Knapweed Brooch

This was based on a picture I took whilst on holiday in the Cotswolds in Autumn. The pin is based on the bud of the Knapweed and the base on the flower. It took about twelve workshops to complete and is my most labered silver project yet.

Finished Brooch

This was also my introduction to etching. Which is a process of creating an embossed image, in this instance it was created on to steal and because steal is harder that silver this etching can be used over and over. After I had picked the design I drew it on to a sheet of steal with nail polish, yep nail polish polish! This was then submerged into salt water and connected up to a battery for about 15 minutes and hay ho, etching of a Knapweed.

Steal submerged in salt water

Steal etchings and silver prints

This was then rolled on to the silver, hours were then spent tidying my silver up before it was eventually oxidised a process to encourage the natural effects of oxygen on silver and make the design stand out more. Something that I was very scared about, top tip from my tutor was don't let the oxidising solution touch your skin, humm. Needless to say I payed way to much attention to were the solution was going on my silver that my hands were a tad blacked by the end.

Before oxidising process