Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Formed Patina Copper Leaf Pendant With Hook and Eye Clasp





The veins of the leaf were stamped into flat copper sheet. The sheet was then folded and cut out into a leaf shape. I then hand formed the edges to give the leaf character and drilled a hole to attach the pendant bail. I formed the bail from copper wire. The end hook and eye are made from copper tube and hand forged copper wire. The copper pieces were then covered in a salt solution and placed a sealed container with a little ammonia for three days. The dark patina with blue hi-lights is the result. All the copper was gently scrubbed with an old toothbrush and soap and water. The patina is sealed with three coats of Polycrylic. A slim leather cord completes the piece, with the ends glued into the tube ends. The pendant hangs about 1.625” long on an 18” cord, and is about 1.125” wide.        

Friday, October 14, 2011

Etsy Treasury "Fangs"

Copper and Sterling Silver Leaf Earrings


Pure copper leaves attached to a rectangle shaped sterling silver sheet that has been hammered. The leaves have a three dimensional quality to them. The sterling silver has been hammered and a patina applied to make it look like a stone. The fall season can be so pretty when the leaves first start to change and fall covering the stones beside a creek in a thin layer. The earrings are finished off with a hand made sterling silver earwire.

The earrings hang at almost 1 3/4" and are a touch over 1/2" wide.