I have started to incorporate some sterling silver elements. One of the techniques is a simple but effective one. It is to create texture on the sterling silver piece.
You can see that I have used this technique on two of my styles a pair of earrings and a matching necklace.
What did I use?
Chasing Hammer
File
Bench Block
How did I create texture?
Once I cut out the shape I wanted in this case a lovely circle. I then filed the edges to make sure they were not sharp. Then the fun (but loud) bit. I placed the circle on the bench block. (A bench block is a thick piece of metal.) Then simply used the ball end of a chasing hammer and bashed it over and over until I created enough texture. I bashed the edges with the chasing side and then filed them again to make sure no edges became rough.
And that's it! Simple right?! I love how simple it is but creates such a great effect, and I also love I can dabble with some silver techniques in a simple way too.
I will be adding more silver elements to my pieces and collections next year too so keep an eye out for those in the future.