Casting

Over the last few weeks I've been experimenting with casting - using delft clay.  I've always been a little wary about casting because you have to get the metal crazy hot.  Being a bit accident-prone I was worried about accidently dropping red-hot molten silver on myself!  But I decided to be brave and give it a shot.  

I started with the handles of my Grandad's gardening cup.  There was quite a bit of silver in these but they were an awkward shape.  I decided to cast these into metal sheet that I could use for other projects.  It took a few attempts - either I didn't use enough silver or get it hot enough - so I got odd shaped sheets.  But eventually - like Goldilocks - I got it just right (bottom right)!  

They are still quite thick so I'll roll them out in the rolling mill and I'll have some useful silver sheet.

Bitten by the casting bug, I then decided to tackle my scrap pot.......

...and turned this.......

.....into this.....

....so much prettier!

The silver flower is cast from a pottery flower I made last year.  It is now looking rather grubby from being in the delft clay but I was pleased with how well it cast.  

The trouble with men

I find it challenging to decide what to make for men.  For women, I have loads of ideas but with men I'm a bit stumped.  However I'd set myself the challenge of a handmade Christmas so I needed to get thinking.  (Sorry, yes I know it is now February - it has taken me a while to show you these).  

First up, I made some cuff links for my brother.  I really enjoyed the challenge of making these - getting them identical (well almost!) and soldering lots of pieces of wire in close proximity (i.e. making sure I didn't melt things I didn't intend to!).  I've also used resin and mica for some colour and subtle shine.  

My Dad is a keen golfer - I am not!  So I had a search online for some ideas of what to make.  When I started making his present I thought I was making a golf marker.  However when I'd almost finished someone let me know that I'd actually made a divot repairer - who knew?!  I quickly decided to add some wire as a bit more reinforcement.  Fortunately, Dad seemed to know what to do with it!

If you have any ideas about what else I can make the men in my life please let me know.......

Starlight necklace

I made this necklace for my lovely sister-in-law for Christmas.

It is made of two silver shapes sandwiched together with resin and gold leaf.  I paired this with some blue sandstone beads for a bit of extra starlight shimmer.

I was pleased with how this came out and think I'll work on this idea some more - I'd like to try some different silver shapes.