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The first step in creating a Jay Strongwater piece is to design on paper a layout of the artists vision. Every minute detail must be included. |
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| Now a model must be created so that a mold can be made. |
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From metal sheets the model is carved and formed into each detailed piece. |
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| After the six weeks process, finished parts are assembled to complete the model. |
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Using soft rubber, the first impression of the frame is made. |
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| Detailed refinement is carved into the mold by hand. |
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The mold is then put into a volcanizer.Pressure and heat cures and hardens the rubber around the moldel to form the final impression of the frame in the mold. |
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| The model is now removed from the mold leaving a detailed impression. |
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The mold is put into the casting machine. |
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| Molten pewter is poured into the mold which spins at high velocity to evenly spread the metal through the cavaties. |
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After cooling for many hours, the Jay Strongwater picture frame is removed from the mold revealing what will become a Jewel For The Home! |
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| The frame is hand polished to remove excess metal both on a polishing wheel and using a dremel. This a crucial step to insure that no detail was lost in the casting process. |
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Now begins the plating process. The frame is hung from a rack which is soaked in several chemical baths. |
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| This is done to clean the piece of any residue from the casting process and to build up an electroplated metal finish. |
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The plating is complete when the frame is blackened from oxidation. Funny, it looked cleaner before it took its bath! |
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| The oxidation is relieved from the high spots on the frame for an antique finish. |
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Cans of enamel are heated to prepare for mixing. |
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| Now the enamel is carefully weighed into exact proportions so perfect colors can be created. |
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Entirely by hand the many layers of enamel are applied by through pressurized syringes. |
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| This painstaking process can take days or even weeks to complete. |
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Now the beautiful Swarovski crystals are applied. |
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| Each seat is filled with glue and then individually hand set with crystals. |
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The final step is adding the glass, face paper and backplate before inspecting and packaging. |
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| At long last the workers can sit back and enjoy the work of art they have created. |
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