Image transfers to metal is a nifty technique if you don't have the equipment (or want to take the risks) that etching on metal involves. It also allows you to introduce vivid colours to your jewellery. For this tutorial I wanted to focus on two aspects, the first is to show how to do an image transfer and the second is how to make an adjustable ring. 

Techniques

• Image transfer onto metal
• Making an adjustable ring

Materials

• Metal sheet - I used .8mm brass measuring 5.7cm (2.2inches)  by 1.2cm (.5 inches)*
• Images and printer - download this free .PDF with a paisley design if you don't have a design you want to use
• Metal transfer liquid (I used Knorr Prandell smooth transfer varnish, look in the decoupage section of your local art shop)
• Varnish to waterproof the design

 *If you have problems finding sheet metal try large hardware or model building shops

Tools and equipment

• Saw (or shears)
• Files
• Propane torch
• Heatproof block
• Sand paper, steel wool and steel brush
• Printer and images for the image transfer
• Bench block
• Rawhide hammer
• Bracelet mandrel
• Scalpel
• Metal ruler

Safety information

Be careful working with metal means that you work with hazardous chemicals and hot materials. Please follow general safety precautions while working with metal, read the MSDS for each chemical and if you have not done so yet, read an article dealing with general safety before doing this tutorial. 

Always make sure that your work area is clear and that you wear protective goggles, shoes etc, tie long hair back, and don’t wear loose fitting clothes.

Method

Measure the sheet metal and cut it to size. I sawed mine. File the edges straight [image 1].

Put the sheet on your heat proof block and heat it up with your propane torch. This makes the metal easier to work with. Mark rounded edges on the sheet metal and file. Sand the edges. I like the brushed metal look so I sand and brush with a stainless steel brush. 

We’re not going to solder the ring shut as I wanted to make an adjustable ring. 

Put a layer of transfer varnish on the metal and wait for it to dry. I find the extra layer that you apply in this step helps prevent damage to the transfer when you remove the paper later.

When it’s dry, cut out the transfer you want to use on the pendant, cover the image with transfer varnish. Put another thin layer of varnish on the metal and smooth the print on. Get rid of air bubbles. 

Wait for it to dry. Gently rub the paper at some point the top layer will start coming off. Carry on rubbing until the white marks are all removed. At this point you might need to put a little bit of water on the transfer to help you get rid of the rest of the paper. I usually do this a few times before I am happy with the result. 

Your image should be transferred to the metal now [image 2].

 Take your ring mandrel and shape the metal to the size you want [image 3].

Varnish the metal. I generally use Johnson’s Klear or something similar. Give it more than one coat. Wait for it to dry. Image 4 shows how the ring looks on.