Handmade in solid sterling silver, these earrings are inspired by my wildflower nature walks and time spent in my garden. Each tiny leaf and flower is handmade including the watercast flowers that feature white freshwater pearls. Like a florist creating a beautiful bouquet I design the earrings by placing the individual components and soldering them into place. These earrings are literally one of a kind and a great statement pair to add to your art jewellery collection!
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Large Wildflower Earrings // One of a kind
♢ Solid sterling silver (100% recycled)
♢ The mini flowers and leaves are created in metal clay, which is made up of tiny, recycled sterling silver metal particles mixed with and organic clay like binder. It can be sculpted, molded, and formed however I want. For this design I have hand sculpted each leaf and pressed the clay into tiny molds to create the daisies. After the designs dry 100% into my kiln they go for a two-part firing process. The clay reaches 1500℉ for about an hour and the organic binder burns completely away leaving a solid sterling silver mini sculpture in its place.
♢ I have used Argentium silver for the earwires, frame, back sheet and dew drops. Argentium silver is a cleaner type of sterling silver – both for me and the environment. It has a slightly higher fine silver content then traditional silver (93.5% compared to sterling’s 92.5%.) Made from recycled traditional silver it is a great choice both ethically and environmentally. Alloyed with hypo allergenic germanium it fuses beautifully and is fun to work with! Argentium silver allows me to work safer in the studio, by eliminating toxic flux and pickle fumes. I love working with Argentium silver and I am excited to present to you a silver that is cleaner and of a higher quality then traditional sterling silver.
♢ The watercast flower cups (that hold the white freshwater pearls) are created by pouring molten silver into water. As the liquid metal hits the surface it sizzles and freezes in place, capturing the moment when the silver is transformed. I love this because each cup is totally unique, outside of my control and I don’t know what kind of shape will emerge!
♢ The back of each earring is smooth and I've stamped in my signature MP (trademarked) and .925
♢ I apply a dark patina to the recessed areas of each earring, and the earrings go into my tumbler with steel shot to harden and polish the surface. The high points are polished to a bright shine, creating a beautiful contrast. This contrast between dark and light is what sterling silver is famous for!
♢ Using the silver wire I create these uniquely shaped ear wires by hand, hardening and polishing the wire.
♢ The process of creating is slow and intentional, I use traditional metalsmithing tools and processes alongside modern ones to create all my pieces by hand. My heart goes into every single piece I design.
