Friday, February 1, 2013
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Copper Ring
I made my first copper ring with my first set stone recently. I made it on a whim really, I set out that day to do some filigree. Instead, I started pounding out a piece of copper. It was also my first weld from home. I had almost convinced myself I had the wrong torch for the job, but with a little patience and lots of study, I figured it out. My seam could have been better. The setting isn't perfect, but I am still excited to have the result I got!
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Textured Copper Link Bracelet
After working on a few single pieced forged bracelets, I decided to try my hand at cutting and shaping. I cut five links out of sheet copper and textured and formed them. I then drilled holes and linked them together. I finished the piece by adding an adjustable chain and lobster claw clasp.
I used two textures in this bracelet, one for the focal and another for the side links.
I used two textures in this bracelet, one for the focal and another for the side links.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Forged Part 2
I also received some tools and gift certificates for metalsmithing for Christmas (I know, I am super lucky!).
Once my new hammers, blocks and firing materials arrived, I was able to experiment a bit more from my home shop.
It has been incredibly satisfying and fun. I made a men's bracelet and a small woman's cuff. I decided to leave these open rather than solder them closed.
On the woman's cuff, I hammered the ends until they were flared and I rounded the edges.I squared off the top.
On the men's bracelet, I left it more round and I added a suede accent:
Once my new hammers, blocks and firing materials arrived, I was able to experiment a bit more from my home shop.
It has been incredibly satisfying and fun. I made a men's bracelet and a small woman's cuff. I decided to leave these open rather than solder them closed.
On the woman's cuff, I hammered the ends until they were flared and I rounded the edges.I squared off the top.
On the men's bracelet, I left it more round and I added a suede accent:
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Fused Part 1
I have very generous family this year. My uncle gave me a small glass fusing kiln for Christmas. It has been a lot of fun to play with so far. I made a couple of pieces just playing around. I expected the first few to fail terribly, but they actually fused properly. Another skill down and it really feels awesome! I only planned out one of the four pictured. Now that I understand the process, I'll need to take the composition more seriously.
I would love to use this technique together with my metal smithing skills.
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