This week I am working on a bird pendant to match my bird earrings and white bird ring. I had already cut out the bird a few weeks ago, this weekend I wanted to add the bail and finish it off and then complete another piece that I have in the pipeline.
I have decided to hang the bird from a short length of chain to give it a little movement. I have started by creating a bed for the chain to be attached.
I have coated the piece in flambe (a mixture or borax, boric acid and metho) to protect from fire scale. The flambe is activated by burning away the metho.
I use two coats of flambe front and back, then I apply flux to the area that will be soldered.
Next I attached the chain by soldering the half jumpring in the countersunk beds I created earlier.
The result is rather icky looking (for now), but the chain is attached. I just have to make and attach the bail to the top.
But for now, into the pickle to get rid of the gunk.
Unfortunately that is as much as I got done this weekend. I did however have a lovely weekend with family and friends and the Melbourne weather was just perfect... Hopefully I will have some completed pieces next weekend.
Wow, such an interesting process!
ReplyDeleteI agree, I am very fascinated with the process!
ReplyDeleteCool post! I'm really interested to learn silversmithing, but me and chemicals don't mix, so I'm a little scared of what might happen!
ReplyDeleteGlad you all enjoyed it, my hubby is always fascinated with the process too.
ReplyDeleteTiff, I am a super-clutz but have survived so far ;) Mind you when I set up my micro torch and lit it for the first time my hubby stood way back in case I blew myself up!
I love your step-by-step entry! I'm a beginner metalsmith and have so many issues with soldering (flame, firescale, etc), but seeing people do it with such ease makes me keep persevering.
ReplyDeleteI've actually just downloaded a list of green alternatives to normal chemicals used in jewellery making. If you like, I can email it to you. The toxicity of jewellery making is a constant bother to me - good to know there's other stuff out there.
Haha, I don't think I'd be allowed to play with a torch! He doesn't even like me using the big knives!
ReplyDeleteBtw, I have done a little feature of your "spearmint swirl" ring in my Wishlist Wednesday post :) It's totally gorgeous! (but I think it's too small for me)