Vein and Twig Forming Stake. Chasing and Repousse in Steel

I thought you might enjoy seeing one of the forming stakes that I use to vein leaves and to form my organic twigs.
I made it by grinding a groove in a used jackhammer bit.  I lightly filed the grinding marks out, but I did not sand or polish the tool.  The textures enhance my work.

From in progress, for blog

I use a modified rivet hammer to ease the metal into the grooved area.

From in progress, for blog

I am going for an organic bark look, so I let the piece take on lumps, bumps, and texture.

From in progress, for blog

If I wanted to make a perfect tube form, I would be better off using a flat groove tool with softened edges.  The step of a small anvil would work well, or even a groove ground into a hard wood.

From in progress, for blog

That particular twig ended up in one of these pieces.  Three of them will be brooches.  The largest one will be a sculpture for the wall or tabletop.

From in progress, for blog

You can see bronze twigs, and a copper twig for the pendant bail in this maple branch necklace that I finished and photographed yesterday.

I've also re-photographed 1 candleholder and 5 examples of chasing and repousse on steel.  As always ,click on the link to see more photos and a detailed description. 
These are all for sale (chasings and necklace) in my new artfire shop. 

Grape leaf candleholder

maple leaf chasing with a forged leaf hanging below

small maple leaf chasing that can be a wall or tabletop sculpture.  The sides are welded on to add to the illusion of depth.

one of the maple leaf chasing used in a wallpiece inspired by a water-carved landscape

a piece with similar inspiration, but more inspired by the Driftless region landscape in general, from our time living in SW Wisconsin.

An oriole chasing in steel, with a forged leaf emerging from a branch at the bottom.  I like combining 3d elements with the chasings, as if the picture were trying to break free of its boundaries.
When you purchase from my shop at Artfire, you do not have to register to become a member.  You can pay with the same paypal account you used in my previous store, or you may choose to try Google Checkout.