Rusty and polished pieces

©2019 Barry Smith - Rusted and worn washer with hammered solid silver riveted band

I have had a request to make a pendant piece similar to one that Fiona had me make from a very worn and rusted washer found on the street in Thurso Scotland - see above.

Whilst we have a couple of suitable round washers in our rusty stashes I thought I would also make a number of pieces that have the round negative space; but also some edges and a few bends to give them a more 3D look. I chose to use 1.5mm thick rusty steel plate; and to drill holes using 19mm and 22mm drill bits - slightly bigger bits than in the usual household drill kit.

©2019 Barry Smith - Rusted 1.5mm steel plate

©2019 Barry Smith - Quite large drill bits as you can see - and they don't get used a lot

The pieces have worked out well after a bit of grinding; and are now sitting on the rust table to get a bit more rust back on them over the next week.

©2019 Barry Smith - Roughly drilled and cut 'washers'

©2019 Barry Smith - The start of putting a few bends and bows into the washers

©2019 Barry Smith - The formed and ground washers join a couple of round washers on the rust table

I did time to grind and polish the cases for the two scrolls I'm working ion for the Compassion Artists' Book Exhibition. I could not assemble the books as I'm still waiting for the ink to dry on the pianola scroll paper - not helped by the damp weather. Probably will take a few more days yet.

©2019 Barry Smith - Scroll cases looking shiny 

©2019 Barry Smith - Opening panel and slit for the scrolls.

Both those simple tasks were enjoyable creative interludes.