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This design has been living in my head for quite some time – I wanted to go back to the basics and create a complex, layered wire-work project without the use of soldering. The techniques we are going to implement here are those of metal forming, hammering and wire-wrapping.
I will also share my experience with a DIY boiled egg silver patina experiment that turned out remarkably decent. I hope this project will encourage you to reach for simpler ways of working with wire and inspire you to nourish your creativity in these difficult times of global pandemic and social life lockdown.

The 9 MB file includes 21 pages illustrated with 50 high-resolution pictures. All steps are described in detail and photos have been altered to improve the overall understanding of the techniques.

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NOTE: all measurements are given in centimeters (cm).

KNOWLEGDE REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS PROJECT:
- basic to intermediate wire work skills, hammering

MATERIALS for a sword pendant measuring 6.8 cm by 4.5 cm:
- 40 cm of 1.2 mm fine silver or dead soft sterling silver wire – in one piece;
- 50 cm of 0.9 mm fine silver or dead soft sterling silver wire – will be cut to 35 cm and 15 cm pieces;
- 20 cm of 0.4 mm fine silver or dead soft sterling silver wire - in one piece;
- scraps of thinner wire to bind elements of the sword together while working, you can also use tape but it tends to leave a residue which sometimes interferes with patina.
NOTE: you can substitute silver for copper or brass of even craft wire as long as they are of the same thickness and softness and they can be hammered, filed and polished.

TOOLS:
- pliers (cutting, round nose, chain nose, nylon jaw);
- fine files, abrasive paper, flex shaft/Dremel with polishing disks;
- sewing needle;
- hammer and bench block;
- ruler and marker;
- OPTIONAL: torch if you know you have to anneal the wire because you find it stiffen during your work.
- FOR PATINA: mild detergent, one hard boiled egg (only the whites), a string bag,
- FOR FINAL POLISHING: tumbler with stainless steel shot – if you don’t have a tumbler you can use a glass jar with some stainless steel shot and simply tumble with your hands the La Cucaracha style (I know a lot of jewelry makers who used this method with success).

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If you have any questions concerning this tutorial, please, do not hesitate to contact me.

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PLEASE, give credit when making jewellery using the techniques you’ve learned via this lesson – it’s always nice to see your work appreciated by fellow artisans :)
Also, please, do not mass produce jewellery based on this design.
Do not share, copy, multiply or distribute this tutorial and/or any of its parts as this would constitute copyright infringement.