Old School Soldering Method
600 years ago the old masters would bind up pieces of silver or gold, place pallets of solder at stategic locations, then put the entire piece into a hot kiln.
Here we have 3 strands of 10 gauge copper wire bound up with steel wire.
Numerous soft silver pallions are placed in the stream between the wires. Copper solder would be easier, but its brittle and will crack under forging. Also, very little solder is needed. The intention however is to create a visible silver channel between the wires.
A beautiful red flame patina us achieved. The color of the flame patina is affected by atmospheric conditions. Tonight is a low pressure front coming in. It produces a deep red. I am not sure if we will be able to maintain this color throughout successive firings as we forge the bracelet
Let's mill it down a bit to flatten the wire.
One pass gives the piece some authority.
Also use the mill to put a dip and a taper at the ends. The milling has extended the metal out to 6 1/2 inches, the desired length.
I filed the ends then begin forming it around this cool bracelet mandrel. I'll work it up to the smallest wrung the back it up at least one size
And this is what I come up with. Now it needs to be signed, dated and sealed.
Progress On Spring 2017
I'm doing a series of torches using the techniques of chasing and repousee
The first one is the Torch of Liberty
Next to it is the Torch of Truth after first having the general form repoused out
Shown after the first course of chasing down the details along with a set of copper discs that are punched out in preparation to becoming roses
After the second course of hammering on the Torch the details are coming out. Roses appear on thevearrings after their first course.
Shaping up, ready for the third course.
What it looks like today.
Burnet Bluebonnet Festival - 31st annual
The 31st annual Burnet Bluebonnet Festival looks delightful. While I really enjoy a show where I can kick back and be with the people. I am making up a special collection of earrings from my extensive collection of beads acquired in the past year. The weather is going to be perfect. The whole town will open up for this annual celegration centered around the country square.
I've been wanting to do this show for years and there always seems to be something else. There's Art City Austin, The Old Settlers Fest, a big show on the square at Bryan, Mid-town Art Fair at Baldwin Park in Houston. This year I am following my heart to the bluebonnets deep in the heart of Texas at Burnet. This is the 31st annual. About 30,000 people attend every year.
Last night I made some earrings just for the people at this event. I have pictured 6 of them in the gallery below. You have to click on the picture to see the next image...
