Shaping the Locket

• 1). Set one of the metal discs into the wooden dapping block. This is a square block that has dome-shaped grooves in it for shaping and sculpting metal. Situate the disc into the groove so that it will form the shape of a dome.
  
  
• 2). Place the wooden dapping punch on top of the metal disc. This is a wooden tool that looks like a giant peg. It is used in conjunction with the dapping block to make flat materials into domes.
  
  
• 3). Hold the dapping punch at the bottom. Firmly tap the mallet onto the wooden dapping punch. Circle around the punch so that it hits all areas of the metal disc evenly.
  
  
• 4). Repeat the first three steps with the second metal disc.
  
  

Constructing the Hinge and Closure

• 1). Set one disc on top of the other, with the edges lining up. Turn on the soldering torch. Hold the flame up to one end of the discs at the point where they line up. Keep the flame on the metal until it solders together.
  
  
• 2). Pick up the locket with tongs and place it into a pickle pot. Allow it to cool. Remove when it is fully cooled.
  
  
• 3). Drill a tiny hole into the soldered side of the locket with a round needle file. This hole is where the hinge will go. You need holes on the top and the bottom, which are known as the hinge knuckles. Insert the hinge pin.
  
  
• 4). Solder the hinge knuckles to the metal so that the hinge does not come loose and cause the locket to pull apart. You may need a third arm, such as a clamp, to keep the locket steady while you do this. Use the tongs to put the locket back into the pickle pot to cool.
  
  
• 5). Drill a hole on the back panel of the locket with the round needle file. Use needle-nose pliers to carefully insert a piece of silver wire into the hole. Heat with a soft flame so that the wire on the inside connects to the metal on the bottom. Then place the locket in the pickle pot to cool.
  
  
• 6). Drill a second hole, this time on the top panel of the locket. Drill the hole exactly over the wire on the bottom, so that the two can merge to close the locket. Insert the friction-clasp pin into the new hole, which will hold the clasp closed.
  
  

Decorations and Embellishments

• 1). Solder a bail loop on top of the locket's back panel. The bail loop lets you loop the locket through a chain to wear as jewelry.
  
  
• 2). Paint the outside of the locket with decorative art work. The fine details can be painted with metal paint and a thin paintbrush.
  
  
• 3). Glue a picture to the top of the locket. Paint clear shellac over it to hold the picture down and smooth it out.