I had a helper in the studio today - my 7 year old nephew Tom - who had a special project in mind. Tom wanted to make a silver necklace for his Mum, so we had to make it well! In fact, Tom has been twice before, and has a great memory - so very little teaching was needed, just a little assistance! Here are some images of our day.
Planning the necklace.
Tom made the rings by wrapping the silver around a doming punch.
Soldering lots of silver links all by himself (with me keeping very close!)
Adding solder to more links.
Shaping the rings from round to oval.
Tom used the rolling mill to make the links flat.
Tom hammered each link to give them texture (notice the broken leg!)
Threading the beads onto silver wire, then I helped out twisting the wire to hold it all together.
The finished necklace - beautiful!