I put these together in silversmithing class at Wensum Lodge on Tuesday. I’ve
had the abalone shell pieces for ages and I think they look good on the copper
leaf with the little silver leaf shapes. I took my new Proxxon Micro Torch in
with me this week and I must say I am very pleased with it. It annealed the
leaves easily and I put them over a ‘spoon stake’ to shape and texture them. No class next week as it’s half term, but at
least I am now set up with equipment at home. Not much I can’t tackle albeit on
a smaller scale than in class. The only larger item I have on my wish list at the moment are a set of repousse chasing tools. These are expensive - around £75 for a basic set of 12.
Last week I completed my daisy bangle. This is the first bracelet
I have ever made so it presented me with some new challenges. Metalwork isn’t
like beadwork in the sense that you need a fairly good plan of action especially
with something that combines soldering and wirework with glass beads. Copper
wire is such a good conductor of heat and with that much wire you don’t want to
end up with a glowing pile of wire and cracked beads! I’m pleased with the claw
setting and it was nice to use one of my smaller glass cabochons in a
completely new way.
Work on my Spice Trail neckpiece has resumed at last. The
central section is done and the sides are progressing well. I’m really loving
all the glowing colours in it and it certainly cheers up a dreary wet day when
I’m working on it.
Mr J is on the mend at last. We are down to just once weekly
visits to the GP and he is enjoying walks with me again. He is taking me out
for a meal tomorrow as it’s Valentines Day. Lovely!
