Playing around with patinas is lots of fun. I never know what to expect next! My favorite patina is the one created using ammonia and vinegar. Yes, I said ammonia and vinegar.This combination creates a gorgeous blue color. The kicker is... each time the color comes out slightly different. Isn't that the fun of creating at any rate? The unknown is nerve racking and … [Read more...]
THREE Gorgeous Patinas for Copper Jewelry
If you have been following my blog or any of my Social pages... you already know that I LOVE WORKING WITH COPPER! When I first started taking metals classes, copper was used as the 'learning' metal. Meaning 'work with copper to get the feel of metal and what you can accomplish' . Once past the learning curve, then venture on with Silver and/or Gold. However, with the … [Read more...]
Is Silver the New Gold? Is Copper the new Silver?
Gold jewelry has always been coveted. Even though gold prices have come down over the last 2 years, they are still over double the price of 10 years ago.[tweet_dis_img][/tweet_dis_img] Today, gold is $1267 an ounce. Compare this with Silver at $17.75 an ounce! I really feel that wearing beautiful baubles enhances our self image. In the past I eagerly wore gold designs. Now … [Read more...]
Creating an Antiqued Finish on my Jewelry Designs
[tweet_dis_img url="http://www.alenesadornments.com/sacred-spiral-collection/sacred-spiral-sterling-pendant.-18-long.-2sssant/"][/tweet_dis_img] Do you own a piece of jewelry that is darkened or blackened ? This type of finish or patina is called Antiqued. I create it using Liver of Sulfur. Liver of Sulfur is that stinky stuff.. and I do mean STINKY. Just like rotten … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
