Mainly making Hinges....

[MuranoSilver]

Finally I had a go at making silver clay hinges (yes drilling through little tubes of clay)
http://www.muranosilver.com/images/hinged-pendant.jpg
http://www.muranosilver.com/images/hinged-pendant-interior.jpg
Was quite pleased with my first results ~ I'm thinking of doing some more hinged pieces (maybe with enamel on)
Hope you like em :)
nic x

[lynnm]

it's lovely! :Y:

[caroleallen]

Lovely Nic. Hinges are my thing to get my head around this year too. I'll be having another go at making lockets and mine will be enamelled too. I've just got to try and work out how to do it and what materials I need.

[MuranoSilver]

I can't wait to see what you get up to with hinges! I'd left it so long before I tried to make any myself (think I was a bit scared)
Onwards & Upwards!
nic xx

[lynnm]

is the bit that goes through the tubes like a double headpin?

[MuranoSilver]

Yep - I could've used rivets but then I would've had to make separate attachment points for the chain (this does both ;))
nic x

[lynnm]

thought it was, such a good idea! On my list of things I must have a pop at now! I did manage some rivets this week which turned out well (not a split in sight!) but am eager to try everything

[caroleallen]

I thought that was a really good idea too Nic. I'm not that keen on seeing hinges on the side as it looks unbalanced.

[elliboo]

Oh - I've been scared of drilling out hinges too! I've made a hinged box where the hinges were incorporated into the pieces (don't think I've explained that very well #-o) but I don't have any photos.
That looks beautiful - any tips for if I'm feeling braver?

[WitchfordSilver]

I've been un-hinged for a long time:)

Look great Nic

[MuranoSilver]

Elli - I'm in the process of making my second lot now and my biggest tip is make the hinge groove deep enough! It makes it easier to position the knuckles as they sit in place better.

Witchford Silver - I'd second that (I'm pretty un-hinged myself,lol)
nic x

[Ominicci]

Oh well done Nic!

Like Carole, hinges and lockets (big round ones I think) are my challenge for the year as well as some big beads!

[agent_44]

Hinges looking good Nic :) Was it very fiddly to drill the tubes? How big is the pendant in reality?

I'm another on einterested in having a go at hinges, just ordered McReight's Boxes and Lockets book - hopefully it will appear on my doorstep today.

[MuranoSilver]

The pendant is a little smaller than an inch long & the tube drilling was quite fiddly. I used a very very tiny drill bit, turning it between my fingers then gradually built up the size. The final wire that fit through was 0.8mm (1mm wouldn't fit)
For the next two I'm trying a different diameter sterling tube (to see if it looks as good and will save time)
The Boxes and lockets book is excellent and well worth a read :Y:
Nicxx

[Ominicci]

Yes, I have that book and love it!!

[Gemma]

Beautiful Nic!
And well done you for making yourself have a go at a new technique

[lynnm]

coo that book is expensive! :-"

[MuranoSilver]

Thanks Gemma :D
Lynn the book is worth every penny and it might be out of print now (so worth bagging a copy) ;)
nic x

[agent_44]

Especially when it's this price ;)

Boxes and Lockets - DC232 - Kernowcraft (http://www.kernowcraft.com/products/books/sale-books/boxes-and-lockets-DC232/)

I didn't pay Amazon Marketplace prices!

[lynnm]

crikey it's £40.99 on Amazon! :O

[Ominicci]

Mine was even cheaper than that (£9.99 over a year ago) from Kernowcraft as it said it was flood damaged stock (cover damaged) but it was in perfect condition!!

[lynnm]

well not being able to use paypal cost me it... poor me! :'(

[caroleallen]

Blimey that's a big difference in price!