An Owl Family

I want to introduce you to my new owl family! Ever since completing the class I took at the Art Center, I have been so inspired to work with the metal techniques I learned. I probably shouldn't even say that I have fallen into a routine again, because every time I talk of routines something comes along and throws a wrench in the plans. But, I am going to jinx myself anyway. The last 2 weekends I have spent most of my Saturdays in my metal studio in the basement and then on Sundays I will take photos, blog, make completed jewelry, take care of other online tasks, clean (and lately decorate for the holidays) and whatever else my heart desires. The perfect weekend for me is feeling like I have gotten a lot of things done that I want to get done, along with a little bit of relaxation. If I don't have that, I don't feel as satisfied.

Anyway, the hours that I spend working on metal just fly by! However, it is rough on the hands, and sometimes body if you are contorting yourself in one position for too long. So for now, doing a day of it a week is just enough for me. I have learned to multi-task quite well - planning pieces I want to etch ahead of time so that they can be soaking while I assemble other things. Well, enough about all that - let's talk about these owls!!!

All of the owl heads were cut out of copper, and then etched with different features. Then, I riveted a variety of objects onto them for eyes and noses. They will have bails attached to them and will be strung on leather. I am planning on listing 2 on Etsy and then sell 2 at the Art Center's gift shop.

This first guy is similar to the first owl I completed after the class. What's different about this one is that I actually interlocked the gears this time and left the rivets loose so they will move! I have just been taking my thumbnail of my right hand and turning the right eye every chance I get! As with any mechanical object, I am starting to see wear (circles) on the copper as the gears go around. I think that is so cool and will give this piece more character as years go on!
For this next guy's eyes, I used 2 carved bone beads that I had. I really like how he turned out!

Here's Mr. Button Eyes...... riveting buttons is tricky because they break so easily!

What a classy fella with dimes for eyes! The rivets I used here are from Vintaj. It wasn't until after I completed the class, that I came across Vintaj's nail head rivets. I just couldn't wait to order some and try them. The difference between the Vintaj rivets and the rivets I had been using is this: the Vintaj rivets already have the "nail head" on one end, so you only have to hammer down the other end. They are also already cut in 1/4" and 1/2" lengths (which you can cut down even further). The way I was taught to do rivets was by using a tube of metal about a foot long, and cutting how much material you needed with your saw. Then, on those, you have to hammer out both ends to hold to connection. No matter what though, you will always need a variety of rivets depending on your project, size holes, etc.... so there aren't any that are better than others.

Stay tuned as I have made some other metal projects that aren't owls!