Saturday, May 6, 2017

Adding Texture and Patina to Metal

I wanted to show you the projects we've been working on in our Jewelry 102 Class. 

My inspiration for these earrings was from a tutorial I saw in Belle Armoire Jewelry magazine this month by Kathy Combs. She did a lot of etching in her demos, which I did not do, but her tutorial on making the paint, as well as how to make your own enameled head pins motivated me to give them a try. 

Here are my versions:




These are hand cut from pure copper sheet metal and then filed, sanded and run through the Sizzix Big Kick Machine using an embossing folder.

We then punch holes and add color. We are using Ranger Patina's in class, but you can also make your own using a 50-50 mixture of craft paint and vinegar until you get a milky consistency. The turquoise earrings in the center are made using the paint mixture.

I'm also now obsessed! with making enameled headpins. SO FUN! Must order more opaque enamels though, my stash is mostly transparent and they don't show up well on the headpins.

For the enameled headpins, you make a balled headpin with your microtorch (I used sterling silver) and then dip the hot ball of metal in the enamel powder, torch it again and dip again until you get the size head pin you are looking for. 

I will try and make a quick video very soon to demonstrate how to make the headpins. You can see mine above in the turquoise photo as well. The little blue headpins are peeking out from the bottom.

I'm really happy with how these earrings came out. They're time consuming to make, but I think the result is well worth it. I'll be making a variety of Spring Colors to send out to stores and will be posting them in my Etsy store too. 

Is there something you would like to learn how to make? Have questions? Leave a comment and let me know.