Salvaging metal

©2020 Barry Smith - Ornate heavy handles from silver-plated serving trays

I was recently given two silver-plated serving dishes with lids. The person who gave them to me said they were her grandfather's and that just sat in the cupboard, never got used and just had to be cleaned from time to time. She said, "I know you can use them."( in your work). She knew I would cut the trays into pieces; and then make new objects. The trade was that I would make her a couple of pairs of earrings so that she would have the memory of the serving trays and her grandfather.

As you can see from the photo below the dishes were in good shape and of good quality.

©2020 Barry Smith - The gifted serving dishes

After about an hour with the side grinder and the blow-torch the two dishes and two lids were de-constructed and ready to be cut into pieces that will become: earrings; leaves; bowls etc.

©2020 Barry Smith - Serving dishes and lids after the de-construction process

©2020 Barry Smith -  The sides of the dishes and lids will become leaves and riveted earrings

I have started cutting some of the pieces down further to begin the process of making earrings for the woman who gifted the trays.

©2020 Barry Smith - Heavy ornate edges of the trays

©2020 Barry Smith - Ornate handles and decorative section from the lid of one tray 

©2020 Barry Smith - Quality silver-plated metal that is cut into more useful pieces for earrings

There is still a way to go; but you can see the groupings emerging