Under Lock and Key

I tend to get lost in hardware stores - an hour can easily pass as I peruse drawers filled with nuts and bolts and all manner of gadgets.  It's no wonder that I find lock plates and keys equally interesting.  This key and lock plate are from a recent bronze metal clay firing.  They came out of the kiln with a rusty patina, but I preferred a mellow, aged bronze-gold tone and decided to polish them with my flexshaft and a brass rotary brush, then dip them in Black Max oxidizer, and rub off the excess black with a polishing pad.  I wanted a chain that looked equally aged and delicate yet with a bit of complexity, so I used segments of several different styles of sterling chain and soldered sections of each together, combining heart-shaped links, cable, and rollo styles.   The chain was then dipped in a solution of liver of sulfur until it reached a deep blue-black and a simple toggle balled end toggle and clasp were added.  One wipe with a polishing cloth and it's good to go!