How do I create Pure Metal Earrings?

I love working with metal. Can you tell?

Creating my collection of Copper and Sterling Silver PURE METAL earrings requires lots of elbow grease.

First I texture the raw metal. This is usually done by hammering but can be done with a rolling mill as well. The metal must be softened (heated) before starting the texturing.

Since the metal becomes distorted from the hammering, it is vital to texture the metal BEFORE creating the shapes. Want to know how I discovered this? By doing it wrong several times before the light bulb in my head finally went on!

Next I create the shape using my disc cutters, a saw or metal cutting shears.

Once created I place all the metals on to a board (see image) to determine which components will work together for the individual design. I photograph the board so I can remember it, too! (VERY IMPORTANT)

After that I apply the patinas.

Liver of Sulfur: for an antiqued, blackened effect,

Vinegar and ammonia: for the blue/green color,

Peanut oil: for the rich golden bronze effect

Heat: for the reddish colors. There are other patina processes as well. These are the main ones I like to use.

Finally: I add a coating to maintain the finish, Form and shape the final pieces, assemble, add earwires and photograph! and VOILA they become part of my collection.