Lately, I feel more comfortable using the term "metalsmith" in describing myself. In my last post, I referenced purchasing a new-to-me-tool (the shot plate - I wrote a quick tutorial on the Love My Art Jewelry blog spot here). Well, I found a few new ways to use this end result, known as decorative shot beads.
First up are these very cool mixed metals earrings which almost killed me in photographing. For some reason, I could not get the angle/lighting to mesh...it is what it is!
I took at least 25 pictures, all horrible! Anyway, I twisted two lengths of square copper wire, then balled up both ends in the flame. To the bottom, I cut some teeny tiny sterling silver discs, and soldered on those tiny decorative beads. These look so much better in person - they swing beautifully from one's ear!
For the next pair of earrings, I cut two sterling silver discs, sawed and filed out the petals, textured the petals, and dapped them - sort of like a bead cap - but I turned the petal "outward" just a bit. I then soldered two of the decorative beads to the centers, making little flowers. The ear wires have also been soldered to the back of the earrings.
I call these "quasi poppies" - poppies would actually have 3 tiny balls in the center, and they would also have 5 petals. So, "flowers" fit the bill better than poppy, I suppose.
I took a short break from the decorative shot and whipped up a set of 5 copper stacking bangles. These are hand riveted with sterling silver, and textured on the top and both sides.
LOVE this texture!
I have wanted to try "air chasing" for-ever. There are plenty of You-Tube videos out there with great instructions. The easiest way to make this style cuff is to use wide copper tubing - straight from the hardware store. Well, my tubing is only 1/4" wide - and I have a ton of it. Not easy to do....I truly believe a wider cuff would have been easier on me - but boy, I had a blast! Just look at the craters and pits in the cuff! Texture, baby!!!!
And since my shot plate was just sitting there waiting to be used....I made two little flowers and soldered them to the ends of the cuff.
I do not want to state that the technique is difficult - a better word would be challenging, or even cumbersome! You tape the ends of the tube to your steel bench block and, using various hammers and dapping tools, you hammer the SIDES of the tubing - not straight down the center. Well, that metal moves with every blow of the hammer - usually right out from under the mounds of tape! I used a lot of tape, and I had to anneal the cuff many times to make the copper soft.
Though I actually like the slim style cuff, the next time I am out and about, I am definitely making a pit stop at the hardware store in search of wider tubing! :)
I have been on this jewelry-making-journey for a long time now, trying to find my niche. I truly feel comfortable with calling myself a metalsmith, and it feels good!
Thank you so much for stopping by today! Have a lovely week!
XO
Patti
