Well yet again I have let time slip by for far too long... my apologies.
So you may be wondering how I have spent these past weeks and what it is that I have attempted with the hammer. The simple answer to that is very little! The more lengthy complicated answer is as follows..
Still frustrated with the lack of proper materials I happened upon, a while back, some sexy looking stainless steel washers. Now the average tradesman that utilises such an insignificant piece of hardware, I dare say would not share in my opinion. However they may conclude with the obvious suggestive reference to the hole in the 'female' washer and the 'masculine' bolt... that of course is needed to penetrate said washer! My observations however were more about how they 'could' become sexy. Now I would hate to think that you believe I have some form of hardware fetish so I best expand on my thoughts! Having said that, there is something stimulating when one walks into a HARDware store hahaha...where was I? Oh yes.. Now, I had already used my 'mangrove' dye (stamp) to create a dozen pairs of 1 inch (XL) ear rings, but the shape of the washer was screaming out for more. Not just more in the way of treatment but more variety in the shape and size of the washer. So off to Bunnings (little plug there for the shop) to see what was available. Now it is at this stage that I should inform you that if you intend to go out and make something of these washers and would like to mark, stamp or etch a pattern into them, then make sure that the washers have the suitable thickness required for your job.
1 inch mangrove ear rings
By using the mini swage block and the dapping punches I managed to shape washers of various sizes (XL, L, M, S) into semi-spherical forms which added a whole new dimention to the humble washer. Polished and set with the earring findings they came up a treat. The plain finish, although very nice, I needed to experiment with some markings. Hence the old punch and chisel was produced from my tool box and I spent the afternoon punching and chiseling marks onto the washers before forming them into the rotund spherical form. I was surprised to find that the smaller washers are much nicer than the larger ones. A word of warning: the hole in the washer does expand when being formed which meant the already large hole in the XL sized washer became huge. There are ways in which I managed to reduce the size of the holes (not going to go into that just now) but I saw the opportunity to raid Tush's horded 'findings' (beads of every shape colour and size imaginable). I found some nice translucent marble looking balls which I attached to the inside of the shaped washer so that the dangling marble is clearly visible through the expanded hole of the washer. Another satisfying result. Unfortunately, despite the billions of beads avaiable to me there were only a few that suited the task. So now I will find myself standing with the little school girls and sequin searching silver haired grans in Spotlight (another plug.. I should get paid for this!!) looking for the appropriate bead. I have a few photographs of some of the earrings with the other designs, to check it out go to www.etsy.com/shop/RedHavenStudios
So where to now you might ask? Well thats what I asked myself and the answer was exacly what I wanted.. funny that eh? Anway I need to get my hands onto some hydrochloric acid or the likes and begin some funky etched designs. I am really looking forward to experimenting with that. I also found some time to experiment with some of necklace ideas as you can see below.
My week was interrupted with courses and various other distractions but what else did I mess about with in the forge?
I made 24 'straight' hooks.. nothing real interesting there. I needed to add to the hook collection as I noticed that in shops and one of the blacksmiths at the market made straight hooks rather than 'S' hooks. I made mine out of the 3mm and 4mm fencing wire compared to their 10mm round stock. Believe it or not as far as round stock is concerned, you can not buy anything less than 10mm. Stupid I know. Oh the other thing I noticed is that the blacksmiths here paint their metal and do not blacken it. A habit that this little wombat will not follow. I was very surprised to see that. I was impressed with their work though, especially Collin's.
Well folks thats it for now, I will tell the tale of my shopping spree and how I have spent the last three days turning the mess in my shed into a very nice looking forge!!
Cheers,
Wombat
No comments:
Post a Comment