For easy viewing, you will find all of my work is placed into one of these two categories: “Fine Patina” or “Brushed and Bright”.

Fine Patina

Patina occurs naturally on all metals, given the right environment and enough time.

Since my work is primarily characterized by some type of texture, be it a rich texture or a light texture, intentional hammer blows or etched metals, a lovely patina to emphasize the detail of the texture, can add even more interest to the design.

There are many ways to achieve a patina on metals. I stick to environmentally safe or natural products when I add patina and usually apply a fine layer of a museum quality crystalline wax to protect the patina.

Brushed and Bright

Although I use texture on most of my work, some pieces seem to benefit from a simple, soft, brushed finish, rather than a patina. Details are more subtle without the patina and the finish is much brighter than a patinated piece, but it’s not a “high shine”. I much prefer this look for handcrafted work rather than a piece that looks commercially made, with extreme shine.

Kathleen Barris
Jewelry Artisan