How to Measure Drill Bits

So a question we get a lot is "what drill bit should I use for my project?"

It is a good question because the success or failure of many projects-- especially those that involve riveting-- depends on drilling the correct size hole for the wire or findings needed.

Drill Gauge
The best tool for determining the right jewelry drill bit size for the job is a drill bit gauge that measures small drill bits. For larger bits, you will need a larger gauge. Almost all the bits we use can be measured using the 1 to 60 drill bit gauge.


How to Use the Gauge
The gauge is easy to use. Take a piece of wire the size you plan to use for your project or the same size as your finding and slip it into the hole of the gauge that fits snug. The hole that fits is the exact size of the drill bit. If you are riveting, then you will want to use the same size bit as is the wire. If you are putting a wire through the hole as a finding, then you will want to use a drill bit that is larger than the wire so the finding can move freely when fed through the drilled hole.

Test the Drill Bit
Once you tested the wire, pick up the drill bit and slide it into the hole to be sure you have the correct size.

Mystery Bits
If you are like us, then you have a box that is filled with drill bits of different sizes. We often use the drill gauge to determine the size of mystery bits before we begin drilling.

Related Tutorials
How to Drill
How to Use a Drill Press for Jewelry Making
How to Remove a Drill Bit that Broke Off in Your Art Jewelry During Fabrication
How to Use a Dremel to Make Jewelry
How to Use a Flex Shaft to Make Jewelry
GeltDesigns Tutorials by Topics
New Jewelry a Day


Happy  drilling!

Chanukah Craft and Jewelry Projects

 Dreidel Pendant by GeltDesigns

Chanukah is always a lot of fun, but this year we were especially creative using Chanukah objects in the upcycling, repurposing challenge we issued to ourselves for the year.

 Dreidel Earrings by GeltDesigns

Here are three tutorials for Chanukah jewelry made from dreidels, bottle caps and other reclaimed materials:

Make Chanukah Menorah Earrings from Plastic Bottle Caps
Make a Dreidel Pendant
Make Dreidel Earrings

If jewelry making is not your thing, here are links to other Chanukah projects you may enjoy on this last night:

Make Your Own Dreidel

Chanukah Craft Projects for Kids
How to Make a Hanukkah Menorah

Happy Chanukah from the girls at GeltDesigns!

Jewelry from Found Objects

So it is almost two weeks since we began our adventure in upcycling. With the holidays coming, we issued ourselves a challenge: no purchasing items to make gifts or new craft projects. The rules are clear: use up what we have and use as many found objects as we can. We can repurpose, recycle, upcycle or otherwise reuse old stuff. We can sift through the recycling cans of neighbors, friends and even readers. We can incorporate craft materials and outgrown or broken toys from the toy box, but the goal is to solve jewelry making tasks every day using found materials.

Everyday we are publishing a new jewelry project made from these found objects on our new blog called New Jewelry a Day.   Of course, what we have in and around our house and studio may not be in yours, but we hope our ideas will help stir your creative thoughts.

Here is a list of jewelry projects from found items to date:

Buttons

• Earrings
• Bib Necklace

 Chain

•  Necklace

Copper Pipe

• Bangle Bracelet

Glass

•  Glass & Sterling Silver Earrings
•  Kiln Formed Bracelet
• Glass Charm Necklace

Elastic Hair Bands

• Belt

Riveted Scrap Metals

•  Pendant
•  Earrings

 Steel Wire

•  Earrings
• Bangle Bracelet
•  Link Chain Bracelet

Toys

• Lego Earrings

Here is our score card to date:
Day 12. Week 2. Jewelry from Found Objects.  $ spent: 0
New Jewelry a Day.   Join our adventure.