In each bi-monthly episode of DiResta (every other Wednesday at 2pm PT), artist and master builder Jimmy DiResta (Dirty Money, Hammered, Against the Grain, Trash for Cash) lets us into his workshop, to look over his shoulder while he builds whatever strikes his fancy. In this episode, Jimmy gets all sentimental and fabricates a heart key for a friend. -Gareth Branwyn

Materials:

• 1/4″ brass, cut from stock
• A key

Tools:

• Band saw
• Drill
• Files
• Hammer
• Belt sander
• Letter stamps

Jimmy’s Notes:

A few years ago, a friend asked me to make her one of my modded keys. She said to do whatever came to mind. She is such a loving person, so I immediately thought of a heart shape. For her, I made a two-sided key with the heart in the center. People began to see it on my site and few orders came in. Here you can see my process for making a single key version with a heart as the key topper.