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Thread: Yours Sincerely.

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
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    Default Yours Sincerely.

    Lots of natural objects if they are thin and dry can be invested, burnt out and reproduced by casting. But as they come from the sketchbook of a Higher Power, as it were and you are unlikely to do the casting yourself, there is very little personal input.

    Alternatively you might try carving in wax, but it is difficult and too specialised to take up in a casual way, so there is definitely a learning curve. Wax can be turned, carved with hand tools or burrs, filed, or simply heated and dripped. But it’s easy to make an incautious move and return to square one. So with a firm grip and some tungstan carbide burrs I prefer to carve the silver directly.

    There is an apocryphal story, that in ancient times when you went shopping for statues, as we often still do, you had to be careful to see that there were no faults filled in with wax. Hence sin- cire.

    Below is my dragon brooch, carved in wax and sent to a caster. But the wings were made from sheet and added later. The wire ribs were stitched through holes and soldered in place before trimming back any excess metal. The faceted stones for eyes were put in back to front to look more fierce. It is a juvenile with rather clompy feet.

    The frog on a casket was carved directly from silver sheet but the front legs and silver beads for eyes were added later.

    The sea horse pendant was also carved from thick sheet, the fins soldered on and the tail curled up.
    Yours sincerely, Dennis.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Posts
    143

    Default

    Some fantastic work Dennis. You are right about the wax carving it takes alot of time to get to a decent standard but its very fulfilling when it goes right.

    Stu

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
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    Default

    Those are lovely Dennis. I was so hoping you were going to say you found the dragon in a little cave somewhere though

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Rushden, Northamptonshire
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    Default

    I love those pieces, especially the sea horse.
    Anne

    Feel the fear, and do it anyway!
    Blog: http://www.whiteoakjewellery.blogspot.com/
    Website: http://www.whiteoakjewellery.co.uk

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Posts
    199

    Default

    Very informative and inspiring as usual Dennis. I love them all but the frog is my favourite.

    Thank you for sharing.

    Sonia
    x

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    The Derbyshire Peak District
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    Default

    Lovely pieces Dennis, especially the dragon
    Dragonfly (Lynne)

    http://www.thedragonflycompany.com

    for all things chain maille - supplies, chain maille kits and tuition

    Meddle ye not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crispy and taste good with ketchup!

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Co Armagh N.Ireland
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    Default

    Love the frog - and the casket.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
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    Quote: 'I was so hoping you were going to say you found the dragon in a little cave somewhere though'.
    George, I know you, you want to go around slaying dragons, so I'm not telling he address of the cave.
    Thank you all for your comments, Kind regards, Dennis.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Cumbria
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    115

    Default

    they are beautiful pieces - all three of them. Dragons are rather special for me though - and he is gorgeous.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    cotswolds
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    Default

    You've rumbled me Dennis
    I can't help wanting to live up to my name though!

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