Collaborating, Process of a Design
Collaborating
Working and collaborating with Dahlia of ED Designs has been a gratifying change of pace! Pretty soon I’ll be shipping some of the completed designs from our collaboration out to LA for a photoshoot. One of the best parts about making is bringing an idea to life, and working long distance to translate an idea into reality has been challenging and fun. It’s been interesting to see a sort of ‘short hand’ design language developing between us as we have a back and forth dialogue about what we do and don’t like regarding the current design in progress.
Sterling Silver Bolt Rings
One of the many designs from Dahlia that I have been working on for this collaboration is an androgenous sterling silver ring that is in the shape of a bolt. It has 8 roughly textured sides and is oxidized to highlight the rustic texture. This design has progressed over time, and I thought it would be fun to put together some images that show this progression.
Once the texture has been added, the back of the sterling silver has to be scored. When you ‘score’ metal, you remove metal with a triangle shaped file to allow for a clean bend. Before it bends, the hallmarks have to be added.
This was the first texture that I tried. It has a nice subtelty, but it isn’t what was needed for this rustic ring!
To make the texture rougher, I used the same hammer I had started with, but with much more strength and less restraint. I’ve always tended to be more of a ‘perfectionist’ with my work, preferring clean lines and minimalist design. It’s been so nice to step out of my comfort zone while working with Dahlia’s style!
After sending a few photos of sample textures and getting feedback from Dahlia, a new texture was added on top of the hammered lines. These deep dimples gave the bolt ring that rough look it needed! With the texturing, scoring, and bending being completed, it’s time to solder.
After a ton of cleanup to make sure all the sides are level and beveled, the rings are oxidized and sanded to leave the darkened sterling silver remaining in the crevices.
Coming Soon!
You can expect to see the bolt ring and many more designs for sale soon at ED Designs and Whitney Banks Jewelry. Many of these designs will be limited edition, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled for news on their release. 😉
Signing up for my mailing list will guarentee that you will be one of the first to know when these designs go on sale.
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