Most people have a hobby, and for some it is making jewelry by hand. To do this you need patience, a good eye and a steady hand. Something else that seems to be creeping in to this pastime is the use of brass filigree. The effects that this material can create make the effort so worth while. Despite the outward appearance this material is very easy to use, and you will surprise yourself at some of the designs you will be able to create.
These stamped designs are available in a variety of thicknesses. Obviously the finer the sheet the easier it is working into one of your creations. You don't even need any specialist tools. Most people do recommend using a small set of needle nose pliers. Always make sure that the jaws are smooth. If they have vice like teeth its possible that the pattern can be transferred to the metal surface.
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.
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.
Another trick to getting a patina on your brass filigree involves a solution made from things in your average kitchen. Three parts brown vinegar to one of sea salt. Soak your stamping in this solution for about an hour and then heat in an oven for quarter of an hour. You can repeat this until you get the result you are aiming for. Then seal each side with a clear lacquer.
These stamped designs are available in a variety of thicknesses. Obviously the finer the sheet the easier it is working into one of your creations. You don't even need any specialist tools. Most people do recommend using a small set of needle nose pliers. Always make sure that the jaws are smooth. If they have vice like teeth its possible that the pattern can be transferred to the metal surface.
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.
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.
Another trick to getting a patina on your brass filigree involves a solution made from things in your average kitchen. Three parts brown vinegar to one of sea salt. Soak your stamping in this solution for about an hour and then heat in an oven for quarter of an hour. You can repeat this until you get the result you are aiming for. Then seal each side with a clear lacquer.
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