Flop to Flip
by Judy Larson
Do you ever have one of those days when no matter what you do, nothing seems to work right?

I had the stone, the sketch, and the parts ready to go. The backplate was roller printed. Everything was soldered in the proper steps. The solder flowed, at least I thought it did. Nope. I cleaned it up and re-soldered. Nope, again not working. One more time-GRRR-still not working. Time for the scrap pile.
However, my pride would not let me give up. Since this was never planned for a "what to do when" or "never give up" article, there are no photos of the solder mess. Yes, usually after all the resoldering, the piece should have gone to the scrap pile but I wanted to at least save some of the metal. I heated the piece up and separated as many pieces as possible. The two trees were able to be saved but not the gold and bezel. As much solder as possible was then sanded off all the salvaged pieces. The 16 gauge square wire teardrop frame was cut down in size, the ends soldered together, and then reshaped. The soldered side of the backplate did not look pristine, but the textured side was fine. Time to go in another direction.

I pulled out my water castings. Never melt down the odd/unique shapes you think might never be used as they might be what is needed to inspire a unique design. Play with the pieces, see what might work together, and then take a photo. Print it out and keep it with those castings.
Pro Tip: Some of the pieces might be unique enough that silicone molds can be made of them to replicate in metal clay.
Judy Larson's Flop to Flip - , Metalwork, Design, remaking a flop
Judy Larson's Flop to Flip - , Metalwork, Design, remaking a flop
I pulled four pieces from the stash and laid them out on the teardrop shape that was already soldered to the textured side of the backing. Once satisfied with the look, they were soldered in place. Then it was time to embellish with leaves and balled scrap, being mindful of weight distribution so the pendant would hang properly. Excess backing was cut away around the piece.
Judy Larson's Flop to Flip - , Metalwork, Design, remaking a flop
Still, it did not look right. The textured backing was all wrong. So, it was cut away and a bail added. Better, but it still needed something.
Judy Larson's Flop to Flip - , Metalwork, Design, remaking a flop
I really thought I might want the piece left bright silver but adding patina made all the difference. It went from something destined for the scrap pile to a piece I can't give away! I have made many pendants similar to the original "flop" so was not at all worried about making it. Still do not know what went wrong, but in a way am glad it did because I LOVE the "flip"!
Judy Larson's Flop to Flip - , Metalwork, Design, remaking a flop
Judy Larson's Flop to Flip - , Metalwork, Design, remaking a flop

Materials

No materials listed

Tools

Deluxe Soldering Kit
G15-5
  • G15-5
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $116.97
  • Gold Club Price: $87.73
Add to Bag
Fire Brick
SOL-485.00
  • SOL-485.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $15.95
  • Gold Club Price: $11.96
Add to Bag
Rotating Square Soldering Platform with 6x6 Solderite Board
SOL-555.98
  • SOL-555.98
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $34.95
  • Gold Club Price: $26.21
Add to Bag
Add All Items to Cart
  • Category: Metalwork
  • Technique(s): Design