Samples, samples, samples!

This is my sample shape. It is supposed to be similar to a rams horn but at this point I'm exploring the tools. I hammered too hard on my lining tool so now the lines are ridges but it is ok because samples are for practice.     
     Another thing I should mention is that when you're making your tools you must think of the shapes and spaces you want to achieve. During my sample process I ended up filing some of my tools more to make the shape of them more desirable to accomplish maximum design technique. I softened the tip of my lining tool as well as easing up on the pressure being used. I also filed my tear drop chasing tool more sharply to get into tiny corners.

Smelly pitch!

All the pitch has been broken down into tiny chunks to be melted.. it takes a few hours for this whole process which surprised me. Be patient because the pitch will be in its bowl forever once you get it in there so it is worth it!
     When the pitch is hot and goopy, the metal gets laid down on top. Now the first thing I did was hammer the outline of my design into the metal using the lining tool. When I did my first sample, I realized I was hammering too hard because the lining tool is sharp and does not need a lot of pressure.
     For something like this, it is crucial to make a sample first (obviously) because I learned a lot about my mistakes and what needed to be changed before starting the final piece.

Product Placement

   For my Chasing and Repoussé project, I have purchased pine pitch which is resin, when heat applied it melts which allows for a soft surface that can be hammered on. The pitch was from www.riogrande.com and the heat gun is from any hardware store.
   Chasing and Repoussé is a great way to achieve 3d texture and expression without casting and in a fairly quickly way. It is very toxic and must be done in an area with a lot of ventilation. 

This photo above shows the pitch chunks (the brown color) are in paper in plastic bags. It can't be heated all at once, so to break it up, it must be in many layers of paper and or plastic and then I smashed it on the floor, kind of like you would smash ice up in a bag. It is expensive so if you choose to do this make sure you have at least five or six layers of plastic so that you don't lose any of the material.

Twinkle is great especially If you need to clean a large piece of metal! It's old school and reliable. To be honest I took this picture because I love the label. I have an eye for retro and this label attracted me from across the studio which I thought was funny. 

That's some fine brass!

Four rings soldered, then I will solder rings to eachother. I stretched them 1/2 size larger than the actual fitted ring size to allow movement between fingers during wear. Next I will cut design out of brass and solder the four rings to that piece. Obviously during this simple operation it is necessary to keep track of solder grade (hard to medium to easy last).
     Can't wait to polish it up using my favorite Zam compound with mini buffing wheels! !
Zam Compound to purchase today! 

Side work

As a busy person, I do not normally do commissioned pieces (yet), however when friends request easier projects I cannot say no. One if my favorite side projects to do are 2-4 finger rings out of brass. They're fun and easy and I love to high polish when they're complete.
     One thing I learned about rings that are soldered together, they have to be bigger than your usual ring size because there needs to be movement between the fingers for the ring to be comfortable. I enjoy wearing mine, I did not think I would like the way it feels but they're not bad at all! Another thing about brass is that for the first couple of wears it turns skin green but I wear brass everyday and it stops after a while.

Steel Tools

Steel tools in the making, it is tough to file them down but worth it. Different techniques work for different tools, but all must be filed, sanded and polished to achieve full effect. Although it is tedious to file them down, it is relaxing to me because it isn't incredibly complicated.
For chasing and repoussé, the tools must have variety because different spaces need certain tools. At the end of this process I have made 5 tools, one lining tool for the smaller, sharper spaces and shapes, two chasing tools and two planishing tools. Planishing is my favorite technique because it is the last step to finish the copper by tapping the surface lightly, leaving a very pleasing, sparkly finish.