HAND MEDAL PROJECT

The Spring of 2020 brought a situation that no-one was particularly well prepared for. To humanity, we have seen a lot of struggle and loss. To creatives, there was an opportunity, so to speak. For many this meant to change how they worked, to change how they connected with people. For a couple of Spanish jewellers, it was the start of an amazing project. Creating medals, just like the ones pictured below, for those who worked on the frontline through this crazy period. Throughout the year, the project gained a phenomenal amount of momentum. Thousands of jewellers joined in, across the world, crafting thousands of medals. All of us working in unison. Following the same guidelines to give back to those who have done so much for us.

“The hand symbol was chosen as hands themselves have been powerfully present in this battle. They are icons, not only of how our bodies have become weapons to be washed, sanitised, and gloved, but also of their innate power to heal and connect. For around 3,000 jewellers that joined the project, of course, they are the language of the skill and expression embodied.”

Our job was a simple one, to follow the guidelines given, so that this token was universal. Nevertheless, there were opportunities to insert a little personality; each choosing a little aspect to change, whether it was ribbon colour, finish, or how to add detailing, if any.

We were required to register, first of all. This meant that we now had a number associated with us, to inscribe on the back. The registration also came with a template, designed to be glued to the metal to provide us with lines to follow. Following that, we drilled or cut out the holes at the top, then tidied the edges of the medal with files and paper. After the main shape was created, this is where the freedom came: putting in the detailing and numbers. In my first batch, I added these details with a scribe, a pointy tool used for marking points and lines on metal. Since starting the second batch, I’ve been etching. This involves cleaning the metal to the extreme - not only getting rid of any dirt but also any grease from fingerprints, or anything off the work surface. I then painted the metal with a resist; this stops the chemical (of which I’m about to submerge the metal into) from eating away at the metal, all over the surface. Once I scratch my details into the resist, it means the chemical will only eat the metal exposed. After going in the chemical, the resist is scrubbed off and the metal cleaned once more. To bring strong definition to this new texture, I used another chemical to darken the recesses and used an attachment on my polishing motor to highlight the metal around it. After the work on the metal is finished, I sealed the ends of a small length of ribbon and sewed it into a loop, fixing the safety pin, of which it hangs from, in place.

The NHS is a true gift; it has been taken for granted and neglected. Whilst we sign our petitions, and vote in helpful ways, and take other actions to support these selfless beings who take such good care of us, I will continue to make these medals. This is not just another shallow gesture. No-one should feel under-appreciated or overlooked, particularly those who are saving lives, especially those sitting with lonely people as they pass, on a regular basis. I am sorry for what you have had to witness, and I’m sorry all I can offer you is this little token, but please note it is heartfelt; it is made with such love, gratitude and above all, respect.

Going forward, I wish to continue to make these medals for as long as they’re requested. However, it is quite an undertaking for such a small business (just me, Emily!). I am not asking for donations or contributions, just your patience. So that I can make them to a good quality, at my pace, fitting in with the tasks needed to keep this little enterprise afloat. Please get in contact if you have an NHS worker in mind to receive one of these little tokens. Whether you choose Facebook, email, instagram or phone! Please also keep your sharing your stories; they’re such a delight to read!

If you want to nominate a whole ward or organisation, I ask you to consider requesting a plaque, to be hung on the walls of the aforementioned place. Essentially a large version of the hand medals picture above - down to the colour of the ribbon and its safety pin! I am working on some examples of these currently, so do get in touch if you wish to see drawings/samples/designs/work in progress. I have a choice of three designs to choose from; this makes creating them considerably easier!

Take care, all; look after yourselves.

*Please sign up to the email form below to keep up with updates; I have at least one video to hopefully be sharing soon. If you do sign up for emails, please make sure you return the confirmation as I can’t contact you otherwise! (P.S. It may be in your junk folder).

If you have any pictures with your medal, please send them in! It’d be lovely to have a little project portfolio so we can see the happy ending between frontline worker and medal; they don’t have to have your faces in.

*Quote was taken from the official Hand Medal Project website.