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View Full Version : Advice request for polishing PMC filligree work



Laceyloudesign
14-07-2010, 09:32 PM
I am new on here, and new to PMC. I have done a few small items and kiln fired them successfully, but about to embark on a project which means I am going to be making a quantity of the hollow filligree balls (over cork clay). I would like to know if anyone can give me some advice on the polishing of the filligree balls to get them looking nice and sparkly. They are to be the flower centres in a mixed media textile project for a post graduate art and design course... so I want them to look professional.
Thank you in anticipation..
Louise

MuranoSilver
15-07-2010, 03:30 PM
I normally just chuck filigree syringe work in the tumbler!
alternatively the radial brush polishing set that Cooksons do
will get into most of the crevices ;)
Nic x

Laceyloudesign
15-07-2010, 09:05 PM
Thanks Nic.. I was wondering if it would stand up to tumbling.. it looks so delicate, and they are the first ones I've made. Now ordered a tumbler!!!
Oh dear, think this interest is going to get expensive... but then again a builder doing some work for me asked me to make a piece for his daughter today, so they can't look too bad.
Louise

Laceyloudesign
16-07-2010, 09:58 PM
I took the plunge and bought a tumbler. It arrived and was plugged in and in use within 10 mins of arrival this morning. The filligree looks wonderful after tumbling, I am pleased with my first efforts, although not masterpieces, they are encouraging...

MuranoSilver
17-07-2010, 07:17 AM
Yay - it's great when they first come out of the tumbler isn't it :Y:

FVT
17-07-2010, 04:32 PM
I'm treating myself to a tumbler very soon, can't wait...and should be easier on the tennis elbow:) Can I ask which tumbler you've bought? Hoping to keep the cost down as usual, but want something half-decent at least!

Laceyloudesign
17-07-2010, 10:28 PM
The one I bought was tumbler for metals/deburring/polishing/bunishing on eBay (end time 22-Jul-10 13:36:40 BST) (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/tumbler-metals-deburring-polishing-bunishing-/380251210418?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Gadgets&hash=item5888bd02b2)
There's probably going to be at least one person out there that tells me I should have spent more money and bought a better one, for a million and one reasons, but I am just starting out and there is so much to buy, and I don't know if I will stick at it, and a thousand other reasons for buying the cheapest... but it seems to work okay for me. I can't tell you if its half decent as I have no experience to compare it with anything else... but its given me something to play with and make a start on it. I am making at least 30 filligree balls for a mixed media project and I think its worth it just for that!

MuranoSilver
18-07-2010, 07:56 AM
Oooh I'd love to see the mixed media piece with the filigree when it's all finished...
bet it will look stunning!
Nic xx

Laceyloudesign
18-07-2010, 09:45 PM
Thanks Nic... I am hoping it will look as good as I imagine it... it is based on 19th century plants, bought in by plant hunters, which in turn influenced 19th century lace designers..
techniques include silver wire bobbin lace, laser engraved and cut textiles, kumihimo and silver filligree balls.. Its going to be a little while yet, probably 2 months before finishing, and being assessed in November on my MA course. It will end up being quite a large sculptural piece of neck adornment.... hope that helps the imagination!!

MuranoSilver
19-07-2010, 07:18 AM
OOOH sounds like a catwalk piece! :Y:

Ominicci
19-07-2010, 12:28 PM
Sounds complicated! Is it colourful too?
Silver wire bobbin lace...amazing!

Laceyloudesign
19-07-2010, 01:41 PM
Nic - yes it is a bit like a cat walk piece.
Nicci - its really quite restrained on colour, laser cut pieces are white and off white, with the silver wire, doesn't need colour, didnt want to have too many elements fighting for attention.