The crumple cuff
For the 115 in 2015 Group - #4 A Craft
My Crumple Cuff is a modern example of the art and craft of the metalsmith. This is a solid silver wrist cuff, handmade by my great friend Laurie Kern who is an accomplished metalsmith. www.theadventuroussilversmith.com/
How it was made
Take a sheet of solid silver, about 3" high and carefully apply pressure until the metal folds and 'creases' to look like crumpled paper or material. When it is about 2" in height, stop and begin shaping it into a cuff that will fit the wrist. Solder on a border all round, and when it is completed use a special range of chemicals to create a patina and paint it on. Here the inside has a gold lustre (somewhat worn by constant use) and the outside has grey and gold lights to give an aged look. Then polish the high points until they gleam.
A cuff made this way is unique, and made to fit just you. The slight uneven off-vertical tilt is so that the cuff is comfortable to wear, as your wrist and arm are not straight up and down ;o)
The ancient craft of the metalsmith
The craft of working with all manner of metals has been with us for thousands of years. and the skills have been mixed with great artistry too - to give us ancient examples of weapons, jewellery and everyday utensils worked in gold, silver, bronze, copper and iron. We even date periods of history after iron and bronze!
Today we are used to mass-produced metal goods - but there are still people all over the world who work by hand, and craft individual pieces, using the knowledge that has been handed down, and keeping the ancient skills alive.
My 115 in 2015 set is here: Elisa 115 in 2015
The crumple cuff
For the 115 in 2015 Group - #4 A Craft
My Crumple Cuff is a modern example of the art and craft of the metalsmith. This is a solid silver wrist cuff, handmade by my great friend Laurie Kern who is an accomplished metalsmith. www.theadventuroussilversmith.com/
How it was made
Take a sheet of solid silver, about 3" high and carefully apply pressure until the metal folds and 'creases' to look like crumpled paper or material. When it is about 2" in height, stop and begin shaping it into a cuff that will fit the wrist. Solder on a border all round, and when it is completed use a special range of chemicals to create a patina and paint it on. Here the inside has a gold lustre (somewhat worn by constant use) and the outside has grey and gold lights to give an aged look. Then polish the high points until they gleam.
A cuff made this way is unique, and made to fit just you. The slight uneven off-vertical tilt is so that the cuff is comfortable to wear, as your wrist and arm are not straight up and down ;o)
The ancient craft of the metalsmith
The craft of working with all manner of metals has been with us for thousands of years. and the skills have been mixed with great artistry too - to give us ancient examples of weapons, jewellery and everyday utensils worked in gold, silver, bronze, copper and iron. We even date periods of history after iron and bronze!
Today we are used to mass-produced metal goods - but there are still people all over the world who work by hand, and craft individual pieces, using the knowledge that has been handed down, and keeping the ancient skills alive.
My 115 in 2015 set is here: Elisa 115 in 2015