Sacred Heart and St. Benedict Tinwork Nicho Altar Ornament

Full-color print of an antique French holy card of the Sacred Heart is in a hand-hammered tinplate frame embellished with antique-gold glaze, scarlet silk ribbon, resin rhinestones and pearls, dried flowers, a ribbon rose and a heart milagro. Bottom edge is adorned with a vintage chandelier crystal, a tiny Miraculous Medal, and a tiny St. Benedict medal.

From reclaimed post-consumer tinplate, I hand-cut, hammered, and shaped the frame and its accordion-folded corona to encase this miniature print reproduction of the antique holy card. A bit of 24K gold glaze plays against existing scuff and rust marks, giving them a subtle sheen but also protecting the piece from further rust.

Tinplate body is 4" high by 2" wide. Measuring from the top of the corona to the bottom of the chandelier crystal, entire piece is 5.5" long.

While this and all my tinplate work is filed/sanded carefully to remove sharp protrusions and corners, you should still keep in mind what it's made of and thus keep it away from children and pets.

Folks use these as altar or household art, Christmas tree ornaments, gifts, and sometimes even jewelry. I love to do custom work, so message me if you have an idea for a variation you'd like to see.