Now it is time to punch it out...

Each piece of metal has the need for many holes which is the connector spots. There were a lot of metal confetti after this job - bracelet and four finger rosaries. Enjoy!
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Two for one... projects

While I was creating a bracelet for my friend I simutaneously worked on finger rosaries as well to give to each of the daughters (and wife)... here the metal pieces are cut out and ready for filing and sanding.
Enjoy!!
www.AgapeGifts.org

Add the pictures!

 

Now the pictures get placed to make sure the framing is perfect. The finger rosary are hearts w pictures of their dad and daughter and of course one w husband and wife. On the back of the rosary a message is hand stamped asking for prayers. The family gift, a bracelet, has the same pictures w a family  picture in the middle. Enjoy!
www.AgapeGifts.org

Punching and Sanding

Lots of pieces of metal need many small little tiny holes and lots of sanding! The sanding helps with a nice finish in the end... it may be messy but worth it. Enjoy!
www.AgapeGifts.org

Rosaries too!

I also made each of the family members a finger rosary at the sometime. These pieces will be used for the individual rosaries. These metal pieces will also be riveted together with eyelets.
Enjoy!
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Texture on Top

Now the metal is cut out and matched up. I have oval cut out for the images and heart cut out to connect them. The two pieces of metal will be riveted together. Enjoy!
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Now that the metal is textured with symbols and words it is time to cut the shapes - each frame needs two sets of sheet metal, front and back. Enjoy!
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POUND IT OUT!

 

Okay so this requires a lot of pounding front and back - when you texture w the stamps it actually pushes and moves the metal which in turn makes it curve. To counteract the the curve you need to flatten out with a leather mallet to not mare the metal. Enjoy!
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Hearts of Gold - in a linear way

I discerned the use of  warm golden brass as one of the metals. This family truly has a heart of gold! I also wanted to stamp messages in the metal. I have heart symbols, crosses and words representing the family. This whole process was very therapetic for me since I also was deeply affected by the loss of my friend and I felt the pain for the family members.

OK let's get the process moving!!!!

I first figured the shape and design of the metal; figuring which type of metal combinations. I knew I wanted pictures to reflect the family lost but more importantly the love they all shared. Each part of the bracelet has a significant meaning. Nothing arbitary - all thought driven. Enjoy!
www.AgapeGifts.org

I AM BACK! finally right?

Ok first and foremost I need to apologize - I thought my media posting was going to my blog sight - sigh- to my dismay it was not. So honestly I did a lot of posting last year but only to find it did not go to you... now my only hope is that I will get a returned following... understandable for the vacant crowd! Check out Agape Gifts facebook page to see all the exciting creations from last year...

I am beginning my sharing w a gift I created this summer for a dear family who unexpectedly passed away.

Start with an idea, which requires measuring, calculating and the computer!