Serendipitous Metalworks

by Nancy Vaughan.
(San Diego, California USA)

A selection of some copper and brass pieces.

A couple of weeks ago one of my neighbors dropped by to give me some copper scraps. She had been a partner in a metal fabrication business that did custom work in copper and brass. I’m not exactly sure what they made but I got some great “scraps.” The scraps were of various gauges from 18 to 24 with the most of them 22 gauge.

The most interesting shape was one that is difficult to describe. It looks a bit like a modified cross with curves that connect the arms. It is 22 gauge so it’s fairly easy to work with and a good size for ear rings.

My first project was a pair of ear rings. I textured the surface of the pieces then used the torch for some color. To finish them I used two small turquoise nuggets and niobium ear wires. For the next pair of earrings I used a dappling block to make cupped shapes and a third pair were made with a wavy shape. The wavy pieces were worked from both sides to give a smooth shape.

Currently I am working on ideas for a necklace and bracelet but haven’t started on them yet.

Nancy Vaughan
Wicked Wire Works