Bejeweled Bug Brooch
Instructor: Helen Blythe-Hart
hb@helenblythehart.com
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Welcome to the BEJEWELED BUG- get ready to have some fun! We will start this workshop by designing the bugs: beetles, butterflies, dragonflies, spiders or fantasy bugs. Then you will see demonstrations on how to texture, shape and give volume to the wings and bodies, Next, we’ll add your stones and a touch of gold here and there. The legs are next, then we’ll make the pin mechanism or bail and ta-da! A jeweled bug! Below is a list of things you’ll need for your bugs. I will be bringing a limited supply of reasonably priced stones and pearls that may be suitable for “bug parts,” but it’s good to bring stones you know you already like. As usual, any GOLD USED MUST BE 18K OR HIGHER. |
SILVER:
FINE SILVER:
1 1/2 feet of 26 gauge, 1/4” bezel wire.
This is the taller bezel. We will cut it
to the
height that we need for your
stones.
STERLING:
3” x 3” of 22 gauge sheet
3 feet of 18 gauge round wire
8” 12 gauge round wire
OPTIONAL GOLD:
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22 karat: 6” of 28 gauge by 1/4” bezel wire
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18 karat 1/2” x 1” 26 gauge sheet or scrap 18 karat that contains no solder
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1 pennyweight of 18K EASY (soft) solder. You may divide this with a friend or two.
STONES:
Different bugs could use different stones, for example butterflies might use two pairs of stones, cabochons preferred, while dragonflies might like one or two long stones (cabochons) or pearls for the body. Spiders may take one large stone and one smaller stone (cabochons or faceted stones) and beetles may use one large stone and a gold ball for the head. Use your imagination and have fun with this. If in doubt, bring what you have and we’ll design it in class. Cabochons (flat backed stones) are easier to set than faceted ones, so bear that in mind if you are new to metalsmithing. We want to make sure you can wear your bugs home!
TOOLS:
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The Workshop will have most everything you need, but many students prefer to use their own tools. Here is the recommended tool list: |
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Flat nose pliers 1-2 pairs
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Round nose pliers
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Chain nose (needle nose)
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Half round pliers if you have them
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Sharpie marker
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Joyce Chen type scissors or Fiskars
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Jewelers saw frame and 1 dozen 4/0 blades
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3” x 3” steel bench block
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Sketch book
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Masking tape
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Plasticine (modeling clay) the size of a stick of butter. This can be purchased at any art supply or craft store.
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Any repousse or stamping tools if you already have some
OPTIONAL:
Brass pattern plates from Metalliferous. We will use these to rollerprint patterns onto the metal. Go to www.metalliferous.com and look in their BASE METAL catalog, pages 23-25 and see if you like any of those patterns. I will be bringing a few with me as well.
ORDER FROM:
Rio Grande 1-800-545-6566 www.riogrande.com
Metal only: Hauser and Miller 1-800-462-7447