Tis the end

I really enjoyed the various techniques we learned this semester. especially focusing on:

1. chasing and repousee
2. Etching
3. Photo etching
4. Marriage of metals
5. Making ingots
6. Hydraulic die forming

I also learned some chain making and finishing techniques from some of my peers such as an etruscan chain and different patinas. Also observed that in order to copper plate a piece, you put it in a separate container of pickle with steel wool. I just learned how to make the chain three days before critique. Definitely on my list for things to try next semester. I'm already trying to figure out a theme. 

I feel like I have a ton more tools to design with so I am confident that my designs will become more sophisticated.

I am happy with the work that I produced this semester. This was my first Junior studio. I learned a completely new technique with the first project of chasing and repousee. The second project (production) taught me what its like to make multiples and the additionally planning that is necessary when producing in quantities. I learned that I would have a much easier time if I simplified my design cutting wise. It took me a very long time to cut out each piece. I also practiced tube setting. I have not used this process in a piece yet. I really enjoy tube setting stones and I like how it looks. The third piece (pattern and texture) I practiced riveting. The only other time I did this technique was on the hinge on the box I made in applied jewelry techniques class. I learned that chains don't have to be made of wire links, they can be more elaborate fun shapes cut out of metal. I also didn't know it could be useful to ball up the end of a piece of metal by heating and melting it.  Most importantly from this project I learned how to etch. I will definitely use this technique in the future. I am excited to try photo etching. Over break I want to play around in photoshop to get some nice just black and white texture possibilities. Now that I know so much more about metal, I am ready to hit the ground running. 

Finished Texture/Pattern Piece

Ta da!

All cut out and ready to etch

I have the clasp and transition from the piece to the chain figured out. Still have to drill the holes and rivet each link. I tried melting the tip of the teardrop shape into a little ball but at times that wasn't giving me the effect I wanted so the final piece is the mix of the too. Another problem that I ran into was having an adequate riveting hammer. I ordered one specifically for this project and when the shipment came in, the hammer was missing from the order. For not have the correct hammer, I feel the rivets came out fairly decently. The top transition pieces are soldered onto the main piece. The other two main large pieces will be tube riveted to add a more three dimensional quality to the piece.

When adding the texture I wanted to obtain the feel that the water is rushing downward kind of like a waterfall or water dripping down a person. I put the texture more concentrated at the top because I feel the rushing water would be the heaviest or thickest there and hen thin out as it spreads. I decided to use sharpie because I wanted a drawn, medium crisp look. Nothing about water is clear and precise so I didn't want the texture to feel that way. 

More development: Pattern and Texture

I made a sample piece of the chain in the left picture. It seems like it will work functionally. I also designed a transitional piece between the chain and the main pieces. I've started brainstorming some textures to use on the pieces. I still need to figure out a clasp.

Initial Sketches for Pattern and Texture Project

I'm playing with the concepts of a linked bracelet or pendant, layering metal, possibly marriage of metals, etching and or riveting. The bracelet pieces are connected by a wire that is riveting at both ends.

The stones have arrived!

Just got the stones for this piece! This was my original production piece but due to time I changed to a differnet design but i still want to make multiples of this design but now I can perfect it. The stones are Blue topaz, and yellow and white cubic zirconia. I'm still adjusting the wax to get it how i want. then next step: cast

Student Sale

I find pricing work always difficult. Below is the pricing worksheet we were given in class. I decided to sell the earrings for 45, pendant for 30, the bracelet with a stone for 65 and the bracelet without for 55. I sold both the pendant and the stone less bracelet in the sale! my first jewelry to ever be sold. I would like to build a larger body of work in order to sell. I want to explore the techniques of production further. Over christmas break, i am going to design and map out the steps necessary to create one or two production pieces.

Production Pieces!

Still too delicate

Above are my ideas to add metal to make the delicate pieces a bit more wearable and practicable. 

My initial solution to add sturdiness to the bracelet is seeming less like a good idea now because it is required a lot of clean up. Since the metal is already so delicate and thin, i don't think it can take all the sanding and might break. Soooo this idea is being discarded :(