Today I finished my final necklace for my current project. The deadline is this Friday and I still have a bit of book work to do but it is a big relief to have the final outcome over and done with!
Before I present the final piece I want to show some of the journey towards my final design with some of my ideas in my sketchbook.
Tag Archives: jewellery
Rocky Patterns and Etched Brass
I’ve been very busy since returning from Scotland. So I am very sorry for taking so long to post again.
Whilst in Scotland I collected rocks which interested me and I have done drawings of the patterns in the rocks. I am hoping to use these patterns within the necklace design I have been working on (which I will show you in the next post).
I haven’t decided what material I am going to make my necklace out of yet however there are many ways in which I can apply these patterns. One way is to etch it onto metal.
I chose one of my drawings to etch. I repeated and flipped the pattern and printed it onto acetate to transfer it onto the metal which was then placed into acid. This etched the pattern into the metal. I chose brass because it looks good with wood which I am considering combining it with.
This was quite a large design so it hasn’t etched very deep. However it is still quite effective, especially when the light catches the pattern.
Fluxing Metal
I am currently enjoying my Easter holiday. Tomorrow I will be off to Middlesbrough and then Scotland on Thursday therefore I will probably not be posting much for the next 2 weeks.
However, here are the last metal samples I made on the first part of the 50 Words 50 Images project, for which I got another 1st! Woohoo!
To create these pieces I soldered together geometrical shapes of copper and brass. To create the surfaces I painted the metal with flux and then heated them with a torch – this caused the beautiful colours and unpredictable patterns.
I am hoping that for the next part of the 50 Words 50 Images project I will be able to develop these designs and techniques into more 3D piece which could perhaps be worn as jewellery. So far these could make rather nice brooches!
Hot Metal
Metal is definitely one of my favourite materials to play with!
Isn’t it amazing what you can do with it if you just apply enough heat and pressure.
These next three images are of two sample which I created simply by heating brass with a torch until the metal began to reticulate.
I have technically just finished this project however it actually leads straight on to the next one. In this last project I had to identify elements of my work, by producing samples, which I then intend to carry forth into my next project. Some of the elements I wish to continue working with can be seen in these next samples:
Triangles, layers and contrasting surfaces.
Folds, textures and warm colours:
Some other ideas I have been working with which i would like to develop in this next project are windows and combining materials – particularly metal and thread.
Small Metals
So far I think my favorite workshop has been Small Metals. Obviously I’ve worked like this before when I went to Silversmithing classes but this time I had a chance to be more experimental.I am really pleased with the samples I produced in this workshop.I especially like this piece. I think it has the most potential to be developed into something further although it is incredibly delicate.
Industrial Shapes
I’ve been meaning to post these for ages!!
I’d have liked to have taken better photos but I’d never put up photos if I stuck to that.
These are stackable rings I made for my last project on my Silversmithing course.
I did them as part of my final Foundation Art project – Industrial and Urban Landscapes.
They are based on the shapes of the industrial buildings and machinery at Port Talbot Steel Works.
Megan Davies – Time Flies
“Time itself in the form of a watch has allowed these mayflies to live on without ageing. This, combined with the mould they are attracted to, gives a sense that time has stood still within this scene.” – Megan DaviesThis is the last of all the students work at the Gower College Foundation Art exhibition and in my opinion it is one of the best.
These fantastic mayflies made out of watch parts were made by Megan Davies. Megan originally saw herself as a Fine Artist, specifically a painter, but during this course she experimented in many different areas: sculpture, ceramics, craft, photography.. etc. She has also done a lot of modelling!Megan is now going on to do the BA (Hons) Art & Design Multi-Disciplinary course at Coleg Sir Gar.To see more of Megan’s work visit her Facebook page and her blogs here and here.
Results!
I got my results on Monday…..
I have a Distinction in Foundation Art and Design!!! YAY!
So freedom for three months and then off to Hereford!
Wow! I don’t know what I’m going to do! Haha
Anyway here are a few more students’ exhibition displays.
Those fashion designers need their fashion promoters and stylists…
Fashion Promoter – Joanne Griffiths
Exhibition
Last night, the private view of the exhibition, went great! The turn out was really good and everyone’s work looked fantastic!
I’m so pleased with mine, this is my display:And here are some of the photos of my final jewellery pieces:I even went to the exhibition wearing this piece!(Model: Sarah Jenkins and Studio Assistant and Supporting Photographer: Andrew James Rees)