Figurative glasses

The aim of this piece was to create a dramatical/theatrical pair of glasses-they do not have to be functional, and can be humorous. I based the pair on the Steampunk theme; a sub-genre of science fiction that typically features steam-powered machinery during the 19th Century. I have previously collected 'bits and bobs' (UK slang!), but also visited thrift stores to extend my collection, which I added to my piece.  Here are my sketchbook pages that include inspiration, research, sketches, ideas, designs, methods and techniques.

I based my designs around creating a monocle, which is the decision I came to, as I wanted it to look like it came from the 19th Century. My first intentions were to make it jewellery based also, and to attach the monocle to a brooch, but after thinking and sketching my ideas, I realised this would be almost impossible as it would be too heavy. So I went back to designing a monocle.

Here are my final sketches; the wire will go from the monocle, under the other eye, over the head like a girl's headband, and to have some decoration at the ending, which is the same side as the monocle.

Here is the link to my Steampunk board on pinterest; http://pinterest.com/hannamegan92/ks-sunglasses/

The tools and materials I used were a hammer, copper sheet, copper wire, saw, forging mill, various hammers, ajax pattination. My piece includes collected objects such as, coggs, springs, keys, buttons, coins and coils.

The technique I learnt was forging.  This is such an interesting way of shaping metal, and quite a simple process for a effective and clean finish. It is first annealed, to ensure the metal is soft enough, it is then put through the rolling/forging mill whilst rotating and ensuring the entire piece of wire goes through the mill, forging it into squared wire. Then a hammer is taken to smooth out the edges forming the original circular wire shape, but thinner. It is then annealed again, as hammering it work hardens the metal, it can then be formed into certain shapes, using certain hammers. At the top of the piece I wanted it to be flat, for it to sit on the head, and so I used a domed hammer to stretch out the metal. The monocle and decorated section are riveted on the the wire, where I also flattened with a domed hammer. No heat or solder was used through out this piece.

To colour the metals, I used ajax pattination, to create the used, machinery effect. Which I painted on myself, instead of leaving the pieces in the solution, as I wanted to control where the colour went.

Almost finished pieces;

With and without colour

Our fellow Welsh students, who are photographers helped us out with a photo shoot, here are some photographs from the shoot and before. 

My final piece, is currently displayed in cabinet in the hallway of the jewellery studio, and has been since our photo shoot. The final images are presented on mount board next to the cabinet. 

Here are my final images from the photo shoot: