I just bought a new book by Kerry Bogert called Rustic Wrappings: Exploring Patina in Wire, Metal, and Glass Jewelry. In the book, Kerry gives a fun recipe for giving a nice patina to brass or copper using salt & vinegar potato chips. I had to do this.
All you need:
Plastic Container
Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips
White Vinegar
Brass or Copper Findings
(and maybe a little extra sea salt)
I tried all kinds of metal beads and handmade wire chains and findings. Great colors from black, brown, red, deep green, leaf green and gold appeared.
There is a slight issue with the oil from the chips. I'm not sure how this will react with a sealant. But the patina does process through!