Cherry blossom family pendant

[acidtrix]

Nven really liked the family pendent I made for my guy’s mom, so I decided to do something similar for her xmas gift this year, with the names of her own new family. The cherry blossom is about 1.25″ wide, and is hand cut from sterling silver. I forgot to lubricate my bit before starting the holes and the damn thing seized in the silver, nearly taking my fingernail off. Won’t make that mistake again! I added a small green Swarovski crystal to the baby’s leaf, just to help emphasize that they’re leaves, not petals. Overall I think the design turned out quite well, and it hangs very nicely. Its not the most flattering shot of the leaves - you’ll just have to trust me that they are shiny

[skye691]

I admit, I'm really impressed. I still struggle with cutting a line that doesn't require massive filing to look good.

Well played!

[ninjanator]

that's absolutely gorgeous! by hand cut, do you mean with a dremel? (i've been looking to invest in a dremel lately)

[Missing_Muse]

really cute! i cannot see where you got it stuck, so i think you can safely deny that any mistake was made at all.

[acidtrix]

I admit, I'm really impressed. I still struggle with cutting a line that doesn't require massive filing to look good.

Well played!

hahaha its a bit of gamble each time i try something like this. I get all anxious and fidgety before i start, it drives the boyfriend crazy listening to me. deep breathes, cut slow, hope for the best

[acidtrix]

that's absolutely gorgeous! by hand cut, do you mean with a dremel? (i've been looking to invest in a dremel lately)

nope, I use a jeweler's hand saw. for the holes, I have a flex shaft (which is sort of a fancy dremel) but i only got that at christmas. Before that i was using my handy dandy Dewalt cordless drill That worked ok, but there's no going back now that I have my new toy ^_^

[acidtrix]

really cute! i cannot see where you got it stuck, so i think you can safely deny that any mistake was made at all.

hehe yeah it only maimed me, not the silver

[pinokeeo]

This is lovely.  Are you using a Fordham?  I think those are the best for flex-shaft.  I would have probably tried to use a drill press, since I'm no good at hand held drills.

Anyway, your work looks great.

[acidtrix]

This is lovely.  Are you using a Fordham?  I think those are the best for flex-shaft.  I would have probably tried to use a drill press, since I'm no good at hand held drills.

Anyway, your work looks great.

Honestly, I don't know? Is that the brand of flexshaft? I can check when I get home. Mine was a Christmas present from the boyfriend and all I know is it was the one recommended to him by my jewelry tool supplier because apparently it is the most powerful model that still works with normal power outlets. I'd never even seen one before, and I'm still not too sure how all the attachments work, but I'm having fun trying to figure it all out

I don't have a drill press yet, but so far I think I can do most of what I need with what I've got. It's on my wish list though!

thank you

[pinokeeo]

The Fordham is a power carver with a flexshaft.  If you are using it with burrs, be very careful.  It can take your finger off in a hurry.  Don't work with it if you are tired or distracted. 

And you can get a little benchtop drill press that's ideal for what you are doing.  I've got a little one that works great for miniatures, drilling coins, and buffing little parts.   Jet makes a really nice one.