Texture and the frosting wheel …

Obviously I do a lot of etching but, sometimes, I think simple forms look great just with simple textures. I really love a good higgh polished finish but, now that I’m working with Britannia silver I worry that the hard, high polish won’t last when the piece is worn and anyway, there’s nothing like shiny silver for showing fingerprints.

So, in an experimental mood, I popped out of the workshop to Walshes and bought one of these babies:

A frosting wheel.

Honestly, it looks utterly terrifying mounted on my pendant motor – the spines are very fine steel wire and when they’re spinning they look pretty vicious – but I’m assured that it’s fine so long as you’re careful.

I got one of my spare copper samples out and set to it, initially it looks like you’re ruining the surface that you just spent ages sanding but, once you build up the texture, it’s quite lovely:

It grows into a nice, soft sheen that has a soft sparkle and is ever so slightly rough to touch.

Now, hand me a silver one to test it on …

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