A Series of Textured Metal Pendants

I completed a good sized batch of metal pendants last week. Starting with copper and brass sheet, I set up a little assembly line type operation: cut shapes, file, sand w/280, sand w/360, sand w/600, texture, patina, assemble. See, I really can work efficiently when I put my mind to it!

The only really fun parts were the texture and assemble steps of the above list. The remainder of the process was quite tedious.



I used two different patinas: liver of sulfur and an antiquing solution which works only on base metals like copper and brass. Lightly sanding with 400 grit polishing paper after applying a patina provides a great contrast, as it leaves the low spots dark, while effectively erasing the patina from the high spots.


It was interesting to see how the antiquing solution gave such different results on the copper and brass. I also practiced my letter stamping on a few pieces. I think I need much more practice with that stop.




Assembling and adding beads was quite a bit of fun. Trying to match the mood of the metal pendant to appropriate beads and charms took quite a bit of time.


And my favorite piece is the brass panel embossed (with the rolling mill) with a leaf pattern, and embellished with a brass dragonfly element. I may just keep this one.

Coppery Goodness

I've owned my Wig-Jig for several years and rarely use it. Then, earlier this year, I was playing around with some 18 gauge copper wire and developed a pattern I thought might make a nice pendant at a very affordable price.

I made a series of these necklaces in a variety of color schemes and most of them were sold during my fall shows. There are two listed in my etsy shop, and I've pictured them here.

The chains are solid copper and I hand-crafted a simple hook clasp from copper wire. I oxidized all of the copper and hand sanded it, allowing just some of the copper color to show through.

Visit my etsy shop to see more photos of these necklaces and my entire jewelry collection.