Laser cutting and mid-way crit

To make my drawings suitable for sending to the brass etching company, I have traced the scanned in line drawings used in my sketch model using Adobie Illustrator. Once I had drawn these to comply with the university's laser cutting requirements, I could test these across three A4 sheets of 1mm thick card. Looking at the result, I could see where some of my computer drawings had distorted to be cut bigger than they should be, and I adjusted these accordingly. This week I have also been in touch with PPD to learn how they would like to receive my illustrator files. Adjustments such as ensuring there were no gaps smaller than 1.2mm and changing the colours of the design were made accordingly.

After my group crit, I have been experimenting with materials and adhesives. Using brass offcuts, I applied some dyed feathers I brought off ebay with wood glue that dries clear. The twisted detailing around the brass plates has been replicated with twisted wire. To do this, I clamped two lengths of wire together, secured the other, looped ends into an electric drill and ran the drill until they had twisted together tightly. I then removed the plat from the vice and sprayed the alluminium gold.

Changes to my original making plan have occured as a result of research. Solder will destroy the gold colour to brass sheet metal and will therefor, defeat the point of me using brass in the first place. After considering cheaper materials, I believe that brass will give the best finish and realistic weight and sheen.