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 stamped sheets will come in different gauges, or thicknesses. The thinner the sheet the easier it is to form in to the creation that you envisage. There are not even any special tools required. It is recommended that a small set of snipe nose pliers are used. The jaws of which should be smooth, if there is any patterning on the jaws it could be transferred to the material.
You might hear some call these sheets stampings. This is due to the fact that the sheets are run through a machine where the designs are stamped out. There are still some of the original machines in use, and they are also using their original dies and stamps. Its possible with some research to accurately produce a replica of the styles worn during the 18th and 19th centuries.
One thing that you should be aware of is that when you first get these stampings they will be made from new metal sheeting. There will be no sign of patina or aging. This is something that you will have to incorporate yourself. In fact there are several ways in which the nice new shiny appearance can be changed.
The initial process is to remove any traces of oils and greases. The most likely source will have been those stamping machines which were mentioned earlier. Its important that these contaminants are removed otherwise your other treatments will not happen in quite the way you imagine. It is a very easy method to remove these particles, all you need is hot soapy water and a cloth. The stamping is washed in the water and the rinsed with clean water. Allow the stamping to thoroughly dry.
An easy way to apply color to a piece involves a cloth and some acrylic paint. Apply the paint to the desired area with a brush. Let it stand for 30 seconds and then wipe off with the cloth. You will see that traces of color have been left behind in creases and indentations. You can continue this easy process as often as you like until you get the effect you are aiming for.
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.
Another way to age a piece of brass filigree involves a solution that is three parts vinegar to one part sea salt. Mix this in a shallow tray and then rest your piece in the solution for at least an hour. Then place in a pre heated oven for fifteen minutes before removing it. If the effect needs more work the process can be repeated. Remember to seal both front and back with a spray lacquer.
The stamped sheets will come in different gauges, or thicknesses. The thinner the sheet the easier it is to form in to the creation that you envisage. There are not even any special tools required. It is recommended that a small set of snipe nose pliers are used. The jaws of which should be smooth, if there is any patterning on the jaws it could be transferred to the material.
You might hear some call these sheets stampings. This is due to the fact that the sheets are run through a machine where the designs are stamped out. There are still some of the original machines in use, and they are also using their original dies and stamps. Its possible with some research to accurately produce a replica of the styles worn during the 18th and 19th centuries.
One thing that you should be aware of is that when you first get these stampings they will be made from new metal sheeting. There will be no sign of patina or aging. This is something that you will have to incorporate yourself. In fact there are several ways in which the nice new shiny appearance can be changed.
The initial process is to remove any traces of oils and greases. The most likely source will have been those stamping machines which were mentioned earlier. Its important that these contaminants are removed otherwise your other treatments will not happen in quite the way you imagine. It is a very easy method to remove these particles, all you need is hot soapy water and a cloth. The stamping is washed in the water and the rinsed with clean water. Allow the stamping to thoroughly dry.
An easy way to apply color to a piece involves a cloth and some acrylic paint. Apply the paint to the desired area with a brush. Let it stand for 30 seconds and then wipe off with the cloth. You will see that traces of color have been left behind in creases and indentations. You can continue this easy process as often as you like until you get the effect you are aiming for.
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.
Another way to age a piece of brass filigree involves a solution that is three parts vinegar to one part sea salt. Mix this in a shallow tray and then rest your piece in the solution for at least an hour. Then place in a pre heated oven for fifteen minutes before removing it. If the effect needs more work the process can be repeated. Remember to seal both front and back with a spray lacquer.
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