Is This A Copy ?

[Dennis]

Dear Tabby, this has the makings of a tutorial, but I'll try to be brief.

I like to draw on 1mm graph paper because this often shows up faults in my proportions. It also verifies the sizes I should be choosing because they can be read directly off the page. There are other advantages, such as checking items for sqareness.

I am lucky to have access to a photocopier so that I can make labels to cut around. For many purposes I find it sufficient to fix them onto my silver with plenty of Pritt Stick, let it dry and then pierce away. The paper comes off later just with water.

If I need to be very accurate, once the label has stuck, I cut around my design with a newly snapped off craft blade(the kind with diagonal segments). This in effect scribes the metal. For any straight lines I use a ruler. For perfect circles I only mark the centre and complete with dividers when the paper is off again. Dennis

[DragonflyLynne]

I really really like it

[Patstone]

I like it, I want one

[Tabby66]

Dear Tabby, this has the makings of a tutorial,

Oh, go on then Dennis..............if you insist yes please!!

Some of what you describe I do, such as using pritt, but the detailed measured designing would be new to me. I imagine you have a huge "catalogue" of designs, which must be very useful for repetition or for similar designs.

All your help and advice is always appreciated.

Kind regards
Tabby

[jille]

It's beautiful Dennis, and as a beginner there are so many elements of it that I'd love to learn, like how do you split the tube open?
I love the twisting thing too, thanks
Jill

[Dennis]

Hi Jille, make the longitudinal and cross cuts with a saw, squeeze the tube closed again at each end and solder on the disks. Prize the cuts apart by gently inserting a craft knife and then the beak of some round pliers until the opening will accommodate your tube setting.
Your pictures are beautiful, Kind regards Dennis.

[Dennis]

Here are the studs and ring I made during the week to complete the set. Dennis.

[snow_imp]

Love those Dennis - really beautiful! Especially the earrings.

[Cathy at the Beach]

I"m sure it would not be considered a copy. I agree with "inspiration". If you put the two pieces (bus on and yours) together you'd likely be amazed at how different they are.

I have had this happen to me just by chance. I made a pendant that I really liked. Took it to one of the stores that sell my wares and the owner who is also a jeweller said, this looks like one that was in Lapidary Journal mag in Sept! He hauled out the magazine and sure enough there was some similarity. They were different- but both based on similar curved design. I had never even seen that copy of the mag. He sold the piece right away and I never gave it another thought.

I love your piece. It is really gorgeous and beautifully executed!!! Kudos!

[bruggen]

Wow, absolutely superb, the garnets are my favourite bit, I have not attempted to set stones yet even though I have quite a few and your standard of setting is aspirational. Also really like the cogs, they are truely unique, I love to see work like this it makes me want to go and make something along the same lines, thank you.