Cloud Earring
I enjoy working on projects of all scales, but I especially like working small. It trains a greater attention to detail, makes use of leftover materials, and above all it's a challenge!
I've found jewelry to be a fun small scale project that can be worn and enjoyed afterwards.
The walnut leaf earring concept
During my metalsmithing class, I fell in love with non-ferrous metals and wanted to make more projects with them. I also had some tiny off-cuts of walnut sitting around.
My original plan for these earrings was to make the leaf forms out of copper, oxidize them to make them green, and include a walnut wood pendant hanging in the middle of each. Despite being made from incredibly tiny pieces, I wanted to highlight the wood as the thematic and literal center of the project.
The copper leaf forms (Top), and making the walnut pendants
First I cut the copper pieces to size and acid-etched leaf vein patterns into them. I tested out oxidizing copper with salt and ammonia, but wasn't satisfied with the results. I decided to forgo that step and leave the copper bare. I suppose in a very long time, they'll turn green anyways!
Next I made the wood pendants. I cut two tiny blanks, about 1/2"x1/4"x3/16" in size. I drilled holes in the top of each to hold the mounting hardware, then shaped them with a rasp and sandpaper.
The finished walnut leaf earrings
I finished the walnut pendants with boiled linseed oil. Then I secured the stainless steel hardware into place with CA glue and assembled the earrings. I made the hardware from stainless steel wire.
Ironically I don't get to wear these very often. I spend a lot of my time in workshops and dangly earrings are a hazard! However, when I do have the chance to wear them, I quite enjoy them.
Concept for the cloud earrings and earring hooks
Over Winter break, I read a book called Slovenská Ornamentika, which features the ornamentation work of Slovak artist Štefan L. Kostelničak. Ever since I've been trying to incorporate ornamentation into my own work, and thought a simple pair of ornamented earrings could be a fun but challenging entry project.
Making the forms (Top) and turning the beads (Bottom)
Nearly everything in this project was made from free materials. I made the cloud shapes out of scrap sheet steel, the beads out of copper wire, and the wire components out of safety pins.
I made most of the components with hand tools, but the copper beads I turned on a machine lathe. I needed 12 beads in total and the smallest ones measured just .1" tall and .1" in diameter. The lathe (though comically oversized for my purposes) helped each bead stay consistent in size and sped up the process of making them immensely.
The finished earrings
I painted ornamentation onto the earrings with model paints in vibrant colors commonly found in Slovak folk ornamentation. They're not exactly traditional earrings, but I think they have their own unique charm.
I'd love to make more jewelry in this style. Next time I might try a flower, bird, or sun motif.
