Here is a tip for applying a matte finish from @flourishandcharm - “This tip is for easily making pieces satin/ matte quickly. included attached are videos :) The only tools you need is pumice powder, a container, soft toothbrush (or fingers!!)and a... more
Here is a rolling mill tip from @kkmetalwerk4640 - “Experiement with rolling two different textures to get some unique finishes! I have been experimenting with new techniques with the rolling mill: under and over rolling, double rolling, consecutive... more
I’ve had stone envelopes (which are all a mystery because I have no idea what is inside them 😂)all over my studio for longer than I want to admit. Last night I took the time to write down the stone, size, cost, and dealer on 3.3” x 2” index cards and... more
Here is a tip for #diy sanding sticks from @littleoscilla - “A helpful tip to any newbie metalsmith/jeweler: save money by making your own emery sanding sticks. Use your old ones (or a wooden paint stir stick) and some sandpaper.😊 I figure most... more
Here is a tip for when you are creating multiple pieces from @smithandstoneco - “When I create multiple pieces that are the same style I like to scribe the inside of the bezel with a letter/or number (in this case first letter of the stone, A for... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I am showing off the Fretz® HMR-22 "Sandstone Texture" Hammer sent to me, by our friends at @pepetools_usa the single purpose of this beautiful hammer is to apply a rich texture meant to look like sandstone, when you... more
Here is a tip for sawing tubing from @llmexclusive - “I use my Miter jig to hold tubing while I saw. To prevent the tubing from flying out, I used a piece of masking tape, no more searching for little tubing on my hands and knees. P/S - I put the... more
If you are newer to our community, WELCOME 👋 you may not know that every year I have a new designer create a design for us! This year’s design was created by the super talented @anjaslibar ❤️ if you missed out on last year’s amazing Panther design by... more
Here is a tumbling tip from @sarabjewelry - “Like many of my fellow metalsmiths, I try my best to reuse packaging from silver and stone suppliers as much as possible. It is easy to reuse a bag, a box, or some bubble wrap, but what about the little... more
Here is a sanding tip from @danacfear - “I have to sand a lot of flat surfaces so I use a 18x18” plexiglass board with 3M’s adhesive-backed micro finishing film from Rio Grande, item number 337707. On one side I have two sheets of 100 grit, one... more
Here is a setting tip from @marquisjewelryacademy - “When I'm setting a station necklace like this on a rotating vise (GRS Multi-purpose) the chain can get caught up below. I use a spare baggie to hold the chain clear of my Thermoloc ( @grstools ) and... more
Here is a template tip from @theelkandowl - “I would love to get an RT blanking die made for this ring but in the meantime, I have sawn out a bronze pattern in 20 gauge that I can easily trace. It’ll hold up far better than the index card pattern that... more
Here is a soldering tip from @tkiplinger - “When I’m soldering a jump ring onto a chain, I wrap the chain behind a third arm; the metal in the tweezer provides just enough of a heat sink to protect the chain from the flame. When I’m extra-worried that... more
I am keeping today’s #tooltalktuesday simple, let’s talk BOOKS please mention your favorite jewelry making book and a sentence about why in the comments. I can’t recommend Christine Dhein’s “Eco Jewelry Handbook” this practical guide for a healthy,... more
#societychat Today is Episode 7 of SOCIETY CHAT. This biweekly video series features my 15 minute (or more :) interviews with inspiring jewelers and teachers. Really excited to share my conversation with Susan Fauman of @susanfauman and here is her... more
#societychat Today is Episode 7 of SOCIETY CHAT. Susan made being a full-time jeweler a reality for herself! She is awesome! If you aren't familiar with Society Chat it is a new-ish series where I am asking inspiring people from our jewelry making... more
Here is a tip for setting super thick bezels sponsored by @turquoise_moose (and featuring one of their gorgeous turquoise bars) Once you have your setting created you will want to chamfer the edge. This is done by filing a 45 degree angle on the top... more
Do you sell your work? If you do, please read on. Have you formed an LLC? Do you have a business bank account? What about business insurance? Small jewelry businesses often slowly evolve from hobbies. We start selling our work to cover supplies and... more
