Nature Inspired: Linear Design Ring & Bracelet
Criteria & Steps:
- Find 4-5 visual references of patterns in nature. (Staple drawings and photo references to this sheet)
- Determine the size of you ring or bracelet and draw 5-7 variations of the pattern to refine your design. (Drawing should be TO SCALE and completed on the back of this sheet).
- Get your design and planning approved by Ms. Ferrell. (Worth 10 points)
- Following the demonstrations create a sample brass section of your design, with bends, multiple joins, and filed.
- Create the FINAL version of your ring in nickel silver (ADVANCED students are encouraged to use a range of wire gauges in the final construction.
- File and sand all joins
- Planish the ring or bracelet to the desired size (and refile and sand as needed)
- Buff/polish to a high shine to create a consistent, scratch free finish or satin finish (wet 600)
Tips!!! this project is CHALLENGING!!!
- Select a “doable” yet sophisticated design
- Choose wire gage based on your needs (thick is sturdy but hard to bend, thin may melt and is not sturdy)
- Cut all wires longer than you will need and belt sand (using pliers) to the desired length and/or taper
- Work in sections (cut pieces and make adaptations to the design as you go)
- Use the belt sander or files to taper your wire ends and file them to angles that match the other metal pieces
- Plan your solder stages (Use hard on the main pieces, medium on separate sections, easy to join sections together, and extra easy on remaining joins
- Keep your metal clean as you go (Nickel pickle, scouring and sanding to remove oxidation as you go)
- Protect completed joins with white-out and pay close attention to the direction of your flame!!!
- Use binding wire stapes and kiln bricks to secure your pieces as you solder
- Use the SMALL torch nozzle only!
- File and sand the joins in sections as you go – then DON’T FORGET TO PROTECT THEM WITH WHITE OUT!!!
- Buff and polish the project while it is still flat (recommended)
- Shape slowly and carefully using the mandrel and planish to the desired size
- Re-file, re-sand, and re-buff/polish – finishing touches for the best possible final grade