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Birch Bark Texture

by Judy Larson
Birch trees can be found everywhere around where I live, so it comes as no surprise that I like to add the tree bark texture to some of my designs.
Instructions
Read through the tutorial before starting the project. Follow all safety precautions pertaining to the tools and supplies being used and the space you are working in.

Cut a strip of 22 gauge sheet metal the desired width. The strip shown here is a bit less than 3/8" wide. Smooth the cut edges using files and sanding pads. Even though the cut edges of the strip will be smoothed again later, it is helpful to start the process now.
Make random strikes along both edges of the strip using the narrower side of the Mini TruStrike Sharp Texture Hammer. Because the hammer strikes spread the metal, the strip will curve if more strikes are made on one edge than the other. Space the hammer strikes out a bit because dot impressions still need to be added.
Judy Larson's Birch Bark Texture - , General Education, Texturing, birch bark texture
Judy Larson's Birch Bark Texture - , General Education, Texturing, birch bark texture
Use a variety of sizes of ball/dome texture stamps to make random impressions between lines.
Judy Larson's Birch Bark Texture - , General Education, Texturing, birch bark texture
Cut the piece into the lengths desired. Refine the edges and round the corners of each piece.
Option A
Punch holes at the top of each piece and attach ear wires. For a more finished look, solder 2.5mm 22 gauge jump rings around the holes. Attach ear wires to a leaf charm on top of the birch bark strip.
Judy Larson's Birch Bark Texture - Option A, General Education, Texturing, birch bark texture
Judy Larson's Birch Bark Texture - Option A, General Education, Texturing, birch bark texture
Judy Larson's Birch Bark Texture - Option A, General Education, Texturing, birch bark texture
Option B
Cut a "ragged" edge on the bottom of each strip. Solder a leaf charm, either purchased or hand made (shown here) with a hanging loop at the top each strip.
Judy Larson's Birch Bark Texture - Option B, General Education, Texturing, birch bark texture
Judy Larson's Birch Bark Texture - Option B, General Education, Texturing, birch bark texture
Adding Patina will highlight the texture.

Materials

20 Gauge Half Round Half Hard .925 Sterling Silver Wire
H8-20HRH
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $2.32
  • Gold Club Price: $1.74
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2.5mm 22 gauge silver jump ring
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
22 Gauge Dead Soft Sterling Silver Sheet - 6 Inches
H8-22SM6
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1 Inch
  • Price: $59.57
  • Gold Club Price: $44.68
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Tools

20 Gauge Round Half Hard .925 Sterling Silver Wire
H8-20H
  • H8-20H
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $4.08
  • Gold Club Price: $3.06
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2.5mm 22 gauge silver jump ring
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
7 Piece Mini TruStrike Hammer Set with Stand
HAM-520.70
  • HAM-520.70
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $140.54
  • Gold Club Price: $105.40
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24 Piece Dapping Punch Set
DAP-705.00
  • DAP-705.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $85.97
  • Gold Club Price: $64.48
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Steel Bench Block 4x4 Inch - Pack of 1
G17-10
  • G17-10
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $21.95
  • Gold Club Price: $16.46
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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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Brass Hammer - 1 Pound
HAM-456.10
  • HAM-456.10
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $24.97
  • Gold Club Price: $18.73
Out of Stock
Euro Tool Metal Hole Punch Pliers, 1.8 Millimeters
PLR-133.50
  • PLR-133.50
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $11.98
  • Gold Club Price: $8.98
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  • Category: General Education
  • Technique(s): Texturing

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