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.
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.
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.
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 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.
The easiest process is to use acrylic paint applied by a brush to the area you wish. This is left in place for half a minute and is then wiped off. You will notice that the surface indentations are now starting to color. You can repeat this process as often as you need until you get the effect that you require.
Another way is to use a lighter and heat the metal stamping. You should hold the piece by the pliers as it can get hot quickly. You will notice that the piece will pass through several different color effects, and may take a bit of practice.
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.
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.
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 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.
The easiest process is to use acrylic paint applied by a brush to the area you wish. This is left in place for half a minute and is then wiped off. You will notice that the surface indentations are now starting to color. You can repeat this process as often as you need until you get the effect that you require.
Another way is to use a lighter and heat the metal stamping. You should hold the piece by the pliers as it can get hot quickly. You will notice that the piece will pass through several different color effects, and may take a bit of practice.
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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