15/01/2026
Happy new year followers! I just want to start by giving a shout out Ashbourne Arts Trail-a new venture for 2026, in a beautiful market town. To apply visit their instagram artbourne.arttrail closing date 31st January.
This is a post about using a Durston mini rolling mill to add texture to your jewellery, to help anyone starting out using a rolling mill.
There are many types of mill available varying in complexity and size. I'd avoid buying a student level bargain one because the rollers rust!
Durston is a reputable brand with plenty of choice available.
Tips for use:
1. Keep the mill dry and away from moisture- I protect mine with a plastic cover when it's not in use
2. Keep the rollers clean. Don't use water!- I use a methylated spirit soaked rag kept in a sealed container well away from sources of heat such as torches. I roll this through the mill if they need a clean.
3. Never roll steel against the rollers it'll damage them, especially steel wire
4. If you want to create a paper cut out type of texture use thick paper, a sharp craft knife and a self healing cutting mat.
5. For delicate items such as leaf skeletons, cheesecloth or feathers tape these onto thick paper with transparent tape, roll with the item facing upwards - make sure the tape doesn't stick to the rollers!
6. ALWAYS anneal the metal you want to texture. Sterling silver imprints best when a fine layer of fine silver has been deposited on top by depletion gilding.
To do this remove the copper in sterling silver by heating, adding to safety pickle and repeat until heating no loner brings copper to the surface evidenced by no grey 'bloom'.You're finished depletion gilding when a white surface is present which is your fine silver layer. Fine silver, being softer than sterling, will pick up prints better especially if fine detail from feathers is needed.
it's great fun experimenting with this, one of my favorite pieces of kit ❤️
.arttrail
