#100daysofmetaltextures 2026 100 day project
In February this year I began another #100daysproject where you commit to creating or doing something for 100 consecutive days. I had been slightly indecisive this year initially planning a recycled label idea. However I wanted to do something which related to my metalwork practice. Creating textures on metal is one of my favourite elements when making so I challenged myself to generate 100 different surfaces!
I set to cutting 100 copper & brass small squares. These measured approx 2.5 cm as I wanted the project to be manageable. I did not have a plan of which tools or materials I would use at this stage. I thought I would see what I could create day by day.
In addition to the actual metal pieces I wanted to record the method & see how the surface would recreate by taking a rubbing of the texture. Also noting the day & tool used for future reference.
For the first few weeks I found it quite straight forward to use some of my tools, hammers, punches etc to generate the patterns, however as the weeks progressed it became increasingly more challenging to come up with a new variation!
As the project gained momentum I realised how useful this exercise was & began to use some of the new textures within my work. Some of the days I used found objects such as a rusty washer, broken key or metal staple.
DAY 100
I must admit I was quite excited to reach the end of this project! However looking back at all the little squares I am pleased that I persevered & love how the squares look together.
The rubbings gave me another idea to create a further reference by taking a 'print' from the metalwork. This involved a putty eraser & ink pad. Pressing the metal into the surface & then into the ink pad. I had the tiny little sketch books which were waiting for such an idea.
In effect I have 300 little patterns from this 100 day project. The actual metal, a rubbing & impression of each design. Some of the impressions are more successful than others as the surface needs to be deep enough to pick up the texture on the eraser to show.
The final piece!
I am sure I will take part again in 2027..... I encourage you to take part too.