Affirmations in Metal...

I believe in the power of giving yourself subtle reminders on leading a better and more fulfilling life through positive affirmations.  Everyday that I go into the store, I wear a bracelet my friend Heather Wynn-Millican made me.  It has a Ghandi quote on it that helps me think of the reasons why I do what I do.  It says, "be the change you wish to see in the world".  I cherish it.  Not only because it was a gift from a beautiful friend, but because it is a mantra that I try to guide my actions by.

I decided to make a few pendants with different affirmations stamped in copper.  I used the Newsprint font from ImpressArts on copper discs that I cut out with a disc-cutter.  I used the two-hole metal punch to make the holes at the tops and bottoms.  (Tip:  To make cleaner holes and make your set last long, remove your punch and put the tip into a stick of Bur-Life or even bar soap.  It'll lubricate the tip.)  I used the ball-peen side of the hammer to create an additional texture.  I was careful not to texture too close to the letters, so that the letter impressions stayed nice and crisp, without distorting them.  This is important, because when I went back to darken the letters to make them pop, I wanted them to read clearly.

I played around with my torch to "flame polish" the pendants and give them groovy, iridescent patinas. The rainbow, butterfly-wing-shimmer effect happens on the cool down.  I was being experimental and I cooked some of them a little too long, causing some fire-scale, but I dig the cherry reds and blushes of fuchsia.

I will add jump rings to the tops of the pendants for bails and fun, wire-wrapped dangles at the bottoms.  I imagine hanging them off of simply beaded necklaces or chains with a couple wire-wrapped dangle embellishments.  I might tie on some recycled sari silk ribbon for a contrasting texture and to play up the colors in the pendants.  I think they look good AND provide nice little reminders to be more positive.