RalphParus.com

Folded copper Necklace Pendant

Steel Tea Cup with Steel Tea Bag

The tea cup was formed using the Masonite die forming process
and was brazed together.

The copper saucer was formed using a hydraulic a press and a peice of hard wood.

The tea bag was made by folding and brazing steel.
The tea bag label is etched stainless steel.

Notes on the Hydraulic press and deep draw technique

Notes on the Hydraulic Press and Deep Draw Techniques:

Can Two halves make a whole?

Every time I put together the two halves of sheet metal that were formed from side number one and side number two of a Masonite die, I always relish the thought of cutting off the flange from the sheet metal completely. I usually leave a small flange on each piece.  If they were cut off completely the difference could be seen if the edges didn’t meet up with each other.
I have been told that the space in between the inside edges of the two formed halves could be filled with half round wire and then the flange could be cut away.  The piece cant be completely closed though.
I have also been told that the two halves can be tig welded together.
I think I came up with another idea. The other day I brazed two halves together that were formed from each side of a die.
They were brazed from the inside.  I was able to do that because each half was half of a circle and there was an opening that allowed me to do so.
I filled the gap in between the edges of the two halves, with brazing rod. While I was brazing I kept thinking of the times when I was told that solder wouldn’t jump gaps. Hopefully I’ll prove those people wrong. It worked so far but I’ll find out for sure after I cut away the flange.

I am still making things using the Masonite die forming process. I haven't used my hydraulic die forming equipment in awhile.
 I am eager to build this into more than just a paying hobby.
This past week I started a new online shop at   http://www.mi-made.com/ralphparusartmetal

                      .  "Hand made in Michigan" is a site which promotes handcrafted products made in Michigan.

Pisces Wall art

Desktop Pumpkin

Desktop Peach

Pisces Wall art

I am searching for a widget similar to the Etsy Pocket Shop widget on the top of the right side bar of this  blog. One which will display all of the products and prices in any online shop similar to Etsy, and allow a person to link to the product's in the shop. Please leave a comment if you have any suggestions.

.

Forming Art!

Forming Art!

I have always been intrigued by how things are formed. And not just the fascination of watching the heavy equipment being used to construct a building. When a documentary that showed what went on behind the scenes of filming a particular movie was broadcast on TV, my eyes were glued to the TV set. I was captivated by how the movie was physically put together after it was written..
And then came the fascination of seeing things being built on an assembly line, especially if those things were being made of metal. I suppose it is because of my upbringing in Detroit.  Being raised in a town with such a heavy background in manufacturing will tend to do that to someone.



People have been forming art for thousands of years. Ever since prehistoric times people were forming sculpture. Even back then the artists were saying,  “This is who we are” with the figurines that they created.

Sculpture is an art medium that allows the artist to form her/his impressions into whatever material they are working with.
Keep forming those impressions into metal.