Forged Bracelets

Forged Copper Enamel Cuff
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Forged Copper Cuff
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Forged Red Brass Bangle
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still here

I'm still here, chugging along and trying to make ends meet, just like everybody else I know is doing. Here is a peek at what I made this week. I love being able to go out to my little cluttered space and make things.



Homage to Frida Kahlo's painting
Hummingbird and Thorn Necklace




Forged copper hoop earrings

with Chrysoprase and Aquamarine drops

the latest from my workbench

This necklace is basic, but I think it turned out to be pretty. It was fun to make, and now I have had more practice at making jump rings.

Forged-links necklace, fabricated.
Copper and sterling silver.
Closed loop with no clasp.

metalsmithing class notes

Today in my metalsmithing class, I worked on making what will hopefully become links in a chain. We are learning basic forging techniques, and I am attempting to master making a "transition." My classmates all seemed to make this sample fast, and move on to the next. I did not. I produced all varieties of mistakes. Today, time seemed like it flew by. I was so engrossed in what I was doing, I had to look at the clock twice to grasp that class time was over. I packed up my clumsy samples, home I went, got out my little bench block and a heavier hammer, and kept on trying.  All at once it seemed that I "got it." My hammer strokes were smoothing out the shape as they went, almost erasing my previous blows, leaving a lovely satin sort of finish, even before sanding. The hammer wasn't hitting the block, and with each blow the block gave back to me a little pinging sound. I never imagined I would like the feel of the metal so much, or that I would care about hammers. Fun times.

torch-fired enamel

Jewelry components in progress:
Upside-down hearts for earwires, enamel blossoms. Assembly by riveting comes next.

soldering practice

 Etruscan link hand-forged copper chain

sacred heart earrings

this is my first attempt at sweat-soldering

I have been practicing soldering, and these are my results so far. It is fun and engrossing.

what is new around here

hollow form ring made from sterling silver, copper and brass

front view

I am taking a metalsmithing class at the community college called Jewelry I, and it has been very engrossing, challenging and fun. The instructor has a lot of knowledge to impart, and has an outstanding reputation around town as a great instructor. My classmates are becoming my good friends. I live within walking distance of the classroom as well, which is in the brand new art building. It is a modern and well-equipped workspace, and comes complete with an art gallery and upstairs open-air deck for exhibits and gatherings. Lucky me!