Comment “I want to learn” and I’ll send you a link to pre-order The New Silversmith: Innovative, Sustainable Techniques for Creating Nature-Inspired Jewelry (Mastering the Art of Jewelry Making) by Nicole Ringgold. Amazing artist and teacher. Can’t... more
Here is a sanding tip from @sundazedsilver - “I use Dura Gold sanding discs with adhesive backs to sand my metal perfectly flat so I can insure it’s ready to solder! These sanding discs stick to your work bench and you don’t have to worry about... more
It’s incorporated right into this year’s design “KINDNESS, COMMUNITY + EDUCATION” these are the pillars of Metalsmith Society. I would love to feature a tip from you, and as I mention in the video it does not need to be groundbreaking to be helpful to... more
Barrette files are a tool I invested in later on in my jewelry making journey but they are a necessity! The “safe side” (side with no cut) is helpful whenever you have an area which would be damaged if the file hit it. I was reminded during my... more
Creating the perfect ball with @thewildpine - “To create the perfect ball without imperfections & pitting on either side of a hinge, I highly recommend using Fine Silver or Argentium Silver. Either type balls up cleanly and perfectly without the... more
Refining this silver scrap with @garfieldrefining I received a check for $390.88 Congrats to @stemplantsco for guessing $388 which was the closest guess! That was fun seeing everyone’s guesses. My check also came with a prepaid shipping label for the... more
Giovanni has over 60 years of experience as a goldsmith. I am so grateful to have been able to learn from him this week in Florence, Italy with @metalsmithsinflorence while these are basics they are a good reminder of how to always stabilize your... more
Here is a soldering tip from our class in Florence, Italy (see my past post ☺️) whether you are working in gold or silver, roll (or hammer) your sheet solder super thin. This allows you to have greater precision and less mess. 👆This project I’m... more
I am out of office this week 😆🇮🇹 taking a class with @metalsmithsinflorence the project is an 18k yellow gold ring with a hollow tube band and a prong set cabochon. I learned so much from Giovanni and Marghe from @officinenora today! This is the... more
Here is a finishing tip from @thewildpine - “The Tumble Vibe tumbler is an incredible option for mass finishing chains to my style preference WITHOUT getting them tangled! I offer a variety of necklaces and handle 400+ chains a year, which I was at... more
Sharing this helpful visual guide to bezels from @lucywalkerjewellery - “There's no denying it's easier to set thinner gauge bezels, however how thick you choose is entirely up to you, the thickest bezel I ever set was using 1.3mm sterling silver... more
I am SO excited to be sending this container of silver scrap I have been saving up for over a year to @garfieldrefining we are partnering for a fun GIVEAWAY. Follow them + comment below with how much you believe this scrap is worth and the person who... more
Texture tip from @legacygemandjewelry - “Sometimes when I want to add some depth or sparkle to a piece without having to set a bunch of small diamonds, I use my foredom hammer attachment to add texture. The hammer texture adds so much character and... more
I’m doing a GIVEAWAY over on my Patreon page with @shopcanvas.co they are generously giving one of my active Patreons a Canvas Lamp with a wooden base! People have been DMing me asking what I really think 😁 and the honest truth is it’s my favorite way... more
LOVE this disc cutter tip from @kaivijewelry - “Here’s a fun trick I picked up along the way! I use a small piece of tape at the end of a scrap piece of metal to act as a tail to hold onto the metal so I can fish out the piece when I’m done punching... more
Here is a wax tip from @waxcarvers - “Wax sheet is so soft and thin you can just use scissors to cut it into shape. And to add some fun to your edges, you can use decorative scissors! Sheet in the video is .8mm but it works on thicker sheet as well.”... more
Here is a super useful tip for casting from @theresaapplegatejewelry -“Here’s a quick way to convert wax weight to metal weight when casting. First you need to the weight of your wax tree, then simply open your Internet browser and search wax to... more
Have you seen these medieval looking bits from our friends at @gesswein.jewelry ?!? These are called Mounted Texturing Wheels, comment “send me the link” and I will DM you the link. These wheels come not only in different grits as I demonstrate in the... more
A wonderful wax carving tip from @kathrynreidjewellery - “Once the initial carving is done I apply White Spirit, an organic solvent used in painting with a q-tip to achieve a uniform smooth surface prior to adding the final textures!“ Thank you... more
