Oxidizing Raw Brass Technique

I do so many experiments and found such great ways to turning raw brass darker.

Starting with a raw brass piece that is very shiny.

These earrings were raw brass then they turned brown in my technique.

 Start with raw brass pieces, a nice size tupperware container that seals, a small cup or something to put liquid in ( I used an espresso cup because it is small & Ammonia.

Pour the ammonia in the little cup and place it the container and your pieces of raw brass. Do not overlap the raw brass and make sure the ammonia does not spill on the pieces.  Lock everything in the container and wait overnight or most of the day until it turns dark black and green.

They will look dark like this. Shine the pieces with a dremel tool using the carbon steel wheel brush. The brush has silver bristles. 

After it is shined you will get a lovely brown tone and shiny surface.

You can also buy your pieces already oxidized brass and oxidized silver. Oxidized Sterling Silver is a little more expensive then the brass because it is sterling silver and the depending on the silver prices.

You will find all of my hand made antique button jewelry in my (ETSY SHOP). So stop by and take a look at my creations. 

My New Etsy Shop

My journey of collecting antique buttons has started to become a new business.  Check out some of my wonderful handmade jewelry made from antique buttons (circa 1800's) and single antique buttons at my Etsy Shop.  Etsy Shop Antique Button Luver)

Nice Selection of antique picture buttons, enamel button, cut steels, charmstrings, etc. 

Lovely earrings. These are tinted buttons with                                                a fabric back.

Cut Steel floral picture buttons with faux                                                                         wood background.

Carved Mother of Pearl Button Pendant wrapped in filigree & topped with a black glass button.

Aged castle scene picture button on a floral                                              setting. 

A rare antique brass acorn button necklace.

Wonderfully carved mother of pearl button that is dyed 2 tones and topped with a black glass button.

Gorgeous cut steel floral picture button with a weaved basket wallpaper background.

See this and more at my new shop (ETSY SHOP LINK)

Antique Button Jewelry

I have a nice collection of antique picture buttons, mother of pearl, glass, etc. So instead of it sitting in a box, I decided to make a necklaces and other jewelry out of them. I have been so busy for the past few months making jewelry and selling it. I have been doing very well in this that I do not have time to cross stitch.  Here are some of my creations made from buckles, glass buttons, MOP buttons, etc.

Antique Czech Stamped Buckle with Cut Steel Rivets, Cricket Antique Cage Buttons

Antique Cut Steels Buckle

Antique Woodback Cut Steels Flower 

                                            Picture Button 

Large Antique Castle Picture Button

Antique MOP w/Cut Steels Button

Large Antique Jet Black Luster Button

Large MOP & Blue Glass Buttons

Antique MOP Cameo & Brass Rhinestone Button                                            on vintage crochet flower

Vintage Collar Flowers that was stiffened & MOP beads

Antique Carved MOP Flower Button inside of                             a locket 

Antique Carved MOP w/Cut Steels & Picture Buttons

Antique Carved MOP & Austrian Tiny Buttons

Antique Carved MOP Buttons layered

Antique Cut Steel Center Openwork Buttons

Antique Blue Glass Swirl Flower Buttons

Antique Jet Black Luster Buttons

Antique Brass & Ivoroid Buttons

Mother of Pearl Buttons Jewelry

I have been keeping busy by creating jewelry with my collection of antique Mother of Pearl buttons. I am not finished with them but just starting.

This bracelet I made beaded the bezel.

I made this necklace with ribbon and mop buttons all around the ribbon and some more in the cameo.

This is a locket with mop button and I used rhinestones on top of the button holes.

This necklace I used a triangle crocheted doily and stiffened it and used mop buttons and lace trim.

These pieces are half finished looking for some inspiration.

Framed Jewelry Organizer

I am in love with this Framed Jewelry Organizer.

Here is a photo and a link to who makes them. (The Cottage of Content)
I love the pineapple patterned doily.

This is the one I made for my daughter. The next one I make will be like the one above but in blue tones.

White Alphabet Sampler

This sampler I found in one of the issues of Del fil en aiguilles magazine. I really loved the look for my bedroom which will match my white blanket on the bed and a black frame to match the black wood furniture.
I used 32 ct. natural linen and DMC B5200 so it would be bright.

I also made a cute baby bib using a towel and blue cotton linen for the back.  My sewing is still not very even and straight but I try.