How To Make Sterling Silver Leaves | Silversmithing Tutorials

In this jewelry making tutorial, I go over how I make my hand fabricated sterling silver leaves. If you have any questions about my process, feel free to leave them in the comments section below!
💙 Website: spiritmountain...
📸 Instagram: / spiritmountainsilver
⚒ Master Tool & Material List in AMAZON: www.amazon.com...
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LINKS:
🔹WHERE I BUY MY STONES🔹: Turquoise Moose (turquoisemoose...) Use promo code: SPIRITMS10 at checkout to save 10% OFF your order
👩‍🏭SILVER SUPPLY: * I like to purchase all my silver materials from monsterslayer.com and halsteadbead.com. However, if you prefer to shop on Amazon, here is the link to my silver supply list: www.amazon.com...
TOOLS/MATERIALS LIST:
SAFETY:
-Safety Glasses/Goggles: amzn.to/3tJ7pf3
-Bench Top Fume Extractor: hamzn.to/3RH8tI8
-Carbon Filters: amzn.to/41QS0Wv
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-3M Respirator Cartridges/Filters: amzn.to/3vswxY0
-Fire Extinguisher: amzn.to/3SjhFEt
-Gloves: amzn.to/3S8oMiN
STORAGE & ORGANIZATION:
-Micro Tool Chest: amzn.to/3Hrgqg6
-Wooden 7 drawer storage box for organizing stones: amzn.to/3ue5uzc
-Pliers Rack: amzn.to/3HtRwMJ
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PLIERS:
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MANDRELS & HAMMERS:
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-4lb Hammer: amzn.to/3RLjmsJ
-Steel Bench Block 4X4: amzn.to/3U95BXJ
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SAW FRAMES, SAW BLADES, LUBRICANT:
-German Saw Frame w/ 144 Assorted Saw Blades: amzn.to/4b7Kj2n
-Green Lion Saw Frame: amzn.to/3Uc91sy
-Nano Advanced Jeweler's Saw Blades 5/0: amzn.to/3udPEVj
-Saw Blade Organizer: amzn.to/47MoK4N
-Saw Blade Lubricant: amzn.to/48KVuwo
-Wooden V-Top Bench Pin: amzn.to/3OdwINt
SOLDERING:
-Big Shot Butane Torch: amzn.to/3SrbSwv
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-Stainless Steel Tweezers: amzn.to/48JCkao
-Solder Picks: amzn.to/48GHZxV
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-Flux: amzn.to/48PM576
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-Hard, Medium, Easy Wire Solder: amzn.to/48MFvOG
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POLISHING:
-Foredom Rotary Tool w/ Flexshaft Attachment: amzn.to/3vMxf2o
-3M Radial Bristle Discs in various grits: amzn.to/3Hv0UQf
-Screw Mandrels for rotary tool in 3/32: amzn.to/3Scn1ji
-Silicone Polishing Wheels: amzn.to/3OfmbRF
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-Needle Files: amzn.to/3u54Hkc
-Sanding Paper in various grits: amzn.to/3u2JZ4w
-Foam Polishing Pad: amzn.to/3UcktV5
-Zam Buffing Compound: amzn.to/3SrFY2Y
-Sunshine Polishing Cloths: amzn.to/3SbpSsR
-Silicone finger/nail protectors: amzn.to/48Jys9k
-Jewelry Tumbler: amzn.to/49uREHV
STAMPING:
-Line Stamp: amzn.to/496HJbs
-Curved Line Stamp: amzn.to/48IadZf
-Dapping/Doming Block Set: amzn.to/3Sxu6g0
-Alphabet & Number Stamp Kit: amzn.to/48MHMtc
STONE SETTING TOOLS:
-Bezel Pushers: amzn.to/3vF1b0g
-Burnisher: amzn.to/48VvbDA
-Ring Clamp: amzn.to/3vOa7Rd
-Ball Vise: amzn.to/3HsFWRU
PHOTOGRAPHY/FILMING:
-Nikon Z6ii w/ 24-70mm zoom lens f/4: amzn.to/4b5gAHv
-Overhead Phone Mount: amzn.to/3udSJER
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links, which means at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to click through and make a purchase.
Do silversmithing at your own risk. **This video is for entertainment purposes only. ** Information herein should not be substituted for that of a professional. Be sure to reference the instructions and warnings of all your tools/materials/equipment.

[@valwhitney6661]

Thank you so much for this. I have been trying to find someone to show how to make the small embellishments for two years. Will you do a few more like this? Your work is gorgeous!

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

You are so welcome! I am glad you found this video helpful!😊

[@patheard2321]

Your explanations are so simple yet thorough. Thank you!

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Glad it was helpful!

[@supernova6177]

I just started getting interested in making jewelry and silver smithing. I'm so excited to really get started.

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

You’re gonna love it!😃

[@jenniferpeterson3615]

So pretty!! Thank u for explaining awesomely how!!!❤

[@jewelator]

This is an amazing tutorial on making sterling silver leaves! The presenter's attention to detail and skilled craftsmanship were truly impressive. I loved watching the process of transforming raw silver into beautiful and intricate leaves.

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Thank you very much!

[@vint-ageddiy9123]

Beautiful and very good work ...complimenti

[@annjessup1670]

Excellent tip on the soldering to not get solder in the leaf lines!

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Nancy4133nope]

I made these and they turned out really good what a great tutorial you have shared with us. Totally loved this I really wanted to learn how to make great leaves

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

I’m So glad you found it helpful!😃

[@kim.4100]

Thanks for showing us how you make this leave. It has dimension and is beautiful

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

You're welcome!!

[@jenniferpeterson3615]

Beautiful! So glad I found you! Great video too! Easy to follow u along :) ❣🔥❣

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Aww thank you so much! I’m so glad!😃💛

[@JayDub_143]

Your work is beautiful and so inspiring!! Cannot wait to see this turquoise pendant come to life!!! Thank you so much for sharing your time and talent with us!! 💜🙏💜

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

You are so kind! Thank you so much!!❤

[@opalgemshop]

Hey Jay, I agreed with you. Their work is so inspiring. I learnt my techniques from them✨✨

[@ST-eo8ve]

Hvala vam puno.Vaš rad je fantastičan kao i način na koji objašnjavate način izrade.

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Thank you!❤️

[@WireWrapJewellerybyDiane]

🥰These are fabulous, thanks for sharing with us, you have a wonderful gift and I'm so glad I found your channel. Hugs from the UK xx 🤗 ❤ 💙 💖 ♥

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Aww thank you so much!!! You are so kind!❤

[@albertoguerreiro006]

nice details and it is nice to see this videos because i collect mineral specimens , rough and some cut gems and want to start to make jewelry and i am seeing what could result and see what is possible , i make some leaves and flowers with recycled sheet of broken machines and try a lot of things and make some metal forge a couple times and i am learning about the materials , the wire , the sheet and clay ( today i learn about this type of silver) and the clay seems to me the perfect starting point , but i prefer the tipical work like you did in this video , triming , hammering , shapping , soldering , cleaning , etc , and i like to carving to , i have some cab opals and a some faceted gems and some chunks of chrisoprhase , quartz and i want to start in silversmithing and jewelry , thank's for the video for show to do it , wish you all the best

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

So cool! Thank you for sharing! I’m glad you found this helpful too!😃

[@allanthompson9695]

Beautiful work. Thanks for sharing.

[@Jhh241]

I'm so into your videos. I saw at least 3 in a row. I definitely left a like on each one

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Aww thank you so much Julie!! I really appreciate that!😊❤

[@Kaya18957]

Great video thank you! Please make a video on how to make cuff bracelets!

[@debraberg1763]

The leaves are much like silver feathers. Thanks. Nice video.

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Thank you!

[@julieestabrooke1387]

I love this! As a newbie who is just learning to metalsmith, the technique opens all kinds of possibilities! Question though: The solder amount that you used was enough to travel up the entire length of the wire?

[@yolandadavis5038]

Thank you!! I wish i could post a picture of how my first one came out!! Thank you so much. 😚😚😚

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

You are so welcome! Feel free to tag me in a picture of one on insta if you have an account! I'd love to share it!

[@nahIAZI]

Thank you sooo much for the tutorial! I’ve been wanting to learn how to make these for the longest time!

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

You are so welcome!

[@Dan-ji4db]

Great tutorial and excellent camera work! Subbed and look forward to more.

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Thank you so much for your support!

[@MrsLeguyader]

Thank you for sharing this! I needed it. ❤️

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

You are so welcome! I am so glad you found it helpful! :)

[@vernagonzales3655]

Love your positive vibe stickers 💕

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Thank you!!☺️☺️

[@michaelbias3451]

Good stuff thanks for sharing

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

You bet!😊

[@ivangamer8022]

Love your work

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Thank you so much!!

[@gaylestone5795]

LOVE your video! Soo happy to have found you!

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Aww thank you so much!!❤️

[@jenniferpeterson3615]

Love ur CUTIES flowers ever!! 🌺🌼❣️❣️ So thankful i came across ur channel! 😊 What kind of stick paper did u say u use? Postage?

[@lalita2324]

Thank you this was useful

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Kyle_Ayer]

Those came out awesome !

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Thanks so much!

[@johnkidd797]

Looks a bit like a bird leaf as well, also known as a feather 😁. Nice work.

[@heidiwilke4859]

Thank you for sharing, this is fab! With regards to placing solder on top of the vein, how does it flow underneath when only heating from the top? I need to try this technique!

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

I honestly am not exactly sure but it works amazingly! I was mind blown by the technique the first time I tried it myself 🙂

[@tatya222002]

Beautiful work! Why don't you use hard solder to attach the vein and also the center of the flower?

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

I don't find solder choice matters too much here. I think hard, medium, or easy could have all worked. The only one I wouldn't have used is extra easy because that seams to not flow as smoothly as the other solders. For a multi-step soldering operation, I usually use hard for the bezel, medium for soldering bezel to back plate and then medium or easy for soldering a bail or ring band. :)

[@flyingcheff]

Love these, such nice work - as usual! Please, what brand are those nice liners?

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

I am not sure of the brand but I did get them from etsy- I believe the link to them is in my description for the video

[@Samsunwhoop]

What material do you use to wrap around your pliers that lasts? Genius idea.

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Alligator tape!

[@nummers6337]

Beautiful video! Thanks so much for sharing! Did you happen to post the leaf statement video yet? I can’t seem to find it 💕

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Thank you so much!!❤️ And I have not yet 😕Now that the holidays are over, phew, i finally have some time opened up again! I’m hoping to have it finished by the end of the week!😃

[@Uhrmacherwerkzeuge]

Wonderful Work, keep it up!

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Thank you so much!!💕

[@NehpetsRellek]

The same technique, (termed as chasings and repousse) can be used for any design birds, animals, people (ect.) Add a stem to the leaf w/silver wire, add a flower w/a wire stem, make roots by pouring molting silver into water (dropping silver, silver casting). Practice with copper until your skills improve, then go to precious metals, copper is much cheaper than silver.🙂

[@bandilla7317]

Nice awesome idea

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Thank you!!❤️

[@oneeinbenoni]

Wow, very cool... thanks

[@jadeheart911]

Could you do a video to show how to add those embellishments to a bracelet or pendant ? I just noticed you had said you were making a pendant with those leaves so I hop we get to see how you solder them on !!

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Yes ma'm! For my next video I am going to show how exactly to solder them down to a pendant! :)

[@curtismaize]

Hi, cool video 👍 but what is easy solder? What are the percentage and alloy?

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Hi there, great questions! I actually have had a lot of people ask about the different types of solders and when to use them. It's a pretty long winded answer so I am going to try and make a video going over all the different types of solder, how they differ from one another and when to use them. Stay tuned!

[@curtismaize]

@@SpiritMountainSilver thank you!

[@aumi.jewels]

I love making my own elements. I wished I would’ve invested in lost wax casting but I didn’t. But I have invested over $50,000 in my business with tools and equipment… I was finally able to buy me my Foredom but I still use my Dremel I love both of my rotary tools🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗 AUMi

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

That’s another thing on my list that I would love to learn!😃 And yep the dremel can be hard to part with but man oh man was the foredom game changer for me! With the amount of silversmithing I was doing…I burned through 3 dremels😂

[@mrpibb97]

What size was the saw blade you use to cut them out? Thanks

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

5/0 :)

[@v65sabreking]

Awesome thank you

[@lillikrier5344]

Thanks so much for this video!! I’m curious, what is the blue fabric wrapped around the tip of your pliers?

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Alligator tape! :)

[@lillikrier5344]

@@SpiritMountainSilver thanks so much!

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

You're welcome!

[@raramoustafa6269]

your voice so nice :D

[@shelbyroberts1953]

what keeps the solder from going into the lines and stay on the vein? i dont understand.

[@Bayan1905]

I've been looking for some good quality metal line stamps, is there a brand or someone who sells them that you can recommend?

[@Avocadomushroom]

I have none of this stuff and would never make this but I watched the whole video 🤘🏻🫠

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Haha well thank you so much anyway for your support! I hope you enjoyed it!!😊❤

[@LindaBartlett-p4o]

Hi, I am having a problem with soldering the wire to the leaf. When I put the hot ball of solder on the tip of the wire and think it's going to melt up the wire, it either stays at the tip or if I add some heat, it melts the wire. I have tried this twice. Once the hot ball is on the tip of the wire, do you heat it a bit more, or leave it alone. Maybe that's my problem. Thank you for your help and your videos.

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Hm it sounds like either your metal or your solder could be dirty. Have you tried re-pickling your piece after each attempt? The main reason for solder not melting is your piece being dirty. And pickling will clean it.

[@brittvandermeulen358]

Hello where can i buy these stamps? Thank you !

[@lisanagy7343]

This is great! Do you have any recommendations for where to get good metal stamps?

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Thank you! I recommend red dirt divas stamps on Instagram!

[@FisherHunte-pf8zy]

Hi.very nice 💯👌👏🌹

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Thank you!

[@valwhitney6661]

Perfecto 👏👏👏👏👏

[@lindybishop7122]

Great video! Whrre did you get your line punches?

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Etsy! There are a bunch of great sellers on there!

[@warrenblacking]

Great tutorial - thanks. Where do you buy your line stamps?

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Thank you! I bought mine off etsy! There are a lot of great sellers on there!

[@warrenblacking]

@@SpiritMountainSilver Thanks!

[@crowfoot7355]

Thank you

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

You're welcome!

[@gloflower33]

What brand of flux do you use?

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Bench Basics smart flux

[@lisawenham9106]

Great video, what is the product you used to patina?

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Midas Black Max

[@dawnsaffel2620]

Nice, I can do the same process for my feathers 🪶 thank you so much.

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

You’re welcome!!😃

[@roberthunter5728]

how thick was your sheet? mm?

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

24 gauge. As mentioned at the very beginning of the video. 🙂

[@WizardKitty723]

❤️

[@candytrace3337]

Why oxidise

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Style preference. I find it makes the details pop

[@scottmouse1921]

I dont want to spend a lot.. but want a good saw. Can you point me in a good direction?

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppLTq6ijmJt_sMk I go over the 2 saws I use along with the best saw blades!

[@scottmouse1921]

Is there a quality brand? I watch many of you're videos and it inspired me. German frame is what I am interested in. Just want something that won't break right away. I appreciate you're responding.

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

@@scottmouse1921 yup I love my German saw! Going on 4 years with it now!

[@jefersonmedeiros7677]

4:54 What product is inside the heated pan?

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Distilled water and a pickling solution! It cleans the metal after soldering!

[@jefersonmedeiros7677]

@@SpiritMountainSilver Could this pickling solution be some homemade product? Do you have a business name? Thanks for your answer!

[@rbsintelbit]

🙏⚘❤😘

[@mt2020]

you could get 2 maybe 3 leaves out of that piece of silver

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Haha thank you Mark I’m aware. It isn’t always the easiest filming while trying to silversmith haha. This was probably my 4th take 😂

[@mt2020]

@@SpiritMountainSilver I should have added. Your work is excellent. Thanks sharing

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Thank you Mark- I appreciate it!

[@kymhocaluk9408]

❤️🇨🇦

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

💕💕

[@laurareutter6928]

Why do you cut it out of the middle of the silver? It seems wasteful. You could cut the leaf out along the edge and have metal left over for another leaf. I see this happen over and over in KZbin demos.

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

Of course Laura. It is because it’s very difficult to film yourself while working. I had to redraw the leaf 10+ times and when I finally got the perfect shape for the leaf it unfortunately ended up in the middle of the silver….These videos aren’t easy to film. Hope that makes sense.

[@laurareutter6928]

Thanks for explaining! Sometimes you need to go with the shape that works.

[@WinstonK-zs1so]

Why not put the initial outline of the leaf closer to the edge and get multiple leafs from that one square? Seems like a waist.

[@SpiritMountainSilver]

You are absolutely correct! However, after messing up multiple attempts trying to film myself this was the shot I was able to use. I think most people can infer as it is common sense!🙌🏻