How to Make Old Blacksmith Locks
- 1). Design the old blacksmith lock that you want to make on paper. Consider how large you want the lock to be and all of the specific details that you want the lock to have.
- 2). Shape chicken wire to form the basic shape of the old blacksmith lock, including the base of the lock where the key would be inserted and the arched arm at the top of the lock. Cut small 2- to 4-inch sections of chicken wire with wire cutters, then bend the wire to form the shape of your lock. Use your wire cutters to trim off excess chicken wire, and the ends of the wire pieces to connect one piece of chicken wire to another as you work.
- 3). Mix one part water with one part white glue in a bucket, stirring the mixture thoroughly so that none of the glue sits on the bottom of the bucket.
- 4). Tear the newspaper into ½- to 1-inch strips, then dip the newspaper into the glue and water mixture, saturating each strand of newspaper completely. Apply the newspaper strips over the chicken wire mold, being sure to cover all parts of the old blacksmith lock form, and applying at least three layers of newspaper to the shape. Add details to the lock by using the wet newspaper to form elements on the lock, such as a slot to insert a key. Allow the newspaper to completely dry. This may take up to two to three days.
- 5). Paint the lock with dark gray acrylic paint using a paintbrush.
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