10. Abstract Textured Hammered Metal Discs
Metalworking can be intimidating, but creating gorgeous, light-catching textures on soft metals like brass or copper blanks is incredibly accessible. This piece uses geometric layering and raw textures to form an elegant, artisanal statement necklace.
Materials Needed:
- 2–3 Raw brass circle stamping blanks (varying sizes: 15mm, 20mm, 25mm)
- Jewelry chasing hammer (ball-peen side)
- Steel bench block or a flat, hard anvil surface
- Metal hole punch pliers
- Polishing cloth and a fine chain
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Texturize the Blanks: Place your largest brass blank flat onto the steel bench block. Using the rounded ball-peen end of your chasing hammer, strike the brass surface repeatedly with firm, even pressure. This creates beautiful, dimpled, organic facets that reflect light like water.
- Repeat and Layer: Texture your smaller blanks in the same manner. You can vary the texture by striking harder or using different angles.
- Punch Connecting Holes: Use your metal hole punch pliers to create a clean hole at the top edge of each disc.
- Assemble the Stack: Nest the discs on top of one another from largest to smallest, or connect them vertically in a drop formation using heavy-gauge jump rings.
- Brighten the Metal: Rub the textured discs firmly with a jewelry polishing cloth to remove finger oils and bring out a bright, mirror-like gold finish before stringing them onto your chain.
