Use metal stamps and copper discs to make a pretty pair of Copper Mandala Earrings in a few simple steps. 1.5mm letter and symbol stamps are combined with stamped dots in a concentric pattern. You can use any stamps you like and add as much or as little detail as you please. We paired the warm copper with gold and vibrant green, but you could opt for a more tonal effect using copper crystal beads or brown pearls.
Mandalas represent the universe, and are used as tools for meditation. They are usually more symmetrical than this, but part of the beauty of handmade lies in imperfection. (This is what I’m telling myself, because I can’t seem to stamp inside of the lines!) Some people intentionally leave mistakes in their work, believing that only the divine can create perfection. I’m going with that. You could make these far more intricate and detailed, this class from Beaducation is a great reference for learning how!
A ruler and a temporary marker make it easier to line things up. Grab your tools and materials, and we’ll show you how!
Step one: Mark a cross pattern on front of earring. Start with the center mark, 1/2″ from top and sides. Add dots on the center marks of each arm of the cross. Add another dot in between each arm. Add dots around the edges that fall between the second segment of dots. You can reference the earrings and the photos above for clarification.
Step two: Stamp the asterisk in the center of each disc.
Step three: Stamp plus signs on the dots on each of the center marks on the arms of the cross. Stamp lower case ‘o’ on the dots in between in this middle row. Stamp ‘o’s on every other marked dot on the edge. Use a wood scratch awl to stamp dots on the remaining dots around the edge.
Step four: Use the ball end of your chasing hammer to add texture around the edge of the blanks.
Step five: Place stamped discs into dapping block stamped side facing down. Use the coordinating dapping tool and the hammer to dap disc into a slight dome.
Step six: Use hole punch pliers to pierce discs as shown. Center top, and three at the bottom spaced every other stamped mark as shown.
Step seven: Squeeze Stamp Enamel into stamped areas of discs. Wipe on, let sit for 10-20 seconds, wipe off the surface in a circular motion. Try not to wipe color out of the stamped areas!
Step eight: Create six coiled and looped dangles using beads and spacers.
Step nine: Attach earring wires to center top of discs. Attach beaded dangles to the bottom of discs with jump rings.
As simple as that, you’ve made a flirty, fun pair of Copper Mandala Earrings! If you want to keep the copper from tarnishing, you can paint a thin layer of clear nail polish over the discs before assembling the earrings.