Saturday, October 31, 2009
How to oxidize your brass AND MORE part 2
I hope you enjoyed my little tutorial yesterday on oxidizing raw brass with ONLY AN OVEN!
Friday, October 30, 2009
How to oxidize RAW BRASS using something EVERYONE has in their own kitchen!
I had plans last night to breeze through this tutorial almost feeling embarrassed about how easy this was but I decided to follow my own steps with some actual raw brass this morning to see where it lead me! The results were really quite amazing. Read my directions and then look at the pictures for the results! Even though I was so tempted to substitute my “perfect ones” for the “after” pictures I decided to show you exactly how mine turned out today! I really learned a lot and it was FUN!
I wrote the tutorial last night and my notes after doing it myself this morning, will look like this....********SIDE NOTE********
OK here we go!
I’ve tried EVERYTHING to oxidize my raw brass to give it that captivating vintage patina and everything I tried was toxic, didn’t perform very well, was too expensive or was just too time consuming.
One day I was in my kitchen trying for the million-th time to think of something that would work and I thought…I wonder what would happen if I “burned them”. I think I’d seen somewhere that you could use a blow torch (you know that blow torch that you have laying around….) to make your brass dark.
So since my blow torch was in the shop, I decided to put it in my oven on its highest heat (500 degrees for mine) and give that a try and guess what? It worked!
Here’s what I’ve found works the best. LIGHTLY buff the pieces with fine steel wool and drop them into some water with about 1 Tablespoon of salt in it. This is just to remove the surface dirt and oils. Rinse them WELL in warm water and let them dry. Then just lay each piece, face up, on a cookie sheet covered with tin foil.
Here's what they look like before you start!
Then put them in the oven and “bake” them for between 15 minutes and 1 hour. There really is no rhyme or reason why it takes 15 minutes some days and 1 hour other days but just check them every few minutes and pull them out when you’re happy with the color. **********SIDE NOTE: as they begin to turn you might have to check them every few SECONDS********** You do have to watch them carefully because when they start to turn dark it goes pretty quickly. I usually do it when I’m in the kitchen doing something else anyway, so that I don’t forget them.
When they’ve reached the desired color just pull them out and plunge them into cold water to stop the process…careful they are HOT! ********SIDE NOTE: I DID NOT put the large blue heart in cold water immediately when it came out of the oven and even though the blue color was just starting to appear it turned that GORGEOUS blue right before my very eyes! **********
Here's what mine looked like right after they came out of the oven and had cooled...I KNOW the large heart is not there but that will be a little later!
See how different they all look? In my mind the little "love bird" connector and the dragonfly turned out the best but that's just me. I don't think the others turned out that great but I did promise I would show you how they REALLY turned out! Don't worry though....they aren't done yet!
Here's what they looked like after I buffed them a bit with steel wool. You can do it as little or as much as you like, depending on how "antique" you want your brass to look! (don't worry....the large ornate hearts are STILL TO COME!)
Sometimes they turn almost purple, which I love and one time they turned a beautiful turquoise color. I haven’t been able to reproduce that since (until this morning!) but it’s fun to see which way the heat makes them go each time. Sometimes there are places on the brass that are darker than others or little dots of color which looks GREAT! Brass doesn’t naturally oxidize perfectly anyway so this gives it an authentic appearance!********SIDE NOTE: The other day I forgot to clean them OR put them in salt water and then left them in for way too long BUT they were fine. I don’t think they would have turned out very well IF I had cleaned them SO you’ll need to experiment*********
If they get too dark or turn a weird color (which they have for me!) all you have to do is dip them in tarn-x and they turn BRIGHT gold again and you can repeat the process. Make sure you wash them well after you use the tarn-x. **********SIDE NOTE: I found this morning that the ones I had dipped into tarn-x and tried to “re-bake” didn’t oxidize very well SO try and get it right the first time. If you don’t though….it just takes a little longer and you might end up with a color that wasn’t what you intended BUT that’s all part of the process!*****************
OK NOW for those hearts! Remember what it looked like before I started?
I decided just for fun to do three and look how they turned out....DRUM ROLL PLEASE~
Can you belive the variations? I couldn't! I've never seen one turn blue like that but I rather like it. It's a little too instense for me but I can see how it could look smashing!
NOW look at them after I buffed them a little bit with steel wool!
This last picture is of the intense blue heart which I buffed quite a bit and would be how I would like it and would use it!
HERE ARE ALL THE PICTURES TOGETHER FROM START TO FINISH!
Well that's all for today! Believe it or not I have a lot more to say BUT I think I'll save that until tomorrow! I have some great sites for you that sell raw brass and some tips and hints for your jewelry making experience!
GOOD LUCK and please feel free to ask questions or make comments! I would love to hear what you think and I would also LOVE to put you on my mailing list for future offers, tutorials, ideas and give-aways.
Just leave a comment for me after this post...BE SURE TO INCLUDE your email address and I will add you to my mailing list! (your name and email will NEVER be shared with anyone else!)
Faithfully yours,
Violette Noble
Noble Studios Ltd.
www.noblestudiosltd.etsy.com
www.noblestudiosltd.blogspot.com
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Steampunk CUCKOO CLOCK Brooch
If you would like to purchase this WHIMSICAL pin please go to:
Noble Studios Ltd.
****************************************************************
FREE SHIPPING and DELIVERY CONFIRMATION
for all shipping to the U.S. and Canada
AND
REDUCED RATES for International
on ALL items in my store
between October 23rd and December 31st!
Get a jump on your Holiday Shopping NOW!
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I'm offering today an enchanting Steampunk Brooch that looks like a miniature CUCKOO CLOCK!
It began a antique hinged brass piece and an unusual vintage watch movement. A vintage brass corner piece forms the "roof" and a tiny brass swallow takes the place of the CUCKOO BIRD! There are gears galore on this whimsical brooch and those tiny glass acorns are "to die for"!
The TINY hand in the middle of the watch movement moves back and forth and if you click very quickly between the first 2 pictures you just might see it move! The stem still turns, causing the three tiny gears to turn together.
This fabulous brooch measures almost 5" by 1 1/2" and has been fitted with a jewelry quality pin back.
Each and every piece in my jewelry line has been meticulously designed and created in such a way as to last for years to come.
All finery will arrive in a handsome be-ribboned gift box making it the perfect remembrance for friends and loved ones alike.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any and all questions and comments. Your satisfaction is my highest priority.
Please visit my ETSY SHOPPE for MANY other wonderful jewelry items!
I would LOVE for you to contact me with any and all questions or comments!
Faithfully yours,
Violette Noble
Noble Studios Ltd.
"Everything but the KITCHEN SINK" STEAMPUNK Vintage Charm Bracelet jewelry
To purchase this truly "one of a kind" charm bracelet please go to:
Noble Studios Ltd.
"For over 50 years she gathered together the tiny magical ornaments. Each one a distant recollection of faraway lands, loved ones lost or memories held dear. Who will continue her legacy?"
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Gaze upon this truly unique bracelet that boasts unrestrained abundance.
It features 31 small objects of curiosity, beauty, or rarity. I promise that each and every time you wear it you will garner covetous looks and melodious sounds of approval from everyone who gazes upon it.
Each little bibelot has been attached with care onto a found vintage charm bracelet that I added magnetic connectors to. These make it SOOOOO much easier to put this lush bracelet on your diminutive wrist!
I will attempt to describe each wee trinket for your consideration.
Starting from left to right....
1) brass filigree with rhinestone in the center
2) tiny brass key hole
3) purple glass bead encased in silver wire
4) antique guilloche enamel heart
5) teensy tiny key marked LG 7
6) freshwater pearl bauble
7) vintage glass leaf
8) fob from antique pocket watch
9) gears from antique pocket watch
10) vintage brass "number" tag
11) vintage "ivory" looking rose charm
12) tiny drop pearl
13) blue iridescent glass bead charm
14) tiny STEAMPUNK goggles
15) ornate brass connector with tiny antique glass bead
16) antique german porcelain doll arm
17) "medieval" brass cross
18) vintage brass transportation token
19) 1920's wristwatch face
20) antiqued brass wing
21) antique pocket watch gears
22) timing mechanism from antique pocket watch
23) vintage "eye ball" charm
24) tiny brass filigree with vintage wristwatch face
25) rhinestone clasp piece from necklace
26) vintage brass leaf
27) brass "fleur de lis"
28) pink glass flower bauble
29) ornate brass heart
30) peacock colored glass charm
31) silver "lost" earring with black bead
This lavish, glittering, opulent bracelet measures 7 3/4" long and can be adjusted at no charge if is too large or too small for your pretty wrist.
Adjustments that require taking out some links might result in some of the baubles "2 to a link" or undesired baubles being removed. Rest assured that I will do whatever it takes to please you.
Please do not hesitate to ask for assistance or questions of any kind.
Faithfully yours,
Violette Noble
Noble Studios Ltd.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Acorns, Pumpkin Pie, AND FREE SHIPPING?
Autumn Greetings to one and all!
I'm happy to announce that Noble Studios Ltd. is offering:
FREE SHIPPING, INSURANCE and DELIVERY CONFIRMATION
for ALL shipping to the U.S. and Canada
~AND~
REDUCED RATES for International
when you purchase ANY items in my shoppe
between October 23rd and December 31st!
I have many exquisite pieces to see (and even some HALF PRICE pieces!) and I would be honored if you would take a look and let me know what you think! I also offer wholesale AND I love custom orders!
www.noblestudiosltd.etsy.com
Each and every piece in my jewelry line has been meticulously designed and created in such a way as to last for years to come. Every purchase from ~Noble Studios Ltd.~ will come packaged in my classic "steampunk style" and all finery will arrive in a gorgeous be-ribboned gift box along with my special card and a small gift. Because my jewelry features antique time pieces and vintage trinkets they are truly "one of a kind" and make the PERFECT remembrance for friends and loved ones alike. Don't miss this rare opportunity to own an authentic piece of steampunk jewelry directly from Noble Studios Ltd!
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any and all questions and comments. Your satisfaction is my highest priority.
Noble Studios Ltd. wishes you a most Blessed and Happy Holiday Season with Family and Friends!
Faithfully yours,
Violette Noble
Noble Studios Ltd.
Noble Studios Ltd. Etsy Shoppe
http://www.noblestudiosltd.etsy.com
Noble Studios Ltd. Blog
http://noblestudiosltd.blogspot.com
Friday, October 23, 2009
ON ETSY! The most beautiful Antique Necklace and Earring set I've seen in a long time AND free shipping!
If you would like to purchase this extraordinary set please go to:
Noble Studios Ltd.
For your approval today an absolutely FABULOUS necklace and earrings set made from all manner of enticing antique treasures. The addition of the beads and tiny brass crosses almost give this lovely piece a "rosary" feeling.
This luscious set began with a STUNNING Victorian piece of jewelry that features a gorgeous plum colored stone, lovely antique brass and tiny crystal rhinestones. I used the original purple glass beads and added them and the pendant, to some some delicate chain that is almost 100 years old. The glass bead bauble and burnished brass cross add the final breathtaking touch. The pendant itself measures 4" long and the chain measures 28" long but I am always willing to adjust the length at your request.
The earrings began with pieces from a charming damaged antique bracelet. I added the matching brass crosses and some high quality hand forged ear wires. These measure 2" with the ear wire adding about another 1" or so.
Each and every piece in my jewelry line has been meticulously designed and created in such a way as to last for years to come.
All finery will arrive in a handsome be-ribboned gift box making it the perfect remembrance for friends and loved ones alike.
Shipping costs always include insurance and delivery confirmation at no extra charge.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any and all questions and comments. Your satisfaction is my highest priority.
Faithfully yours,
Violette Noble
Noble Studios Ltd.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Steampunk Mechanical Beetle Ring with WINGS!
"The industrious mechanical beetle scurried to and fro in the garden, hoping to hide her vulnerability under the hard shell of indifference."
If you would like to purchase this industrious mechanical beetle ring please go to:
Noble Studios Ltd.
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If you want to read more about my life and times in Steampunk London please go to:
http://sites.google.com/site/noblestudiosltd/Home
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Up for your approval today an WILDLY AMUSING steampunk ring that began life as a "mechanical" brass beetle. He has been fitted with wheels and a tiny screw from an antique pocket watch AND antiqued brass wings so he can FLY!
He's been securely mounted to an ornate antiqued ring base and I think he's loads of FUN! His wing span is 1 1/2" and he is about 1" tall. I positioned the end of the wings in an "up" position to make it more comfortable to wear.
The filigree is very easily adjusted for your finger size.
The brass findings I use are still being produced using the same...now antique...machines they used so many years ago and the enterprise is still owned by the family that originated it. I oxidize them by hand and polish them so that just a little of the original brass shows through. This gives them that PERFECT vintage patina.
Each and every piece in my jewelry line has been meticulously designed and created in such a way as to last for years to come.
All finery will arrive in a handsome be-ribboned gift box making it the perfect remembrance for friends and loved ones alike.
Shipping costs always include insurance (on domestic shipping only)
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any and all questions and comments. Your satisfaction is my highest priority.
Faithfully yours,
Violette Noble
Noble Studios Ltd.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Antique GRAPE Spoon Necklace Glass beads STEAMPUNK gears silver chain
To purchase this marvelous neck adornment please go to:
Noble Studios Ltd.
"While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. Genesis 8:22"
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"The grapes in her vineyard were calling to her. She knew they were plump, succulent and ripe for the harvest.
She had always been charmed by autumn. She would gather the clusters of ripe and luscious fruit and enjoy its bounty all winter long. Freshly picked they added a deep, dark amethyst color and unmistakable flavor to the ambrosia that her family had come to expect each and every fall. Jams and jellies that made her childrens morning bread and butter a thing of beauty. Large, fat raisins, when combined with egg yolks, brown sugar, freshly ground spices and her homemade sour cream made the most heavenly pie imaginable. Wines and cordials that she shared only with the husband that she loved so dearly. It warmed the cockles of their hearts on those long, cold winter nights.
No matter what the coming year might bring she knew she could always count on the time when those lovely, luscious orbs from God would brighten the long winter ahead."
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If you want to read more about my life and times in Steampunk London please go to:
http://sites.google.com/site/noblestudiosltd/Home
This amazing brooch began with an authentic antique child’s spoon with a vivid grape design stamped onto the handle and neck of the spoon. A “cluster” of vintage glass beads were mounted securely in the spoon since I filled it a little too full, they are dripping down out of the spoon.
The spoon was carefully drilled and a vintage chain with toggle clasp was added. The chain measures 23” long but can be adjusted to any length. The spoon itself measures 4” and the “dripping grapes” add another 2”.
The baubles were wire wrapped to add extra durability and each glass bead was strung with teensy tiny wheels from antique pocket watches.
This is truly a one of kind piece that will make your friends swoon when they see you wearing it.
Each and every piece in my jewelry line has been meticulously designed and created in such a way as to last for years to come.
All finery will arrive in a handsome be-ribboned gift box making it the perfect remembrance for friends and loved ones alike.
Shipping costs always include insurance AND delivery confirmation at not extra charge. (on domestic shipping only)
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any and all questions and comments. Your satisfaction is my highest priority.
Faithfully yours,
Violette Noble
Noble Studios Ltd.
***Story and description by Violette Noble/copyright 2009
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