Hi,
I am a new member, living in Ontario, only 30 miles east of the
Manitoba border, and just finding my first steps in silver jewelry
making on a strictly hobby basis. I am very thankful for this list,
and learn so much with each day’s posts.
I’ve come up with an idea for a labour of love. I have three kids,
21-24, who are all on their own now, and scattered from home base.
Recently, I sold the family home to downsize and provide unfettered
movement for my delightful child-free state. Closing is January 2,
2006, so this is our last Christmas here. The kids are 100%
supportive, but understandably sorry that the only home they’ve known
will no longer be available. We also lost our original home to a fire
10 years ago, and this house is the replacement. Moving in has always
signified the end of a very difficult period for us. The background
may affect your answers.
I want to make a Christmas ornament for each of the kids,
representing our home. The rough draft for the 4-piece pattern is at
http://wildclay.ca/ornament_hilly.html. The pieces are laid out with
numbers representing order of assembly, with a composite below. I’ve
put it together in paper, and it works, with the tabs providing the
desired 3D effect. (I’ll use wire for the railing.)
Question is: I thought 24 gauge (.5mm) sterling sheet would be the
appropriate material for this project. It will be nearly $80.
(Canada pricing), which is not outside my willing-to-pay price for
this gift. However, in checking out other sterling ornaments on the
Web, it seems that my material cost is excessive compared to retail
pricing. It’s irrelevant as a pricing question, because I never
intend to do ornaments commercially, but it made me wonder if 24
gauge is heavier than I need. (Aside question for Canadians – do you
know of a source for Argentium sheet/wire in Canada?)
I also retreated to perhaps using brass or copper to reduce the
cost. For those of you who have been at this for a long time, is it
likely I will regret not making them in silver 20 years from now –
not because the other won’t last, but for intrinsic value? Just for
the record, the house is a silver/greyish-blue colour – possible
that I just answered my own question, but I’d still love to hear your
thoughts on this.
Any thoughts on the project are welcome. I will need to order my
silver in the next week or so if I am to have this completed by
Christmas.
Thanks in advance.
Wendy Peck