A growing pastime for people is hand making their own jewelry. One thing that attracts people is that its creative, and helps with hand and eye coordination. More people are now using brass filigree as part of their designs, as they can add a definite something. It might surprise people to find that this is surprisingly easy to use and incorporate into designs.
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.
Some people refer to these sheets as stampings. As the name implies the metal sheets are run through a machine and the patterns are stamped out. Some very old machines are still in use today, and they are still using their original stamps and dies. So with a little bit of research it is possible to recreate the styles that were worn back in the time of the 19th century.
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.
Heat is another good way to change the appearance. A candle or a cigarette lighter can be used as the heat source. Hold the piece with your piers to prevent burning yourself. Watch the various colors that form and change as you heat the piece, With practice you will be able to judge how long you need to heat to get the effect you want.
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.
Some people refer to these sheets as stampings. As the name implies the metal sheets are run through a machine and the patterns are stamped out. Some very old machines are still in use today, and they are still using their original stamps and dies. So with a little bit of research it is possible to recreate the styles that were worn back in the time of the 19th century.
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.
Heat is another good way to change the appearance. A candle or a cigarette lighter can be used as the heat source. Hold the piece with your piers to prevent burning yourself. Watch the various colors that form and change as you heat the piece, With practice you will be able to judge how long you need to heat to get the effect you want.
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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