Jewelry Project 6 ~ Mixed Metal Earrings (Recycled)

This was my interpretation of the second project, Folded Earrings, completed in June, as I followed along in Deryn's Summer Jewelry Challenge. As mentioned, we are using the book, Wrap, Stitch, Fold & Rivet written by Mary Hettmansperger.

I shared then, that they had taken one too many folds. So....since I really wasn't happy with the end results, I decided to take them apart for the next project in the book~Mixed Metal Earrings.
I began by hammering the base pieces of copper metal flat. Initially I had texterized and torched them, so once folded flat, the inside was now the side I liked best. Once trimmed, filed and folded to the size I wanted, brass eyelets were used at the top to hold the earwires. The antique brass filigree fans, bought from The Artful Market, were wrapped around the bottom of the earrings, secured with the mini brass nuts & screws, brought home from the class I took with Susan Lenart Kazmer in May. Lastly, I wire wrapped a copper washer and beautiful multi-colored czech crystal bead on top.

What I learned, once again, if I am not satisfied, take it apart and start over. Recycling is always a good thing.

Layers Necklace-Project 4

"Etched No.1"

I had decided to etch the metal for my next project in Deryn's Summer Jewelry Challenge , where we are using Mary Hettmansperger's book, Wrap, Stitch, Fold & Rivet. My first attempt with etching about a month ago, was not successful. I tried once more today, and I am so satisfied with how the metal pieces turned out. I etched on copper, nickel and brass, using some of my favorite stamps.

The brass piece on the bottom is the one I like most. I didn't want to cover up too much of it, as the patina I applied (by torch) turned out very nice. I lightly sanded it with steel wool to emphasize the beautiful pattern of the etching.

The next piece is nickel. The etching is slightly lighter, but just as nice. I used the same technique as on the brass.

The hammered swirl charm was one I had done a couple of weeks ago, and has been sitting on my desk. I had also added patina with my torch, after it was hammered. The fun thing about the swirl in this piece, is that it can swing freely. I like the slight movement. On page 29 of Mary's book, she gave a detailed explaination on how to make a wrapped loop swirl charm. This one, though not wrapped, had been done for practice, just waiting for the right project.

I took 24 gauge sterling silver wire, drew a ball on the end with my torch; then wrapped it as Mary had done in her example piece. I strung a short piece of oxidized sterling silver chain thru the fold. Added a couple of twisted copper jump rings, a hand forged hammered sterling silver s-clasp, and an oxidized brass chain to finish the piece.

I cut out two additional pieces of the etched and patined brass. I must make a pair of matching earrings, but they will have to wait till tomorrow.

Bead Shelf Necklace

Project #3 in Wrap, Stitch, Fold & Rivet, by Mary Hettmansperger, has proved to be alot of fun, just as I thought. Moving thru this book, with Deryn Mentock, has been both challenging and stimulating. I have tried techniques I might not or would not have tried; as I go thru this summer challenge with several other jewelry artists. Other participants who have submitted their projects are listed on the left margin of Deryn's blog. Just look under Deryn's Summer Jewelry Challenge.

I love the side view of the shelf, as you can see the different colors and sizes of Czech crystals that I used. The part I enjoyed most was the patina I applied with my propane torch and Novocan Super Brite Copper Patina-on both the shelf and twisted metal beeds. I torched, then dipped the pieces in ice water. Next I applied the Novocan in different places, then re-torched and back into the ice water. I did this several times, until I was satisfied with the colors. The copper turned into brilliant shades of gold, blue, green, turquoise, brown and burgandy.

Project #4 probably won't come as soon as I'd like; as projects, jewelry shows and a much needed vacation trip are quickly approaching.

I can hardly wait, as the Layers Necklace is what's next.