There seem to be more people who are making their own handmade jewelry these days. The most important things are a steady hand and a keen eye, not to mention patience. Many who enjoy this hobby are also using brass filigree in their designs. When it is combined with their usual materials some really stunning pieces are created. The best thing is that it is surprising easy to use.
The metal sheets will come in a range of thicknesses, or gauges. If its a fine gauge then it is so much easier to mould and create the design of your dreams. You don't even need any special equipment or tools. Most hobbyists do urge the beginner to use snipe, or needle nosed pliers. Ensure that the jaws are smooth as any pattern could be imparted to the metal surface if you hold the pliers too firmly.
Don't be surprised if you hear people call these items stampings. This is mainly a reference to the machines used to stamp out the designs. Some of these machines are so old that they are still using the same designs from ages ago. It is possible, with a little homework, to accurately replicate the stunning designs of years ago.
Some people are a little bit shocked to see the very shiny metal of these stampings. They would much prefer a slightly aged look, or at least not something quite so new looking. You can change the outward appearance of the metal yourself quite easily.
The first step is to remove any traces of oil or grease. These will have come from the stamping machines mentioned earlier. If they are not removed, then any further treatments will not take very well. The cleaning process is easy, use hot soapy dish water and a soft cloth, dunk the stamping in the dish water and then gently rub it all over. Once this has been achieved it will need rinsing in clean water and then left to dry thoroughly.
A simple way of coloring involves painting acrylic paint to a desired area. This is left for thirty seconds and then wiped off using a soft cloth. Paint is left in some of the recessed areas and you will see that its slowly coloring. The process can be repeated as often as you desire.
A simple trick to give that patina involves a cigarette lighter. Remember to hold the stamping in the pliers as it gets hot. While you are applying heat you will observe various coloring effects, it takes a bit of experience to get the effect you desire.
Adding a patina can be done in your own kitchen. Mix a solution of one part sea salt to three parts brown vinegar, and place in a tray. Lay your brass filigree in the solution for an hour or so. Take it out and transfer it to a preheated oven for 20 minutes. If you require more aging the process can be redone. Remember to seal the piece by using a clear lacquer.
The metal sheets will come in a range of thicknesses, or gauges. If its a fine gauge then it is so much easier to mould and create the design of your dreams. You don't even need any special equipment or tools. Most hobbyists do urge the beginner to use snipe, or needle nosed pliers. Ensure that the jaws are smooth as any pattern could be imparted to the metal surface if you hold the pliers too firmly.
Don't be surprised if you hear people call these items stampings. This is mainly a reference to the machines used to stamp out the designs. Some of these machines are so old that they are still using the same designs from ages ago. It is possible, with a little homework, to accurately replicate the stunning designs of years ago.
Some people are a little bit shocked to see the very shiny metal of these stampings. They would much prefer a slightly aged look, or at least not something quite so new looking. You can change the outward appearance of the metal yourself quite easily.
The first step is to remove any traces of oil or grease. These will have come from the stamping machines mentioned earlier. If they are not removed, then any further treatments will not take very well. The cleaning process is easy, use hot soapy dish water and a soft cloth, dunk the stamping in the dish water and then gently rub it all over. Once this has been achieved it will need rinsing in clean water and then left to dry thoroughly.
A simple way of coloring involves painting acrylic paint to a desired area. This is left for thirty seconds and then wiped off using a soft cloth. Paint is left in some of the recessed areas and you will see that its slowly coloring. The process can be repeated as often as you desire.
A simple trick to give that patina involves a cigarette lighter. Remember to hold the stamping in the pliers as it gets hot. While you are applying heat you will observe various coloring effects, it takes a bit of experience to get the effect you desire.
Adding a patina can be done in your own kitchen. Mix a solution of one part sea salt to three parts brown vinegar, and place in a tray. Lay your brass filigree in the solution for an hour or so. Take it out and transfer it to a preheated oven for 20 minutes. If you require more aging the process can be redone. Remember to seal the piece by using a clear lacquer.
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