Vintage Pewter - NOT GOOD !

 

 

 

Vintage Pewter

 

 

These are my attempts at Vintage Pewter done some years ago. Untidy, the background hasn't been flattened properly... the pattern gets lost completely.

Bits n Pieces

 

Journal covers. This is not one of my patterns or ideas but this cover is so popular. Tip: don't forget to put some wax in the areas that you have done in higher relief. It is a journal cover so writing on the pages all the time will add pressure and you don't want the patterns to be damaged in any way.

The centre has got wax  in the middle. Try not to push it through too much or it might be difficult to write on the left hand page.
 

Vintage Engraving. This technique is different to the technique I use when I am doing Vintage techniques with high relief.

Love Vintage engraving it is easy, quick and looks like silver when polished.

Pewter tips

Try holding the tools you are going to use in your left hand, that's if you are right handed of course. It makes it a lot easier to work quickly. I was working with the paper stub in my right hand at the time.

Pewter tips

Tips for working on bigger pieces, try not use too much pressure. It must just be heavy enough to show you clearly on the reverse side where to press out your design, but not so heavy that the background competes with the foreground. Take your time.

If you are going to design something for a cover of a book make your design work with the shape of your journal. In this case the book is A4 but landscape, so the information is easy to read in this half moon design.

Student Comments

The course was full and informative and I finished it knowing a great deal more then when I started. I also gained confidence in how to tackle ‘difficult’ projects. I am looking forward to being able to make more and    more interesting and challenging things. Thank you!

 

Jill

 

Gift from Sharon Vallance

 

 

 

This was a beautiful jewellery box made for my by my friend Sharon. Aside from the fact that she must have taken hours to make the pewter box she did this master piece of art work in the inside. I wish I could show you just how EXQUISITE it really is. She is a fine artist and does the most beautiful artwork so to be given something like this was an absolute delight for me.

Samples

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pewter Classes

 

 

 

 

 

Guest Book for Anniversary

Commission for a new Guestbook for a client.

Pewter Guest Book & Ostrich Feather pen

 

Guestbook for a weddig with an African theme, with an ostrich feather pen.

Pewter Tips

This Guest book was spiral bound, so I thought lots of pretty bows would look awesome. It also makes displaying the book ...pretty cool.

When you are working on detail, instead of using your tracing tool to tuck the edges, or your paper stub, try using a No2 Ball it won't cut your pewter and your work will be a lot neater. I am using a paper stub less and less. Only use the paper stub to flatten the background - don't forget try not to leave lines. Also use your finger to flatten the background.. fingers are nice and soft.

Positive and Negative Space

 I wanted to show students in my pewter classes what I mean when I say get rid of all the ski jumps! What are ski jumps, well now that is a one of my own terms to describe what it looks like when the negative space is not flattened properly.
Pewter moves when you work with it so if the background is not kept flat throughout the process one can easily feel that the pewter is controlling you and the pattern might get lost.

This is an example of what NOT to do.

 

Tip: Don't use too much pressure when tracing the pattern. If you are heavy handed, take a deep breath, relax and go slowly. Before you begin to push out the low or high relief, flatten the background with your finger so that you can see the pattern clearly. 

 

 

Pewter Tools & Materials

1. Patina
2. Meths
3. Stainless steel mug and wax
4. Clear lacquer
5. Polish - Brasso or Never Dull
6. Cloth for polishing
7. Board to work on.
8. Pewter embossing tools
9. Contact glue
10. Cutting mat
11. Rubber gloves
12. Eye droppers for the wax
13. Paper stubs
14. Felt
15 Metal ruler
16 Cotton wool pads - to clean before patina
17. Metal handle embossing tools
18 Batting for patina
19. Lead free Pewter
20. Crystals and beads