Spring 2017 DES 331 Post # 13

Down to the last 2 weeks now, with two projects to finish and a Power point.  I have a design and a start on the combination setting piece.  I am going to set a faceted tourmaline crystal in a pendant, hanging on a swivel from a forged neck piece.  This will be done in square silver rod and utilize a modified basket setting.  While waiting for the rod, I trialed the construction in copper and am relatively comfortable with the anticipated process.  I don't have enough time to do a full size version in copper the way I normally would, but with the Micro-torch, I can build anything. ( Well, almost)

Metal working has a similar time constraint.  I have a template for a simple bowl with a turned edge on top and a shallow flat foot.  Not terribly unique in design, but my goal is to see if I can achieve a smooth, polished surface.  I may use a bit of brass accent on the top and bottom as it worked out so well in the last vessel project. 

Speaking of which, here are some shots of the finished Chalice Project.  I did put the accent on as suggested  and polished a couple of edges.  Now, with the patina in place it looks like an entirely different piece.
 
To be honest, it was not much to look at before, but has changed entirely in aspect as a result of the finishing details.  I don't know what this says about my craftsmanship though.

 

This patina was accomplished by using a concentrated sodium chloride solution on the sanded, degreased metal and then placing it still wet in a strong ammonia atmosphere.  I set the chalice feet on a couple of small plastic cottage cheese containers in the bottom of a 5 gallon drywall compound bucket to keep them out of the solution.  The ammonia atmosphere was created by pouring about 3 oz. of concentrated ammonium hydroxide solution in to the bottom of the bucket and then placing another inverted bucket on top of the bottom one and duct taping the seam. 

 

Apparently the vapors layered out in the container and reacted differently with the metal at different levels, giving the stratification seen in the finish.  It stayed in the buckets about 24 hours and then was removed, rinsed and dried.  Over the next day the patina matured. The accents were then buffed out with sandpaper and a star wheel on the flex shaft. The final step was a clear coat of Krylon that

really brought out the different colors and sealed the surface preventing much more change in the finish.

 

I am calling this piece " Calicem Nigrum"  which is Latin for Black Chalice.  Black not so much in color, but in purpose.

Spring 2017 DES 331 Post # 12

Amazing, how in the course of one day I have completed so much!

Here's the assembled bracelet with the stone seats cut mounted in Jett-Sett and ready to set the stones.  This assembly was placed in a heavy bench vise at standing height under bright illumination and the seating work was done through Optivisors.  This allowed me to leverage my weight onto the metals edge. 

 

Today in the metal studio I was able to create my anti-clastic form and get it into an actual ring.  I think I am now done with all the assignments short of actual creation of the piece for project 3.  Too bad I haven't decided on a design. Or a stone.

 

 



Spring 2017 DES 331 Post # 11

I have had some productive days at the bench now that I'm off work for a bit.  My main focus has been getting the bracelet fabricated and finalizing the chalice. There are some small tasks to be completed such as the synclastic and anti-clastic forms. These I have not yet begun.

Project #3 Flush setting Project is well in hand.  Here are the early construction photos.

 The top center piece is completed and the first two hinge mechanisms have been soldered.  Each piece is shaped slightly before attaching.  Every thing seems to be coming together.  The clasp remains undecided as of yet.  I should know better, but I will ask Professor what she thinks.

Upside Down Chalice

Spring 2017 DES 331 Post # 10

Project # 2 for Jewelry Studio, the Flush Mount  is starting to take shape.  This has been an insane week for me, having been at work everyday except school days and not yet done.  I work nights tonight but will then have an entire week away from work to get moving on my studio projects in Jewelry and Metalworking.  I tried to get ahead early in the semester anticipating this situation and am very glad I did.

The Flush Mounting project is all cut out and has been partially assembled. The center piece is cut out in silver and ready to solder.

 I need to account for the thickness of the stone seats and position another layer underneath the center piece to allow a flush mount at the appropriate spots.  All the forms for the band need to be cut out and placed in order to assemble. 


Here are the individual pieces in position with each other.

 

 

 

 

Metal working is focusing on the Chalice Project now, the 12 inch vessel is raised and ready for a pedestal and base.

 

 

I'm thinking about a stem pedestal, using forms fabricated from sheet to create a triangular base which opens up to encompass the bowl.  It is much different fabricating metal on this scale as opposed to the typical jewelry pieces I am used to.  A lot of heat is needed, but the large tip on a B acetylene tank is working so far, only once did I need two torches together to flow a seam.