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Step 1: I trace the petal shape on 20 gauge .999 fine silver and then saw with a 2/0 blade in my jewelry saw.
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Step 2: I arrange the two heart shaped petals and two elongated petals to check for accuracy and size. I like to have an actual blossom in a bud-vase on my workbench to check the details. This also helps me to get the correct curves of each petal as I hammer and shape them.
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Step 3: Using a cross-peen hammer and a leather covered cedar stump, I hammer a striated texture on the backside of each petal. This leaves a more realistic veined appearance to the face of the petals. I also further indent the notch on each petal by hammering into one of the cedar stump's natural intentions.
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Step 4: I make the center from a melted "button" of sterling silver wire and smaller .999 fine silver beads. I solder the beads to the button with #75 hard silver solder, totally covering the surface to mimic the florettes of the dogwood.
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Step 5: I solder each of the two pairs of petals together with #75 solder, then solder them together with the heart shaped pair on top. Next, with #70 solder, I solder on the beaded button and attach a stem of sterling wire to the back. To this wire stem, I solder stems for leaves and then sterling leaves that I have sawn and textured in a similar manner. A hinged pin and lock are then soldered on the back and the whole piece is hand polished with a course and then a fine polishing compound.
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