1.Decide on the shape of the leaf that you
want to use and draw the shape with a
marker onto the I” × 2” piece of 18-gauge
sterling sheet silver. You can free-hand draw
the leaf shape or use a design from a wide
selection of available clip art. If you are
making the necklace and earring projects,
you can match the necklace leaf shape to
the shape of the earring leaves or make them
different from each other for added interest.
You may find that using a simple shape will
be easier the first time you do this project.
2.Use a jeweler’s saw or tin snips to cut the leaf
shape from the I” × 2” 18-gauge sterling
sheet silver. If you are using tin snips and not
a jeweler’s saw, cut outside of the marker line
you drew. This will allow you room to refine
the edges with the file after the leaf shape is
cut out. When you use tin snips to cut out
the leaf shape, it will not be flat after you cut
it. You will need to place the leaf shape on a
hard, flat surface and use a rawhide mallet to
flatten it. If you do not have a rawhide mallet,
you can place the leaf shape on a hard, flat
surface, cover the piece with a thick piece of
scrap leather, and gently tap the leather cov-
ered leaf shape with a hammer to flatten it.
3.The edges of the leaf shape will be sharp
after you cut them out, so you will need to
use a file to refine the shape of the leaf and
to eliminate any sharp corners or rough
edges. After filing the edges of the leaf
shape, use a fine grit sanding pad to go over
the area where you have filed to smooth the
edges and remove any file marks.