Before I started making jewelry, I used to think of patina in unflattering terms. But now, after seeing what some artisans do with deliberate patination, I have a totally different view.

Pennsylvanian Melinda Orr is one of these amazing designers who can make patina look outstanding.  Her recent free Sapphire Starry Night Earrings Patina Tutorial on her blog will convince you if my words don't.


The starting point for the earrings are brass findings. Her meticulous step-by-step instructions requires only common ingredients like household ammonia and coarse salt. She includes all sorts of tips including how to seal the final project.

If you are willing to have a go, Melinda has the kit in her Etsy store called ORRTEC.  Even better, she is sponsoring this $50 gift certificate towards any item(s) of the winner's choice, be they finished jewelry or jewelry making components. Shown here are some of my favorites.

Rustic Flower Necklace
Melinda sells these 2 inch brass cuffs. But what caught my eye was her awesome inspirational design next to the unfinished cuff. She created it with hammering and riveting techniques.


Rodeo Toggle Clasp in Aluminum
Simple and ordinary brass mini butterflies they may be but in Melinda's hands, they are transformed into unique earrings!


Oxidized Ancient Roman Medallion with Rustic Patina Copper Necklace
Giveaway
For your chance to win this $50 gift certificate, all you have to do is make a comment below. Extra entries if you become or are a blog subscriber or follower etc and help publicize it, those will count as additional entries too!  Please say so in the comments.

The giveaway ends in a week's time at 6 pm EST Monday, August 22, 2011. I will pick two winners randomly and announce the results as soon as possible after. So be sure to come back and check! Good luck!

Subscribers : To comment, click on the post title to return to the blog post. At the bottom, click on "Comments". If you do not have a website or online store, use Name/URL - and leave the URL blank.

Before You Go
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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips