jmeineke Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 This is a rosary I made out of round copper bar stock. The beads are approx 5/16" solid copper cold formed with a guillotine tool and dies. It's pretty beefy - has a solid, heavy feel. Weighs a bit under 6 ounces. Many members contributed ideas on how to solve problems I was having, improve the dies, drill the holes in the spheres, etc., and here is the end result. I'm going to be replacing the crucifix with something hand-made, but for now I'm just using one I had lying around. I'll probably decorate the center piece (maybe a fish symbol or something). I just flame-colored a piece I hammered out of the bar stock. Many thanks to all who helped me see this through to completion. I guess I wanted people to not only see the end results, but what can be accomplished by the information and help you can get by the great people on this site. I don't think I would have been able to do it without all the help I received from you guys, and I greatly appreciate everyone who contributed. One member (wshelley) was even kind enough to send me some new / better bits free of charge. I'll be using them on my next build. The threads with all the feedback and information / help and additional pics are here for anyone who is interested:http://www.iforgeiro...__fromsearch__1http://www.iforgeiro...__fromsearch__1http://www.iforgeiro...__fromsearch__1http://www.iforgeiro...__fromsearch__1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beth Posted October 24, 2010 Share Posted October 24, 2010 wow! what a labour of love - very cool achievment - thanks for showing the end result - i read the posts with interest! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmeineke Posted October 25, 2010 Author Share Posted October 25, 2010 wow! what a labour of love - very cool achievment - thanks for showing the end result - i read the posts with interest! Thanks, Beth. In case anyone is interested in how the beading process is done, here's where I learned it: http://www.olrm.org/wire_inst.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naz Posted October 25, 2010 Share Posted October 25, 2010 Very nice ! My 9 year old daughter will be making her first communion this year. That would be the perfect gift. Thanks for the link ! Naz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmeineke Posted October 25, 2010 Author Share Posted October 25, 2010 Very nice ! My 9 year old daughter will be making her first communion this year. That would be the perfect gift. Thanks for the link ! Naz That's awesome. My oldest son just received his first communion about a month ago - congratulations. It's a great experience. Solid copper makes a pretty heavy rosary, though, so if you're thinking about making one for her - which is a really neat idea; I'm sure she would treasure that for the rest of her life - I'd look into getting some nice Swarovski crystals and make her a really pretty one. Here's a link to some options: Swarovski Crystals. The beading process is the same for whatever you end up using. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted October 25, 2010 Share Posted October 25, 2010 Love it when a plan comes together. Nice job Perce E. Well done Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmeineke Posted October 25, 2010 Author Share Posted October 25, 2010 Love it when a plan comes together. Nice job Perce E. Well done Hey there, Johh! Your advice on making the dies was one of the number one things that made this finally come together. Thanks for all your help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bentiron1946 Posted October 25, 2010 Share Posted October 25, 2010 I've made a couple of silver ones and all that wire wrapping is enough to drive one up the wall but the end product is worth it. Very nicely done, good work all around on the beads! B) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmeineke Posted October 25, 2010 Author Share Posted October 25, 2010 I've made a couple of silver ones and all that wire wrapping is enough to drive one up the wall but the end product is worth it. Very nicely done, good work all around on the beads! Yeah, it takes some time / patience to wire it all up but like you said it's worth the effort. Do you have any pics of the ones you made? I'd like to see them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevan Posted October 26, 2010 Share Posted October 26, 2010 I compliment the work and the effort. As an avid user of the beads, your work has inspired me to try and make my own. Regards, Kevan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmeineke Posted October 26, 2010 Author Share Posted October 26, 2010 Cool. Post your results / pics and stuff you learn along the way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wshelley Posted October 26, 2010 Share Posted October 26, 2010 A testament to what can be accomplished when you commit to realizing your artistic vision. Job well done! Ward Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkrankow Posted October 29, 2010 Share Posted October 29, 2010 Have you considered making a rather small Frederic's cross? Phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmeineke Posted October 29, 2010 Author Share Posted October 29, 2010 I've been kicking around a couple of ideas and yeah, that's one of them. I'm not sure I'd be able to pull it off, though. I've never even made a big one let alone a little one. I was reading another thread on combining copper and iron and was going to try to come up with something along those lines - I thought that would be a cool effect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkrankow Posted October 29, 2010 Share Posted October 29, 2010 I've been kicking around a couple of ideas and yeah, that's one of them. I'm not sure I'd be able to pull it off, though. I've never even made a big one let alone a little one. I was reading another thread on combining copper and iron and was going to try to come up with something along those lines - I thought that would be a cool effect. Get out the modeling clay and make a few for practice. It is easy. Phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmeineke Posted October 29, 2010 Author Share Posted October 29, 2010 Actually now that you mention it, I do have some super sculpey around here somewhere. Thanks for the suggestion - I think I'll give it a try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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