High Polish for a Low Price Not everyone can have all the tools they want for finishing their jewelry creations. There are rotary tools, flex shafts, polishers, tumblers and more! All of these help create a nice, high-polish finish on metal pieces – each in their own way. Jewelers who aren’t interested in investing a […]
A Journal Entry on Making Silver Balls for Jewelry Many people in my classes have heard me suggest using a journal for their jewelry designs and techniques. When it comes to certain techniques, journalling your methods and results can make future projects quicker and less wasteful.
Examining The Create/Consume Balance “I’m not really creative.” This is something that I’ve heard more times than I can count. I’ve spent over 20 years helping people in a bead shop or teaching them jewelry-making and it never ceases to amaze me how un-creative people think they are. I’ve also come to learn that those […]
Woo Hoo! I am excited to announce that I’ve been invited to be a member of the Art Works Co-Op Gallery in Grass Valley, CA. I’ve always admired their selection of artwork and it feels great to be a part of this diverse and talented group. I’ll be installing my jewelry on July 11th – […]
I face a conundrum whenever I have to write about tying off thread. It something we do at least once in every bead weaving project, but putting it into words has been challenging. Below is a video for anyone who wants or needs a demonstration of one technique to tie off your bead weaving thread.
I recently unveiled an updated calendar and scheduling system on the website and I want to take a few minutes to review it with you.
There are a lot of types of flux to use when you are soldering for jewelry and each of them is a little bit the same and little bit different from the others. In our classes and at home, I like to use Handy Flux paste flux to prevent firescale along my seam. If you’re starting out with Handy Flux paste, you might find yourself frustrated with jumping solder chips, dried out flux, or ineffective protection. Here are nine tips to make it really work for you!
Upcoming Jewelry/Art Shows and Gem & Mineral Shows
I’m looking at my calendar filling up and find myself excited and looking forward to a nice schedule of both jewelry and gem shows coming up soon!
What size jeweler’s saw blade should I choose for my project? This is a question I get quite often in classes or in emails from students who’ve found themselves at a pause in their work. The size of your jeweler’s saw blade depends on the thickness of the metal…
To put it simply, sanding sticks are great. Particularly when you need good, firm pressure behind the sandpaper to accomplish your task. I like to use sanding sticks when I need to sand down edges and corners of sheet, to sand bezels and in tight spaces. They also save my tender, over-worked fingers from the ravages of the sanding job!
