Transferring the image to the copper plate in preparation for etching.
The result - two tiny, detailed foot prints.
Cutting out the disks, then filing, stamping, drilling, emerying and polishing.
The finished pieces for Mum and Dad. His will be hung on a piece of leather, while hers features an opal bead to symbolise bubba's birth month, and will be worn on a silver chain.
Being a sentimental kind of girl, I think one of the things that initially attracted me to silver-smithing was jewelleries ability to hold meaning. Beyond the monetary value of a piece, much jewellery has a secret life of meaning understood by the owner. The family history behind an heirloom engagement ring. The pearls you wore when you were married. The brooch your Grandmother wore on special occasions. The garnet ring you brought on holiday. Jewellery is imbued with the kind of meaning that not many other items are afforded. And time adds more layers to that meaning.
I was honored to play a part in creating a pair of special and meaningful pendants recently - mementos of an angel baby which feature photo etched footprints taken at his birth. I hope these beautiful reminders become keepsakes full of wonderful memories, as they are worn in the years ahead.
