Design original art using a sketchpad and pencil, electronic sketchpad and stylus or computer drawing program. Keep the lines crisp and definitive, as you'll be incising them into metal---a challenge for the most experienced metalcrafter. Remember that the smaller the embellishment, the bigger challenge you'll face when transferring the art. Also, design your original art to scale. If you plan to carve flowers onto a 3-inch by 5-inch metal bangle bracelet section, constrain your art to so it fits into that specific area.
Transfer a mirror image of the finished design to film, either tracing the pattern with a stylus or outputting the pattern via a laser printer or copier that accepts peel-off film products.
Prepare the metal surface for the design process by sanding scratches and blemishes with 320-, 400- or 600-grit sandpaper. Mask off areas you don't want touched (using wax, an enamel paint pen, plastic or other "resist" mediums) to keep the metal from being inadvertently incised or burned, thereby ruining the piece.
Peel and apply the film from Step 2 onto the metal surface that's to showcase the art. Use a brayer, the edge of a ruler or any stiff edge to rub the pattern from the film onto the metal. Or, use a regular iron to do the job if the resist you're using recommends one. Focus the heat on the metal for 3 to 4 minutes to complete the transfer. Once the metal has cooled, remove the transfer to reveal the artwork.
Hold the unadorned metal in place with a vise so it remains stable. Carve the design using a jeweler's saw. Work methodically over the transferred pattern to cut lines and patterns to complete the artwork. Expect this methodical process to take time and patience---particularly if the art consists of many small details.
Or, use chemical etchants, such as ferric chloride or ferric nitrate, to burn your artwork into the metal (instead of carving the design with a jewelry saw as referenced in Step 5). Wear safety gear to protect your skin, eyes and clothing. Apply the appropriate chemical to the design areas, allowing it to penetrate the metal for 30 minutes. Drop the metal into a 50/50 ammonia/water bath for 15 minutes to stop the chemical burn process.
Remove the remaining resist (wax, enamel paint pen or plastic) using a steel wool pad. Scrub the art with soap and water to remove fingerprints and smudges. Apply brass or copper darkener with a plastic paintbrush if you're working with either metal and wish to add more contrast. Burnish and polish the artwork with a buffing cloth, buffing wheel/bonnet and polish made to heighten the appearance of metalwork.