Focal point necklace - Mary Hettmansperger

DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT –
Using metal-smith techniques with silver and copper sheeting, TierraCast charms and findings and Art Clay copper, a variety of cold connections will enhance and assemble a unique circular window necklace.

MAJOR TECHNIQUE(S) DEMONSTRATED
Metal-smith techniques, cold connections for both assembling and surface decoration, using the disc cutter and dapping block to create a unique focal window. 

Materials:
Copper sheeting – 24 gauge
Silver sheeting – 24 gauge
Eyelets – ¼ inch in length – miniature 1/16
Eyelet setter for mini eyelets
Miniature brads
TierraCast – discs – 0442, 0439
Decorative discs – 3145,
Decorative bars w/holes - 
Clasps – toggle component – 6129,
Rectangle with 2 holes component – 3095
Art clay copper
Stainless mesh screen
Commercial neck chain

Prepare the focal point:

Step #1 – Using Art clay copper and a stainless screening, push a small ball of clay through the screen to create an extruded element. 

Step #2 – Let clay dry and once it is completely dry, torch fire with a hand held propane torch or follow kiln-firing instructions on the Art Clay copper packaging.

Next:

Step #1 – Cut shape for necklace – 2 inches by – 3 1/2 inches – rectangle – Copper.

Step #2 – Heat copper sheeting, 24 gauge - to anneal and use flux with a rubber stamp to create pattern on the metal.

Step #3 – Cut silver sheeting, about 2x2 inch square – just a little bit larger than the copper diameter on 3 sides

Step #4 – On the silver rectangle, texture and hammer the edges to create interest.

Step #5 – Using a disc cutter, cut a hole in the copper piece, using a disc cutter .

Step #6 – Place the cut hole over the ½ dome on the dapping block, making sure the cut hole from the disc cutter is smaller than the dapped crater.   Using the ball on the dapping tool, hammer over the hole to push the edge out to create an extended lip.

Step #7 – Using a large ring component from TierraCast, punch 3 holes in the ring.

Step #8 – Sandwich the elements together – the ring component on top of the copper around the lip of the window to accent.  Attach by using the holes in the ring as a pattern and attach to the copper with brads.

Step #9 – Once the ring is attached to the front, take the extruded copper clay on the screen and place inside the window. 

Step #10 – Punch holes in the copper on the corners about ¼ inch from the edges use the copper as a template pattern to punch the holes in the back piece of silver.  Do one hole at a time and set an eyelet to secure the piece together one eyelet at a time.

Step #11 – Roll the copper top to create a hanger and insert neck chain.