Pieces for Week 39...How to Make a Copper Leaf

My painted leaves are a big hit at our booth at High Hill Ranch! That is all I have been making. Instead of sending another batch of pictures of leaves...I thought I would share some pics of the process!

I cut out a piece of 18 gauge copper for the leaf using metal shears.

Using a template that I designed, I scratch the outline of the leaf.

I use the metal shears again to cut out the leaf. I prefer the shears over a jeweler's saw because the shears create shape in the leaf...as opposed to the saw which creates a flat piece with no movement.

While the shears create "movement" in the copper, they also leave behind a rough edge. Lots of filing is needed.

More filing....

Filing in the corners...I file at an angle to begin to sculpt a shape in the leaf.

A leaf!

I use a colored ink to create unique designs on the leaf.

We will be at High Hill Ranch, Apple Hill, CA every day through December 11, 2011! I am already coming up with a ivy leaf designs for the Winter Solstice!

Pieces for week 33: What a fail looks like...and then it gets better

This is what a "fail" looks like. Yeah, thought I would "try" something and it just didn't work. I had a vision...I really did.

Don't ask.

ok, for this week I worked on a stash of simple pendants. Here is what they looked like before their "glamor shot."

 And here is how they look after 'make-up' and 'wardrobe' had some time with them (can you tell I have a 'theatrical past?')  :)

Dragonflies - SOLD!

Large flower on left - SOLD!

SOLD!

Next week I am challenging myself to do AT LEAST one piece with a set stone. It has been awhile and I really need to do some self-pushing.