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Post by hesster on Jan 31, 2022 7:36:07 GMT -6
Maybe an unusual request. I have a 1977 Bandit Trans Am just like the one in the Smokey and the Bandit Movie, and one of the props I want to use is the Stetson Hat Burt wore in the movie, and SPECIFICALLY THE METAL HAT BAND. Can't buy it anywhere, and I am somewhat crafty so I was thinking of trying to reproduce it. I would buy a suitable band material of 1/2" wide - 7/8" wide "Flat Jewelry Craft Wire 18 Gauge Aluminum or Silver Wire for Bezel, Sculpting, Armature, Jewelry Making - Silver", and emboss the pattern on it. Any tips or ideas on how to do this? Could anyone out there make one? See pics of the band. Attachments:
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Post by caeterle on Feb 1, 2022 1:51:50 GMT -6
What a fun idea!
I'm not sure (not a metalsmith here) how well aluminum holds the shape when embossed, but it would definitely be cheaper than real silver. I haven't seen hatbands from metal before, only beaded ones, ribbons or leather with metal embellishes.
I do know artisans who stamp or emboss silver, but I don't know if anyone would consider to make a whole hatband.
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Post by DawninCal on Feb 1, 2022 11:38:33 GMT -6
That is a fun idea! We are such a small group, with only one true metalsmith (Irith) among our members, that I'm not sure this is the place to look for help with your project. I have no doubt that Irith could do it, but I don't know if it's something she'd want to take on. Maybe she will see this post and add her thoughts as to how you might proceed. Good luck!  Dawn |
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Post by Irith-Rita on Feb 4, 2022 10:51:58 GMT -6
I would have loved to try it, but I do not work with Aluminum. Only with Silver. Could you perhaps send a photograph of what you have in mind so I could give you a more specific reply? Thanks.
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Post by brad on May 23, 2022 13:12:55 GMT -6
I went to Google images and looked at as many pics as I could find with that hat. Here is what I see. A metal hatband, trimmed with wire stitch on top and bottom edge, and small grommets around the middle. The trim wire looks fairly small gauge to me, smaller than 18 gauge? If you could get silver wire (Rio Grande, etc) or strips long enough to go around the hat I would consider a fairly thin gauge.
Have you decided to shine up the band or patina it?
Please post pics when this project is completed. Brad
Also, I recommend "Hatman Jack" in Wichita, Kansas for authenticating the hat and fitting. He recently was highly awarded and recognized by the national hat association he is membered with. He has done many hats for stars of music, rodeo and movies, etc.
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Post by brad on Sept 29, 2022 7:41:40 GMT -6
Hester, Did you ever complete your hatband project? If so, please post it. Thanks, brad
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