Fabric Texture on Copper forms

Figure 1- Nkabinde, M., (2019). Copper and Silver collar necklace.

Figure 2- Nkabinde, M., (2019). Copper and Silver collar necklace.

This is a copper and silver collar necklace inspired by the visual aspects of Nkosi's garments collection. When I mention the visual aspects I'm referring to the layered and three-dimensional forms. When I made this collar necklace I had no idea what the outcome maybe because I didn't plan or design this necklace. I just thought of how I could use the actual fabric in my jewellery other than having a piece of fabric stuck somewhere.
I decided to use a thin copper plate so I can be able to fold it in a form of how the tailors fold their fabrics. Then I decided to use the actual isishweshwe fabric to get the texture into copper by using the roll-milling technique. Folding the piece of copper was a bit challenging because I had to make sure that is it folded equally, the spaces in between are even. I ended up not getting the even folds, which made me realise that I am working with a different medium which is metal and I won't get the exact result as you do with fabric. It will take lots of practice to get it right but I am happy with the result because I've learnt that you cant approach things the same way as other people are doing it you might have to find your own approach to make something work.