Monday, June 25, 2012

HIDDEN IN THE BERRIES - Hand Forged Copper Enamel Earrings

SOLD

Hi All,

Seems like forever since I've posted.  But, I've been so busy collecting materials and gathering new metal smithing skills in order to bring you these new designs in Copper, Enamel and Sterling Silver.

No kidding, I've been working and so excited about this whole process I've met myself coming and going.  Finally, this morning, I birthed this pair of earrings.  I have to tell you, I feel very sexy and hip with them on.  I have many more in the making so keep posted and I will too.

The process is more, well I can't say more than forming molten glass around a mandrel, balancing by gravity, mixing colors and materials into the glass and coming out with a bead.  But is is certainly a welcome addition to my lampwork beads which will be incorporated into my new jewelry making skills.

First, I etch a copper sheet with a favorite design.  This includes Ferric Chloride an etching solution used in printmaking.  Once the design is etched in the copper, I begin cutting disks and various other shapes and sizes for use in the jewelry in this case earrings.   Then the disk goes to a dapping tool to make it a sort of spoon shape, for interest.  A hole is then drilled in the middle of the disk with my new Drill Press - I can't believe I have a drill press of my own.  Yay!

Second, I drill a hole in the smaller disk and take it to my torch where I dip in powdered glass called enamel and melt it onto the copper (3x) which gives a vibrant color to the disk laying against the copper shield shown in picture.  And the element I like most about the earrings, glass on metal.  Yay!

Now comes the Sterling Wire.  A bead is drawn on the wire at one end by holding it in the blue flame portion of the torch flame.  Then it is polished to remove oxidation from the flame (not too much - I like a little oxidation.  Makes it look forged - which it is!).  Two heshie beads (brass) are strung first on the Sterling Silver wire, then the enameled disk, the the copper disk and fashioned into a loop connected to a jump ring.

Another piece of Sterling Wire is then forged by chasing hammer and bent around a pencil to make the nice shape (simple huh).  Attaching now to the jump ring and Viola! a wonderful pair of hand forged earrings for sale on Etsy in about 20 minutes.

All for you to look beautiful and at the same time support "UpRising Yoga" bring healing to (CSEC) Commercially Sexually Exploited Children.  40% of my proceeds is donated for its continuance and growth.

UPRISING YOGA - for more information go to  -        http://www.uprisingyoga.org/

Love you all - won't stay away so long this time...

Suzanne

2 comments:

  1. Wow, I was wondering what you are working at - lovely and unique earrings!

    Can't wait to see more :)

    Hugs,
    Tatyana

    ReplyDelete
  2. I know - right? I'm having so much fun and have gone into production mode...Yay!!!

    Thank you - more on their way...

    Hugs
    Suzanne

    ReplyDelete

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