Fine Silver Earring Posts

First posted in 2009, but might still be of use :)  The fine silver wire has held up to years of use now.  They bend a bit, but they don't break.

Fine Silver Earring Posts
Materials: PMC3 PMC 3 paste 20 gauge fine silver wire Tools and Supplies Teflon work surface olive oil wire cutters small torch small round cutters in 2 sizes roller, cards or slats, paint brush, small drill bit,  texture sheet or rubber stamp kiln
	Ball up 20g fine silver wire with a torch and cut into approximately 1/2" lengths.
	Roll out clay 2 cards thick, stamp with signature or apply texture if desired and use cutters to make small circles.
	Dry to a mostly dry stage.
	Drill a small hole in the center of each circle.
	Roll out some more clay 2 cards thick and apply texture if desired.
	While the second set of circles are still damp, place a little water on the back of the smaller circles and a little paste on the front of the larger circles.
	Insert the balled up wire pieces from the back to the front of the smaller circles.
	Place the small circle onto the larger circle, pressing the balled up portion of the wire into the still damp clay of the larger circle.  Allow to dry.  Hint: You can make a lot of these up in advance and leave them at this stage until you need them.
	Attach the preformed post to the back of an earring with water and slip, allow to dry to completely dry stage and then fire at 1650 degrees for 2 hours.  Before tumbling, work harden the wire by closing pliers on it several times or tapping it lightly with a small hammer.  After tumbling, straighten and work harden the wire again, trim the wires to the desired length and round the ends of the wire with a small cup burr or sandpaper.
	A finished earring with fine silver posts.
	The posts with an earrnut.
	Enjoy!