Tutorial: Tree Pendant

The tree pendant, something I have made since college and I still love making it!

Here is what you need: metal sheet (sterling, brass, copper etc), saw frame plus blades o/2, texture stamp or tool, flexshaft, drill bits, metal files, sandpaper, bench pin, hammer, jump ring, chain (ribbon or cord works too).

Here is how to make it...

Step 1: Draw the shape that you would like your pendant to be and cut that shape out of your metal sheet. I am using 22 gauge sterling silver sheet.

Step 2: Using a pencil, draw the basic shape of your tree onto the shape you just cut out. Then drill a hole inside your tree. Make sure it is large enough so you can thread your saw blade through like so...

Step 4: Carefully cut your tree from your pendant. This is known as piercing. Be careful when cutting the branches not to turn your saw blade faster than your metal or you will break your saw blade as I have done a million times. It is no big deal, they break all the time but it can be very frustrating!

Step 5: Once you have pierced your tree it is time to create the leaves....of course you could opt to stop there and have a winter tree. If you choose to move ahead, select the texture you would like your leaves to be. My tool of choice is unconventional. It is a big wax file that has a tip broken off of it. I love the foliage it give me.

Step 6: Now file and sand you edges down so they are nice and smooth and choose your finish for the pendant. I prefer a brushed finish on my pieces. Drill a hole where you would like your pendant to hang from the chain, cord or ribbon.

Step 7: WEAR IT!!

Commision fun!

I got a commission a week or so ago for a sterling silver feather pendant. I was very excited because I love working with my saw. It seems the more detail needed to be cut the better for me. I did however find myself at that scary midway point where I was afraid to proceed. I loved the basic cut out but more detail was wanted so I hesitantly began after many drawings. I have to say, I am pretty happy with the results!


 About a month ago I received a lovely email from a woman who bought one of my tree pendants from a shop in Evansville Indiana. She told me about how it reminded her of a tree at her family's home and it made my day. She even sent me a picture of her wearing the necklace. What a huge complement!


This feather reminded me very much of those tree pendants so between this commission and that fantastic email I decided to create a tree for the first time in years.

It ended up being a frustrating day in the studio between paper work and broken saw blades but all in all I am excited about  the final product!

The holidays are on there way so expect more fun pieces like these to make their way to my up coming shows.



November 5th  my Annual Fall Party will be held in Mt. Washington MD from 2-4pm. Light bites and great company. Please email sara@heavenstobessie.com for the details.

December 3-4 I will be at the home of fellow artists Sarah Abel-DeLuca and Steven DeLuca taking part in the Carol County Artist Tour. Their home is open from 10am-5pm. My work will be there the whole time but I personally will be there from 1pm-5pm. There will be plenty to see! Details can be found at http://ccartists.com/Artists/AbelDelucaStudio.html

December 3-4 I will also be at Greetings and Readings in Hunt Valley participating in their First Floor Arts program. I will be there from 9am to 12pm but my work will be there in the capable hands of an assistant from 12pm until 6pm.