Fish Finished!

It's been a merry ride with some setbacks, but I have learned alot from this project.  The pin stem assembly was the most challenging, but I think I have it right, with just a slight springyness and a satisfying snap when it fits into the catch.  On to the next one -- and possibly a series of smaller ones, the males of the species, who are much plainer and don't have the lightbulb out front.  And then there are all the other wonders of the deep deep abyss, some yet to be discovered!

An Experiment With Tin

I am experimenting with Deb Karash's way of coloring metal with Prismacolor pencils, only on tin. If it works, it will be faboo, if not, then I have made pretty garbage, but it's worth a try.  One of the limitations of working with tin is finding just the right print for the piece you want to make.  Again, if this works, that'll be one less limitation.  This piece failed the first time I tried to assemble it because the pin stem wouldn't stay put.  I redesigned that to go on with rivets, and will be careful to locate it where it doesn't bump up against the top layer when everything goes together.  This is Abyssal Anglerfish No. 3.  It takes multiple tries to get something just right, and anyway, I want to make a whole series of them.  I'll post the result when it's finished.

PS:  Did I mention no-solder, only-cold-connections?  If you want the straight skinny of rivets, turn to the man I call "Maestro," Keith LoBue, who is doing an online class on just that subject.

Starfish Lighthouse Assemblage Ring

I am really worried about the starfish -- they are suffering from a wasting disease of unknown origins, and there is a die off happening north of here in Puget Sound waters.  So, I thought of them when I started this ring made with a bottle stopper found on a Scottish beach, and decided to make five prongs in the setting, remembering the ancient five-fold symmetry of their species.

It's available in my Etsy store.

Finally, a Use for the Thimble

I never got used to using a thimble, but now at last have found something to do with my collecton of old brass ones -- rings.  This one's set in a jeweler's bronze ring, resting on a copper half dome, made of a size to fit one's pinky.  For the steampunk seamstress?  It is rather comical, but somehow, just right.  It will be available soon in my Etsy shop.

Sawing Shapes from Tin

I am in love with the #7/0 Herkules saw blades!  They can actually cut the tiniest details from tin, once you get the hang of it.  Here's my latest -- doves cut from a floral tea tin, riveted onto a blackground (also tin), and collaged on the back with a beautiful French handwritten letter, possibly a love letter; I saw the word "coeur" which I do recognize, although I don't speak French, more's the pity.  These are really pretty on; the doves flutter.  They're available in my Etsy shop.

Abyssal Angler No. 2

Kevin Coates Goldsmith

Take a look at the studio and works of an extraordinary goldsmith, Kevin Coates.