Almost done....

Eye Patch!!!

Etching and acrylic

These are just some of the parts that will be making up my final Junior Studio project. I etched into the copper by first drawing up my design on  regular white computer paper. I then had my design photocopied onto P & P paper, blue paper specifically used for etching onto flat metal. The copper must be sanded down to either 400 or 600 grit sandpaper and must be kept clean with alcohol. The P & P paper is then applied ink side down onto the metal and transferred by using a grittle set at the temp 275 degrees. You must be careful not to burn the P & P paper. Once applied peel off the paper and put the metal into a Feric Chloride bath, taping the metal so it is not fully submerged and the back and sides of the piece are protected. I let my copper piece sit in the bath for close to 4 hours to make sure i had a deep etch. Once done you put the metal piece in a deactivator using normal water and baking soda, then rinse the piece and put in the pickle to clean it up more. 
The acrylic is going to be used to puff out the eye patch design once it is cut out. 

Student Sale!!!!

SOOOOO excited!!! Sold my very first jewelry piece today!!! A very momentous day! Thank you to those that purchased one of my celtic pieces at the Buffalo State Student Sale!

Laser cutting!

These are my laser cutting designs for my pendants. I used the company Ponoko and chose a light blue clear acrylic. The cost is pretty fair, but the shipping is what will get you. But for any artist wanting to find a new material and technique i strongly suggest trying laser cutting. Its clean and you can use a wide variety materials to accompany your design. 

Chasing and Respousse

Oh chasing and repousse. Learning this new strategy of design, although can be wonderful in creating new and detailed pieces, is not without its share of complications. First, you have to be careful not to burn your pitch. Second, and i am completely guilty for doing this, you have to be careful not to pierce the metal from hammering into it too hard. I made this mistake and pierced my first project, but luckily was able to create a stronger design out of my mistake. I have become very familiar with this process now and can say i am quite the fan of chasing and repousse. I recommend it to any metal worker trying to take their piece to a higher level of design.