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Again inspired by mrballeng here on Instructables, this is a pendant made from a nickel!
The nickel was hammered flat, then filed into the correct outline. I then used paperclips to create the indented lines, and sanded/polished the piece smooth. The curve was created by hammering a dome-headed bolt onto the piece while it was sitting over an indent in a block of wood. Epoxy was used to secure the jump ring.
The nickel was hammered flat, then filed into the correct outline. I then used paperclips to create the indented lines, and sanded/polished the piece smooth. The curve was created by hammering a dome-headed bolt onto the piece while it was sitting over an indent in a block of wood. Epoxy was used to secure the jump ring.
Giving some alternating texture and polished areas, on the shell, might also give it a nice little something different. There's endless possibilities. Very nice piece of work there Gnome!
Also, I think I prefer a clean metallic look. Could be something to explore, though! If I found a paint that went well on metal it could be interesting.
Is it hammer out, round, file to shape, and then indented? Or is it some other order?
Thanks!
2. Draw the outline of the turtle on with marker or something, and use wet metal files to shape the silhouette. File the sharp corners down a little.
3. Bend some paper clips to the shapes you want for the lines. Hold them in place with masking tape and give them three or four medium hits with a hammer. They tend to flatten a bit, so it's best not to reuse them.
4. Get a piece of 2x4 or something and hit it with the ball end of a ball peen hammer, making a round dent. Place the piece over this dent and find a round-headed screw. Hammer the head of the screw down all over the piece until it becomes domed.
5. Sand a lot. You can try hot gluing something to the back so you can handle it, then tape some 100 grit paper down on a very flat surface. Let the sandpaper do most of the work, and switch directions occasionally. Work up through 400, 1000 and 2000 grit.
6. Get some polishing compound and rub it in, buffing it dry afterwards.
7. If desired, epoxy a small jump ring to it for easy attachment.