Using bezel frames

The bezel frame above was quite a challenge for me as it was the first time I soldered anything to a pre-formed object. It is made of some unknown (to me!) metal which doesn't take easily to solder, it tends to just melt away with excessive heat.

First I cut two pieces of clear glass to size (one for the front and one for the back), put some copper foil around (so that the solder can take to it) and also cut a photo to size, which I sandwiched between the two pieces of glass. Soldering the two pieces of glass together took some doing, trying to prevent the flux from seeping in between the two pieces of glass and spoiling the photograph.

Then came the job of fitting the glass into the space and then carefully, tacking it to the frame in short bursts so as to not over-heat the piece. Then some filling and smoothing and finally it was finished.

I can't say I enjoyed that, so I have done very few of them!

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Stained Glass panel - Flying Duck

A South African Shell duck depicted in glass.

This stained glass panel (1m x 1.5m) was also commissioned by a client and here I tried something new, doing it in 3D, which means that the one wing sticks out from the panel.

Goggo/Insect Range - Thin-tailed Scorpion

Thin-tailed Scorpion

This Keepsakes range consists of insects (for the insect-lover!) to display as ornaments but some of them can also be fashioned into brooches. Hand-crafted with silver, copper, pewter, glass jewels and silver wire, *each Goggo/insect can take 3 or more hours to make.* Only materials of the highest quality is used and great attention is given to detail.

Although the items should be treated with care, each item is strong and sturdy. Taking care and cleaning of your unique insect is as easy as scrubbing gently with a toothbrush and Sunlight Liquid and giving it a good rinse with cold water, drying gently with a soft cloth. A natural patina develops over time, adding charm to the item. Each insect comes with its own descriptive card.

Thin-tailed Scorpion
these scorpions, of which there are various genera, have thin tails and large pincers. They are found throughout the country, usually under stones or in burrows. The sting is usually no more dangerous than that of a bee. Scorpions are nocturnal creatures, feeding mostly on insect prey.

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