Unicorn Token

Welcome to this pictorial blog in which I share the process of creating the brass Unicorn token that the first degree journey women are gifted at their graduation. Originally, I created a mould from wax, but this year I was able to use a previous token as the mould, pressing it into the clay as pictured below:

The next step is to pour the molten brass into the funnel created in the clay. I use more metal than is needed so that the weight will push the metal into the mould. There are also 4 air vents in place. I am using my own scrap brass here - meaning that I have a good collection of scrap from mostly using 1mm thick sheet metal (silver, brass and copper) and saw piercing out the metal I need, so I have those scrap pieces. Heating the metal here you can see a lovely shiny puddle developing which I will keep moving in the crucible and then I will heat the side that it will pour out and tip quickly into the funnel. Pictured below is the metal on fire in the funnel of the mould.

Immediately after (with tools) I can remove the piece to see what success I have had. I can cool the piece under water. 

Last step is to go back to my studio where I will cut off the sprue and clean up - file and sand back a little so everything feels really smooth and then buffing - I love that it looks like its a very old Amazonian Coin!

By Erika

Smith Witch, Alchemist & Hearth Keeper