The early part of this week, my mind has been mush. But the past two days - in between errands and general life-stuff, I was able to create a few bracelets. Most importantly, I wanted to practice with my flex shaft!
I am so pleased with this tool, people! I have done so much research on what grinding, buffing, polishing wheels to use in which order. I needed to put it practice before I forgot everything I read! Well, the proof is in the pudding, as they say, and I am in love with this tool!
First up is this 1" wide copper bangle. I used 18 gauge solid copper. I had a hard time getting this puppy soldered, but I persevered and was so pleased! I knew I was pushing it with my butane torch...but this girl has 2 of them (gotta have a backup)!, so enough heat was generated. I also put a fire brick behind my charcoal brick, so that helped to "hold the heat" until solder flowed.
Happy with the wide band, I made a smaller, 1/2" bangle. NO issues soldering this at all...one torch was was all I needed.
Then, I progressed to this adjustable, mixed metal cuff style bracelet. I have lots of little sterling silver discs from making toggle clasps, and I used one of my Fretz texture hammers that has circle shapes to apply the texture to the cuff. Feeling brave, I even soldered the copper links in the chain.
This last bangle is my favorite. It's so simple, but the little nest of wire on top - soldered for durability - just adds so much to the bangle. I also textured all 3 sides of the bracelet.
I made some sweet little sterling earrings this week, featuring tiny round and textured discs, which I soldered to some ovals discs. I also wire wrapped two tiny opal Czech glass beads to the top of the earring. However, I have been struggling with trying to take decent pictures of these earrings...I finally gave up! Sterling on sterling is so hard to photograph! Shadows....too bright...too dark. Ugh.
Judging from all the chatter on Facebook, the news, the papers...I believe there is a football game this weekend. I will be in my studio watching Netflix!
Thanks so much for stopping by today - have a wonderful weekend!
xo
Patti
Lovely work! I especially like the bracelet with the little nest also.
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful. I love the patterns and textures that you achieve with your copper work. I love the wire nest bracelet but have to vote the adjustable mixed metal one as my favourite. Lovely, lovely, lovely!!! Hugs from Shroo:)xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful collection! You sure have mastered soldering. I on the other hand not so much, even after taking two classes. I don't get much time to practice though so that may be my issue! I really love the bangle with the nest and would love to know more about how you soldered it. Thanks for sharing your gorgeous work!
ReplyDeletewhat gorgeous, yummy colors you get with your metal work Patti! I love all these pieces .. that first one has such wonderful texture to it, and that last one I do so love that 'nest' touch ... and those earrings are stunning!
ReplyDeleteHi Patti, your bracelets are beautiful. Kudos to you for achieving the solder on the wide cuff. The mixed metal cuff is my favorite. I like the contrast between the two metals and your wonderful texturing.
ReplyDeleteAHHHH, once again we are treated to your beautiful jewelry. I love all of the copper pieces especially the mixed media bracelet. Your soldering is perfection! Not an easy skill to master...The silver earrings are gorgeous! I love the texture and the oval pieces and the dangle! Great design! YEAH!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the eye candy, Patti. I don't know which is better...your gorgeous metalwork or your incredible photography. The results of the two combined are amazing!
ReplyDeletePatti, these are all gorgeous! Beautifully and artfully made, indeed.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work. I can see how beautiful those sterling earrings are despite being difficult to photograph. I'm so happy you are enjoying your new tool!
ReplyDeleteThese are so great, and I love the ones I won!
ReplyDeleteYou can't see the solder line. I have trouble with that on copper.
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