Giraffe Recipe Holder

Step 4 Smoothing and Shaping

You'll notice that the edges of the steel are quite sharp from the cutting.  The easiest way to fix this is by placing the metal on the anvil and hammering around the edge, hitting it so that it flattens and rounds out and loses the sharp edges.  Use a file to de-burr the sharp edges and small metal "splinters."

Once thats done, place a piece of raw leather or a thick folded cloth on the top of the anvil, and use the ball side of the hammer to being adding a small curve to the chest of the giraffe. 

Use  the horn of the anvil to shape the neck into a gentle curve.  Use your hands to bend it into the tighter curve you want.