Here is a tip for helping you form your small bezels from @elizaschmuck - “When I make small round bezels I hammer them through a wire drawing plate (first with a flat surface until it’s on one level with the plate and then with the dapping tool. The... more
If you need the perfect tool to bend the titanium strips from yesterday’s post or if you need to close the gap on a heavy gauge band here is a suggestion from @meritmade - “I shared about how much I love the @knew_concepts titanium strips I got from... more
Here is a fabulous production tip from @danaantoniadesigns when managing multiple bezels - "Today I had an ah-ha moment as I’m working my way through what I call a “Bezel Marathon” - I always find myself in this position the week before I have a... more
Today’s tip is about safety! @ghosttownmetalworks reached out to share a recent experience in her studio (and share what she wears while working!) -“I had a little safety scare awhile back - involving my amazing Dura-Bull Double-Wheel... more
Here is a step by step on how to create a basket setting from @sinead_cleary_jewelry - “Start by forming two circles out of wire. I prefer 18g. Argentium, sterling or fine silver all work. One circle should be smaller than the other, the larger circle... more
MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎄🎁 I hope everyone has a AWESOME holiday 🙏🏻😘 For this #tooltalktuesday ⚒ I’m showing off my @maunindustries Parallel Flat Nose Pliers with Soft Grip Jaws (and return spring) I. Am. Obsessed. I use these pliers every time I have to... more
Here is another method for soldering a jump ring to fine chain from @Becca.compton - “I just use scrap bronze to cover the chain. It acts as a heat sink and keeps me from melting the chain.” 🤯 simple yet genius. Thanks for taking the time to send this... more
Here is a tip to get your bands perfectly round from @refraction_manufacturing ”After bending up the band (on a ring bender) , soldering and cleaning it up we use a doming punch to true up each side for a perfect side profile.” We once shared this... more
Here is another technique to try when soldering a jump ring onto chain from @lumenrosejewelry - “This is my little trick. I just hold the tweezers over the chain to shield it from some of the heat so that the jump ring solder flows before the chain... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I’d love to discuss sanders! Thank you @dogvioletjewelry for sharing yours 🙏🏻 “This is the Ikohe Belt Sander, found on Amazon, price $185. This sander will definitely be a game changer for me. As all of us Smiths... more
Here is a tip to repair your broken honeycomb from @mylnebridgehouse - “Your broken soldering mat can be repaired very effectively by sewing it back together with fine iron wire (28g binding wire)- this one has been broken and repaired for longer than... more
In this week’s Rolling Mill Mini Series post I wanted to show off how to use your mill for MARRIAGE OF METALS 💕 (this is a process of soldering contrasting metals together). In my first example I’ve taken three wires, twisted them, soldered them and... more
Here is a great way to mark your sheet solders from @gialunajewelry “I stamp my solder all over the second I get them so I don't get them confused and waste scraps that aren't marked. Sometimes it's the little things!” This is such a great thing to... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I’m extremely excited to discuss the @hakkousa FA-430 Smoke & Fume Extraction System. One of my goals for 2019 is to have more conversations about improving our health in the studio. I realized that although this... more
Here is an organization method from @lyndehowesilverworks - “Nearly everything in my studio is on wheels so I can focus on different projects at a whim. Figuring out I could afix wheels to this plastic crate was game changing. I’ve included a photo... more
Here is a great use for those broken honeycombs from @brackendesigns - “If you've been torching from below with your piece on top of a heavy steel mesh screen, you may want to consider a set up like this when possible.... no huge steel heat sink.” I... more
Here is a technique you can use if you have a cabochon that is rocking a bit (due to an uneven bottom ) in its setting from @quiettimejewelry - “When checking for fit in the setting my stone was rocking back and forth. Which, for me, usually means it... more
Here is a tip for when you need something lined up when soldering from @ckmetaldesigns - “After I file a spot in the ring shank flat, I mark the sides of the ring with Sharpie at the flat part. Then when I am placing it on the bezel plate to solder, I... more
Here is a tutorial for making a split cuff out of wire from @ghosttownmetalworks - “I learned how to make a split band cuff from an old school pictorial instruction manual called "Indian Jewelry Making" by Oscar T. Branson. I have done my own little... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I wanted to discuss Firescoff Flux, for those looking for a minimally hazardous and eco-friendly flux it is a great option! I must credit the Eco Jewelry Handbook by Christine Dhein as a source for some of the... more
