This doll fragment is about 100 years old from Germany. When I saw her I knew that a frame would create a great necklace.
After placing her into the opening and gluing her down with E-6000. The back protrudes about 1/2 of an inch.
Her arm is also proud of the surface about 1/4 inch.
I cut out a piece of 28 gauge copper sheet for the backing. I could have made a box form but having too much depth behind the figure seemed clumsy.
So I decided to hammer form a depression into the metal. This is 28 gauge which is about 1/2 mm and must be stretched slowly with a lot of annealing. First step is to locate the point that will be deepest and mark it with a single hammer blow.
The metal is placed over a depression in the dapping block and light blows begin to form the cup.
8-10 light blows or taps will result in a rough depression. Anneal the metal and repeat.
The cup will form and the surrounding will wrinkle a bit. After more annealing and work on both top and bottom the metal will become close to what is needed.
Next I outlined the area to accommodate the dolls arm with a pencil.
More annealing and hammer work gives a good depth.
Many light blows later and the form is complete.
I placed the frame on the background and loosely traced the shape.
More trimming and it is almost ready.
I added a name stamp to the corner.
The backing was trimmed more and pickled. Then heat was applied to make the color dull a bit. I spread E-6000 around the edges and clamped it together.
The glue was left to set overnight.
I added a rivet center top and a chain.
The result is a pleasing and unique art necklace.
The back is smooth and trademarked with the Oscarcrow label. I used a tiny magnetic catch.
Total time is about an hour of actual work. She will be listed in my Etsy shop for sale https://www.etsy.com/listing/275461112/handmade-doll-emerging-from-a-frame
I hope you liked this simple tutorial . It is easy to use sheet metal in you own pieces. Sometimes I find beating metal is just fun. Give it a try.
