Hi Chloe_s_Mom

I'm sorry you're having hammering difficulties. Hammering does need some practice but I promise it is possible to hammer the petals without hammering over the crossed wires. I use the edge of my hammer head and start at the rounded end of a petal and make very gentle taps moving towards the centre of the flower. You shouldn't need to hammer hard just repeat the gentle tapping and this gives you more control. I don't hammer right up to the crossed wires but leave some of the wire unhammered - this gives the petals a more natural look and the middle parts are often covered by the bead or embellishments.

With regards to the hammer - my hammer has a very smooth and shiny head with slightly curved edges which I find helps reduce the hammer marks on the metal.

I'm not sure about hammering on granite as I use a steel bench block. I bought a small 10cm x 10cm block from one of my tool suppliers and it wasn't too expensive. I really recommend you get one as I find my invaluable in my jewellery making.

Good luck, please come back and let me know how you get on, I'm always here to help.

Kristin :)

Awesome, Kristin, thanks - I'm excited to give it another go.

My hammer is heavy, which doesn't allow me much control. Time to upgrade to some better supplies.

Thanks again!

Hi Kristin - I bought a chasing hammer and steel block, and am happy to report that my hammering and flower making is working much better - thanks!

Hi Chloe_s_Mom
That's excellent news! Please share what you make. I would love to see your flowers.
Kristin :)

Me again! I tried a flower using the 24 g, as your tutorial suggests and I'm so pleased with the result - the thinner wire was much easier than 20 g to weave around the base, and it is surprisingly robust. Thanks for all of your help, Kristin!

(I dare not show you a pic of my latest attempt using 18 g - to make a clasp - my shaping of the petals into the pointer style leaves a lot to be desired. To the point where I should be calling some of my work, Cruelty to Copper).