The Creation of an Etched Brass Aspen Leaf
Turning brass sheet metal into a leaf feels like making magic happen! I start by using a “mask” to draw a design onto a hand cut brass leaf shape. This allows the design to remain raised while the metal is in the etching mordant. After the leaf is etched, I give it a patina and then gently sand it to reveal the design. I then shape the metal with a wooden mandrel and a soft rawhide hammer. Finally, I give it a protective coating to preserve the patina and give it a nice soft glow!
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Creating Tube Rivets to Attach an Etched Brass Plate to a Cuff Bracelet
Tube rivets can be tricky and take a very steady hand! I start by aligning the rivet holes in the pieces that are going to be attached. Then I cut out small tube lengths that will fit perfectly into the holes and make sure that the ends are straight. They need to be just a little longer than the thickness of the metals to be attached. At that point I flare out the ends of the metal tubes and then hammer them flat over the sheet metal. The result is a funky industrial look that doubles as a great way to connect jewelry elements!
Silk Creek Metalworks 