jewelryfool

enamel–steel–waxed cotton cord

very simple. it’s just a steel washer with enamel that has been overfired to give it a little bit more texture. enamel starts off as powdered glass. a liquid flux is applied to the metal and the powdered glass is sifted on top of it. it is usually fired in a kiln at a temp. of 1500F until it becomes vitreous. the enamel can also be fired with a torch with less predictable results. this is how i choose to work because i can actually see the process of it melting and i find doing things wrong sometimes can create more interesting results than doing them right. anyhow, i plan on making these in all different colors. and no…they are not edible :). the clasp is handmade out of sterling silver with a few extra loops to allow for adjusting.

steel–silver

not sure what inspired this other than me finding a washer and cutting it in half. i then soldered each half of the steel washer onto a silver tube and soldered a ring shank on. i made the washers off center to add an element of interest and give it somewhat of an architectural feel.

copper–enamel–leather

so…i was in my studio today trying to figure out what to make when i came across this piece of scrap copper that i had made awhile ago, but i had done nothing with. i threw some enamel on it…drilled some holes…voila! the actual indent in the piece of copper was formed on the hydraulic press. i heart the hydraulic press. the clasp is handmade out of sterling silver with a few extra loops to allow for adjusting.

small copper budvase

parts of this piece were formed on a hydraulic press using a die that i cut from plexiglass. the dark color of the copper was achieved by putting a patina (liver of sulphur) over the copper. the whole piece was then sweat soldered together to create a leak proof vase. it is tiny, approx 4 in. tall by 2 in. wide, but would add alot of cheer to any wall :)

stainless steel- 16″ sterling silver snake chain

i found some nice stainless steel measuring spoons at savers and decided to make pendants out of the ends of them.

sterling silver-stainless steel

simple and casual, yet can still be quite elegant. this ring is simply a stainless steel washer from the hardware store soldered onto a sterling silver band. both the band and washer have a brushed metal finish.  yes, you can solder stainless steel to sterling silver…it’s a little tricky, but it can be done.

sterling silver-steel-enamel

i found some steel scrap that had little holes all over it…probably used for speakers and other industrial applications. i cut a couple of discs out of the steel..and applied enamel and then fired them. added some handmade sterling silver french hooks..and they became a pair of earrings.

sterling silver

the little divot in this piece kind of acts as a little worry stone that you can wear…so people that worry alot can still look fashionable….and maybe a little crazy if they rub it all the time.

sterling silver hammered earrings

sterling silver disc earring — 10 gauge — includes vial