Photo Frame Box

Embellish jewelry boxes with decoratively stamped metals.

That's Clever! : Episode HCLVR-204 -- More Projects »
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Project by Emily Ito from San Gabriel, Calif.
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Emily Ito is a southern Californian mom, a former legal secretary and a passionate crafter. Born and raised in Los Angeles, her love for all things crafty began simply as something to do on the side, but when the legal profession became too stressful, Emily found herself delving further into her art. Then when a friend began teaching her metal work, Emily had what she calls a "life is too short" moment—she quit her job and became a full time artist! Today, in addition to making jewelry, Emily has also found her own unique way to embellish photo frame boxes.

Materials:

22-gauge copper
20-gauge silver base metal
bench shear
steel letter stamps
steel decorative stamps
colored wire
hammer
file
patina
water
gloves
copper tongs
metal glue
white glue or glue gun and hot glue
permanent pen
buffing wheels
lacquer
paper towels
spray paint
hinged jewelry box
safety glasses
ruler
beads - optional

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Figure A
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Figure B
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Figure C
Steps:

1. Measure a 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" square of copper and a 1-3/4" x 1-3/4" square of silver base metal with a ruler and permanent marker (figure A). Cut metals using a bench shear.

2. Draw the layout of the design on the silver metal with the marker. Mark spaces to use as guides for the lettering.

3. Stamp lettering onto the silver base metal using steel letter stamps and a steel hammer (figures B and C).

4. Add interest and design to the silver base metal with decorative stamps.

Also in this Episode
That's Clever! : Episode HCLVR-204
•Ceramic Necklace
•Photo Frame Box
•Funky Fiber Art Handbag
•Ceramic Flower Card