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Show Me The Money!!!

I think these are the most fun things I have made this month or was that last month?

Have you guessed what they are yet?  Yes, they are money clips made from brass and copper and found objects.  

I think the hardest part of the whole process was cutting out the blanks.  Talk about arm fatigue and these were only 20 gauge!
At the market someone asked if I made the one on the right out of a ruler.  Hmm...what an interesting thought but no.  

I took a bullet casing and sawed off the top which is not for light weights.  I have to use the force to decide where I place my saw blade because being too far up means sawing more and who wants to do that?!  The reason being is as you move up the casing the metal gets thicker somehow.  Also, while I am sawing I often wonder if the casing is going to blow up or something which is totally ridic!  ;-)

After sawing the blank I file, anneal, clean, and patina.  Riveting is always the last step.  I used hand made rivets to secure that casing in place.
At this point the metal is soft enough for me to form it.  This part is a little daunting for me.  So I have to say to myself..."Self...it's okay.  You can always make another one if it messes up" and then all is right with the world at that very moment.  

I enjoyed making this particular clip.  It is on the smaller side and I chased it with my hand crafted tools.  I do not chase often but when I do it is just crazy!!!
'Early Bird Gets The Worm'
'Early Bird Gets The Worm' (backside)
All ready for some money!  
I will probably list these in my Etsy shop this week.  

Have a great Tuesday people!!!
♥

Namaste
Kalaya
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