Jewelry 1: Project 2: Cuff Bracelet

My original design for my cuff bracelet.

 I had to trace the chameleon onto the metal and then hammer within that space so that the twig he is standing on wasn't the same texture.

Piercing the metal.

 Sawing.

The tail was the most difficult to saw. Since my saw is only 5 inches deep, I couldn't reach the tail until I sawed out underneath the mouth to get closer to it.

Finished sawing.

Filing around the edges to make everything smooth.

From the side I actually want to be viewed as the outside.

Formed into a bracelet.

 From another angle.

After being colored.

Overall, I feel okay about this piece. I enjoy the color that he turned out to be, but I think I might end up putting him in the pickle pot to restore him to his natural finish. I think the texture stood out more before I torched him. The texture took quite a bit of time to do since I didn't have the necessary resources at home and I had to improvise. For my personal style, I think I would wear him more if he maintained his natural finish. I am unsure, so I will think about it for awhile and then make my final decision. I can always color him again, since chameleons do change colors. :)

Patterns Found in Nature: Inspiration for Cuff Bracelet

Chameleon

Seahorse

Octopus

Crab

Butterfly

Man-Made Patterns: Inspiration for Cuff Bracelet

chevron

damask

moorish

houndstooth

geometric

Jewelry 1: Project 1: Pendant

My first Jewelry 1 Project was to create a talisman or amulet. My professor suggested choosing something that was meaningful as inspiration for our design. My grandmother passed away a couple weeks ago, and when I was younger she always used to tell me "Babushka" stories before I went to bed. These are my some of my favorite memories of her. Russian nesting dolls are sometimes referred to as babushka dolls, which is where the original concept came from. 

                                 

My original sketches.

I prefer the repetition of shapes in the design on the left, but the design on the right is more meaningful. With the heart placed on the left side of the chest, symbolizing her always being present with me, even though she has passed and the ribs representing her death.

My design adhered to 20 gauge nickel silver, and then pierced.

Beginning to saw.

My at home work station.

Continuing to saw and file as I go.

Finishing sawing out the shapes.

Finished the outline.

Beginning to sand.

Final piece.

Overall, I am pleased with how my piece turned out. There are a few areas that I wish could be smoother or sharper, (like around the ribs) but I found it hard to fit even the smallest files in my kit into those areas. I also wish I would have made the width of all the positive space equal (like the hair and the face vs. the body.)  The most difficult part for me was the filing. I try and make my art as perfect as possible, but with the tools I had I found that very difficult. I think this is a very successful first piece.