Tag: metalsmithing

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From an Award in Pittsburgh to Columbia Festival of the Arts in Maryland

This is a whirlwind week where I have a chance to reflect on my booth at 3 Rivers and make new pieces for Columbia.

The highlight of 3 Rivers was receiving an award for the best use of recycled materials. Considering the caliber of talent displayed in the Artist Market, I feel honored. I use recycled materials because of the challenge it presents to my creativity, and to be recognized for this warms my heart.

My new copper enamel light switch plates received plenty of attention, and I will be posting many of them for sale in my store soon. People had many different requests, so I’ll be working on the best ways to take custom orders.

I also got to see Randy Land, which was a short walk from where I was staying during the festival. What fun colors and installations!

As I direct my attention to the Columbia Festival of the Arts starting this Friday, I’m making new wrap rings in sterling and copper.

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New enamel flower earrings for Three Rivers Art Fair

Earrings in sterling silver, copper enamel, and freshwater pearl

These new earrings have been a long time coming, and I have them ready for Three Rivers in Pittsburgh. They’ll be available from Wednesday til Sunday this week.

My creative process for these earrings began by cutting copper sheet metal with a flower punch and die.

I hand stamped the copper flowers to make them more life-like.
More of the stamping process
I applied liquid form enamel followed by transparent colors and fired them multiple times.
The earrings after firing and before adding the sterling earrings wires and freshwater pearls.
The finished earrings, front and side view.

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Between Lake Wawasee and Three Rivers

A moment to catch a photo at Wawasee

With the first 2 shows complete, I’m now preparing for Three Rivers Art Fair in Pittsburgh. Last weekend at Chautauqua Wawasee was lovely. Perfect weather, talented neighbors, and a friendly crowd all made for a splendid day.

My new display continues to evolve as I add new work

I’m loving the mesh panels as I get better at setting them up. They give me more versatility and space to display. I’ll have even more work to show at Three Rivers June 5-9!

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Enameling Copper Pipe Rings

Copper enamel bands

To make these rings, I start out with copper pipe. I cut out cross-sections and formed the pipe to shape, convex or concave. I stamp designs into some of them.

After forming the rings, I cleaned them carefully and applied the powdered enamel to the rings.
After firing in the kiln, the glass melts and fuses to the copper.
After firing, the edges need to be sanded down before the next layer of glass is applied and fired.
The rings look so much more beautiful after the second layer of color is applied. I gave the bands a final sanding to remove any sharp edges to finish them.

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New Embossed Wrap Rings

Finished embossed wrap rings

Now that most of my new pattern rollers fit my Cavallin mill, I have spent a few days on wrap rings. It’s a good thing, too, since I was almost out of them. I am very happy with the results!

The rings in progress

After hand-cranking plain wire through the rollers, I cut and formed the rings into shape. Here, you see a pile of spirals on my anvil… These are so much fun to make.

Antiquing the rings

After forming, I add the dark, antique patina. It adds a nice depth to the embossed designs.

3 of the new style of wrap rings

These rings are adjustable and pretty. Right now, I’m making them in sterling silver and copper. I’m pleased to be able to finish these rings in time for Art on the Green in Hudson, Ohio coming up tomorrow! If you come by and see them at the show, I can size them for you on the spot.

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On modifying tools…

I’ve been wanting these for so many years. I special ordered them from FiveFoxes to fit my old Cavallin rolling mill.

The new roller in place and ready to use.

After all the measuring, planning, and agonizing, the new pattern rollers arrived in the mail. Much faster than I expected and in perfect condition. I was ready to roll, or so I thought. Most of them were too small to fit on my mill! Luckily, I know a little bit about metal working. I resolved to modify them to fit.

The measurements were all correct, even a bit larger than I ordered. That meant all they needed was just a fraction of a hair’s breadth removed with some abrasive, and I would be embossing wire with beautiful patterns.

Hours of sanding and fitting those rollers

My humble Foredom saved the day. After diligent and tedious sanding, I was able to use the rollers. I can’t wait to make some new rings!