls Jewellery Making Kit
Take a quiet moment to create something personal with Temperance & Tide. Begin with a simple talisman necklace and explore your materials at your own pace.
Set up your space
Use a clear, well-lit surface. A tray or folded towel helps keep small parts from rolling away. Lay out your waxed cotton cords, talismans, connecting rings and jewellery tools.
The decorative gemstone-style pieces in your kit are glass, not natural crystals. Check each piece for chips or cracks before using it.
Your first talisman necklace
- Choose a waxed cotton cord and a talisman.
- If the talisman's loop fits over the cord end, thread it onto the cord and slide it to the centre. Do not force it over the clasp.
- If it does not fit, choose an open connecting ring that comfortably fits both the talisman loop and the cord. Using jewellery pliers, hold the ring on either side of its opening. Twist the ends sideways apart rather than pulling the circle wider. Do not try to open a soldered ring.
- Pass the open ring through the talisman loop and around the cord. Twist the ends back together until they meet neatly with no gap.
- Check that the connection is secure and smooth and that the cord clasp closes properly. Do not wear jewellery with sharp edges or loose connections.
Basic wire-wrapping tips
Start with spare wire and practise before wrapping a glass piece. Your 20-gauge silver wire is thinner than your 16-gauge copper wire, but softness also depends on the metal and its temper. Choose the wire you can bend comfortably with suitable jewellery tools. Never force stiff wire.
Practise a wrapped loop
- Leave a few centimetres of wire at one end and make a right-angle bend with jewellery pliers.
- If you have round-nose pliers, curve the short end around one jaw to form a small loop above the bend. Reposition the pliers as needed to complete the circle.
- Hold the loop with pliers and coil the short tail neatly around the straight stem below it, making two or three close turns. Keep your fingers clear of the wire tip.
- Using cutters rated for that wire, trim the remaining tail close to the coil. Wear eye protection and contain the offcut so it cannot fly away.
- Press the cut end gently against the stem with flat- or chain-nose pliers. Check carefully for a snag before using it. If you do not have the appropriate tools, leave this exercise until you do.
Wrapping your decorative glass pieces
- Choose a simple, rounded shape for your first attempt. Points on stars and hearts need extra care.
- Check for a threading hole. Do not drill glass or force wire through a hole that is too small.
- For a piece without a hole, plan a wire cage with support underneath and across both the front and back. A decorative band around the middle alone may let the piece slip out.
- Shape the wire gradually with your fingers where possible. Use pliers on the wire, not on the glass. The setting should hold the piece without crushing it.
- Avoid repeatedly bending the same spot backwards and forwards, which can weaken and break the wire.
- Finish with a secure hanging loop and tuck away every cut end. Over a folded towel, gently turn the finished piece in every direction. If the glass shifts or can escape, rework the setting before wearing it.
These are starter tips rather than a complete pattern for every shape. Keep an uncertain setting as a practice piece, not wearable jewellery.
A moment of intention
If you wish, spend a moment with your Temperance Tarot Card and write an intention in your journal. Let that intention guide your choice of talisman.
Care and safe making
- Keep small parts and sharp wire away from young children and pets. Children need adult supervision.
- Wear eye protection when cutting wire and collect offcuts immediately.
- Do not use chipped or cracked glass.
- Check joins before each wear. Remove jewellery before showering, swimming, sleeping or exercising.
- Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth.
- If you have metal sensitivities, confirm component materials are suitable before wearing them.