Jewelry Challenge

My good friend, Deryn Mentock has a jewelry challenge going on for the summer over at her blog. I finally found some time to do one of the challenge pieces so I thought I'd share it with you. Deryn's challenge is to go through Mary Hettmansperger's new book, Wrap, Stitch, Fold & Rivet. Making Designer Metal Jewelry, one project at a time and practice the techniques using your own style.

 

For some reason, I started out with project #4. Well, actually, I started with project #1 but somehow I ended up finishing project #4 first -- and skipping projects #2 through #3. Go figure... Well, it doesn't really matter because Deryn is ready to do project #6 so I have some catching up to do anyway.

Techniques for Project 4

• Cutting, forging and texturing sheet metal
• Applying heat treated patinas
• Using liver of sulphur patina
• Cutting openings in metal
• Stitching
• Adding eyelets
• Drawing a bead on wire

"Layers Necklaces" by Mary Hettmansperger

Though I know most of the techniques in Mary's projects for this book, I haven't used them very much. One that I especially wanted to try in this piece was drawing a bead on a wire. I haven't done that since I first learned it at Susan Lenart Kazmer's retreat last summer. Since then, I've set up my torch table and have only turned on and off the torch so far. (Yes, I'm a wimp when it comes to the torch.)  I did use it to draw the bead at the end of this wire I used for wrapping (click on the image to see the bead better):

 

Drawn red bead on copper wire.

I pretty much used the instructions in the book for this project except that I wrapped the first layer of metal with metal mesh which I had treated with liver of sulphur and heat. The piece I used to slip under the rounded tab before wrapping it, I cut from metal I treated in Susan's class using a Borax solution and heat. It makes a beautiful red patina.

 

Faithful, Layers Necklace (details)

In the picture on the right above, you can see the eyelet I set to attach the bead dangle. Also apparent in this picture, is the forged edge of the copper metal that resulted in a deckle effect. I textured the bottom piece of copper by hammering letter punches to imprint the word "FAITHFUL," the title of my necklace.

This piece was lots of fun. I'm looking forward to the other challenges but don't promise to have them done by the end of summer. I'm almost through with project #1 and will post it soon.

I invite you to join in the fun. Check out the challenge over on Deryn's blog where she gives enough info from Mary's book that you can do the projects without having to buy the book. For me, though, I really wanted the book for my own reference. You won't go wrong getting your own copy.

 

Comments

[Deryn Mentock]

Wow! I love this Sally! You did a great job with it. Can't wait to see your other projects...

[Angie Platten]

Sally, I have loved following Deryn's challenge on her blog and your piece is just stunning! I love it! I love the abstract look to it and of course, the title. The copper necklace part is really cool and unique as well.

[Molly Alexander]

Sally - I love this! What a beautiful interpretation of this design - great job! :-)

[Diane cook]

I love the deckled edge, as it makes it look like a ruffle peeking out from under your metal mesh. Your necklace turned out beautiful with alot of great colors!

[Carolyn Mallin]

I love what you've done with this piece.The colors,deckled edge,title~~~~everything.

Carolyn Mallin

[Diane B]

I really love these copper is one of my personal favorites to work with.

[Maija Lepore]

Love, love, love your take on the challenge!

[kecia]

love what you created! nice job. i started to be involved with the challenges, but found i didn't have some of the supplies needed nor the time either. so i guess i'll have to catch up way later! anyway, love what you created. how's the book so far? (a charming exchange?) it is so fun to finally get a well anticipated book!
kecia

[Mary Beth]

Oh I love this, Sally!!! You jewelry gals are just amazing!!! I so envy your talent. That mesh overlay (whatever it is) adds so much textural interest.

[Pilar]

OMG! This is so awesome! I love what you did with this project and your interpretation of the techniques and materials. You go girl! I can't wait to see what you will do for the other projects. xoxoxoxoxo

[Altered Antiquity]

Well look at you go, girl! You've become quite the little jewelry artist! And I love your whole torch table setup and the pieces that you created. Sometimes I think that it would be fun to get into the jewelry-making, but it looks like one needs so many tools and gadgets that I hesitate on the expense.