Two recent items..

[Nick martin]

The photos arent great, apologies, but heres two pieces that I finished the other day after experimenting with copper.

The ball part on the pendant is meant to be a little oval before anyone jumps on me, as it lends itself to the curve of the silver part ;)

Thanks for looking and for all the great advice of late!

Nick

[Dennis]

Good results, Nick and a very individual style. Trouble is it's really screaming to be gold not copper:-). Dennis

[Patstone]

Strange you should say that Dennis, because I was thinking exactly the same. I have never worked with gold because silver is cheaper, but I would love to get some gold wire to blend in with the silver on some chainmaille. I have to say I dont like making chainmaille, but it does seem to be popular and sells.



Good results, Nick and a very individual style. Trouble is it's really screaming to be gold not copper:-). Dennis

[Nick martin]

Thanks Dennis, although while I'm still learning and honing my skills ( does it ever stop? ) as opposed to earning a living from making jewellery then the cost of working with gold is a bit prohibitive at the moment.

Nick

[metalsmith]

Thanks Dennis, although while I'm still learning and honing my skills ( does it ever stop? ) as opposed to earning a living from making jewellery then the cost of working with gold is a bit prohibitive at the moment.

Nick

It's not cheap, but it has dropped a good %age recently!

[caroleallen]

Until one is in the upper echelons of jewellers, things have to be affordable and if you used gold you'd have to charge a lot and unless you have a market for it, I'd stick with copper for now.

[Petal]

Very nice Nick, my favourite is the flower, though I like both pieces. Your sphere has come up really well too. Are you pleased with how it came out?

[Nick martin]

Thanks for your nice comments Jules, and yes I am. After the advice on here about soldering the copper spheres from the inside, it made life a whole lot easier ( neater ) although the doming part still needs careful attention as you will know already.

I rarely drink, never smoked, and never tried drugs... however Im feeling that jewellery creation is possibly more addictive than all of them put together and Im thoroughly enjoying myself!

Nick

[Petal]

Its a good feeling when something goes as well as expected, isn't it.

Ahh, well if you don't drink, smoke or do drugs, then you'll have spare ££'s to spend on tools and other goodies. :D One of the things I have learnt is to go on a mini course to try as many things out first, before spending money on tools you don't really need.

[willem parel]

Nick, I like them both, especialy the texture on the pendant is great, how did you achieve this.

[Nick martin]

Thanks Willem, and the pendant was cast using cuttlefish, but I brushed the bone a little to smooth it out.

Nick

[willem parel]

Okay Nick, thanks for explaining, I know this method it gives many times nice castings and a certain smell.... :)

[Kathryn Harrison]

I really like that pendant, but then I love copper and silver together :)