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Making Tiny Dapped Metal Leaves

by Judy Larson
After a few rough sketches scaled to size, the parts for a 2¼" finished length cross I was making were assembled in two different iterations. I could not figure out why I didn't like them because I still liked the sketches.

When I can't tell why I don't like a design or can't decide on the direction to go, I send a progress photo to three close friends to ask for thoughts and advice. Thank heavens they are not shy about letting me know what they think. At the very least, I always take bits and pieces of their advice and it makes all the difference in the piece I am working on. Since the cross was meant for a woman, this design, more on the masculine side, was a thumbs down.
Instructions
Sometimes, someone else will see something the rest of us don't.

That was the case with the cross. As soon as someone said, "I see serpents," I saw them too and knew the leaves had to go.

There was nothing wrong with the leaves themselves. I've used two sizes of them all over my Woodland Fairy Christmas Ornaments, and they never gave off that vibe.

They just didn't work with this piece.

Since the design also didn't feel feminine enough, it was time for a change in direction.

Side note: I have since thrown the original "serpent" sketch away so I don't forget and make the same mistake twice.
Judy Larson's Making Tiny Dapped Metal Leaves - , General Education, Cutting, Cutting Tool, Cutters, Dapping, Dapping Jewelry, making tiny dapped leaves
Judy Larson's Making Tiny Dapped Metal Leaves - , General Education, Cutting, Cutting Tool, Cutters, Dapping, Dapping Jewelry, Woodland Fairy Christmas Ornaments
Out came all my leaf stamps, and I was quickly reminded why I wouldn't be using the long, skinny ones.

If the stem was left on the small leaf, it would also appear too narrow.

The mini leaf stamps are so small that cutting them out isn't practical.

Since the new design now includes vines, more leaves, and a flower bud, the leaves needed to be small but also three-dimensional.

Hmm... maybe if I leave the stem off the stamped small leaf, it might work.
Judy Larson's Making Tiny Dapped Metal Leaves - , General Education, Cutting, Cutting Tool, Cutters, Dapping, Dapping Jewelry, leaf stamps
Judy Larson's Making Tiny Dapped Metal Leaves - , General Education, Cutting, Cutting Tool, Cutters, Dapping, Dapping Jewelry, smaller leaf stamps
My box of larger 24 gauge scrap Argentium silver pieces comes in handy for many things, usually leaves.

These leaves are so tiny that many more would be needed than those shown here.
Judy Larson's Making Tiny Dapped Metal Leaves - , General Education, Cutting, Cutting Tool, Cutters, Dapping, Dapping Jewelry, scrap sheet
Because of their narrow jaws, I found that only French shears and Lindstrom shears would work for me to cut around these tiny leaves.

The jaws of the regular shears on the right may not seem much thicker, but it makes a huge difference cutting small pieces when flat nose pliers are used to hold the piece while cutting the second side.

I chose Lindstrom shears because the thick handle grip is easier on my hands.
Judy Larson's Making Tiny Dapped Metal Leaves - , General Education, Cutting, Cutting Tool, Cutters, Dapping, Dapping Jewelry, shears
Tips for cutting:

If the leaves are stamped close together, as shown in the photo, cut them apart before trimming out each shape.

Cut off the leaf stem. While it helps the image look like a leaf, it's not needed in a three-dimensional design.

It's difficult to trim the entire side of a leaf in one cut.

Trim the metal from the side of the leaf gradually, a bit at a time.

You may be able to hold the metal by hand when cutting the first side, but not the second.

Use the tips of flat nose pliers to grip the cut edge, shifting your grip as you trim the remaining metal in small sections.

Don't worry if the pliers leave marks those will soften or disappear completely during dapping.
Judy Larson's Making Tiny Dapped Metal Leaves - , General Education, Cutting, Cutting Tool, Cutters, Dapping, Dapping Jewelry, Cut off the leaf stem
Judy Larson's Making Tiny Dapped Metal Leaves - , General Education, Cutting, Cutting Tool, Cutters, Dapping, Dapping Jewelry, Trim the metal from the side
Judy Larson's Making Tiny Dapped Metal Leaves - , General Education, Cutting, Cutting Tool, Cutters, Dapping, Dapping Jewelry, cutting metal
Slightly shaping the leaves makes them easier to use as well as making them look a bit more realistic.

The easiest way to put the cut leaf stamped side down in the chosen well of a metal dapping block is to place it face down on the table of the block and slide it over into the well with a finger.

Do NOT use a hammer on the dapping punch to shape the leaf as the leaf design impression could be destroyed.

Smash the punch by hand into the dapping well onto the leaf once or twice. The leaf will be shaped, smoothed, and then ready to be used.
Judy Larson's Making Tiny Dapped Metal Leaves - , General Education, Cutting, Cutting Tool, Cutters, Dapping, Dapping Jewelry, Slightly shaping the leaves
Judy Larson's Making Tiny Dapped Metal Leaves - , General Education, Cutting, Cutting Tool, Cutters, Dapping, Dapping Jewelry, Do not use a hammer on the dapping punch
Judy Larson's Making Tiny Dapped Metal Leaves - , General Education, Cutting, Cutting Tool, Cutters, Dapping, Dapping Jewelry, dapping metal
Because the design was changed to use vines for a more feminine feel, the slight curve in the leaves made them easier to set on the wire vines to solder in place.

Flat leaves would be noticeably flat whereas the shaped leaves fit into and flow with the design much better.

It really is amazing how much just a little dimension can add to the finished look.
Judy Larson's Making Tiny Dapped Metal Leaves - , General Education, Cutting, Cutting Tool, Cutters, Dapping, Dapping Jewelry, stone and metal cross pendant

Materials

Metal Sheet and blanks
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Tools

1 1/2 Inch Steel Dapping Block
G17-3
  • G17-3
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $16.57
  • Gold Club Price: $12.43
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12 Piece Dapping Punch Set with Wooden Base
G17-6
  • G17-6
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $16.97
  • Gold Club Price: $12.73
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Xuron Sheer - Non Serrated
SHR-691.81
  • SHR-691.81
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $31.95
  • Gold Club Price: $23.96
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Stamps
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  • Category: General Education
  • Technique(s): Cutting, Dapping

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