This week's ornaments required using some metal-smithing skills, and I had a lot of fun making them. Originally, I started out making discs to create earrings, and then stamping them with my alphabet stamps from Beaducation (see December 7 post!). I decided I wanted to do something different with my copper tiles, and these ornaments were the result!They aren't huge, about 1 1/2 inches x 1 inch for the larger one, and the copper is untreated, so they will change color in time. I really love them though, and think they turned out pretty nifty.

To create, I used a jeweler's saw (with a #0 blade) to cut out the rectangular shapes. Next, I used a metal file to get the edges rounded just a bit on the corners, and in a couple of spots where the sawing wasn't totally clean, I filed down a little (my sawing skills leave a little to be desired...more practice!!!).

Next I used my alphabet stamps to stamp out three different Christmas phrases: Follow That Star; O Holy Night; Unto Us A Child Is Born. I drilled holes to hang the ornaments from, and added some embellishments on each ornament in the form of wire dangles, a sterling silver star charm, and a "star" (using my letter "I" stamp!). Used a black Sharpie marker to accent the stamping. After polishing up, each ornament was domed slightly using a dapping block.

Next, the ornaments were popped in the tumbler with some stainless steel shot, water and blue Dawn dishsoap for about 4 hours. I couldn't wait to take them out, and I was really amazed with the results! I can't wait to make some more - they were fun, and actually didn't take too long to work up.

Check out the other bloggers who are participating in this week's Ornament Thursday...and be sure to check back again to see what we come up with next week!!!