For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I’m excited to show off the plastic media I frequently use to achieve a matte finish in a tumbler! This specific media is from our friends at @ottofrei1930 they were designed to be used in a vibratory tumbler but I’ve... more
Here are some tips on bead setting from @rustysjewellery - “ • Start your square/lozenge graver (using a 2.5mm square here) around 1mm away from setting at around a 45° angle. • Apply firm but sensible pressure and wiggle forward and tilt upwards as... more
Here is a little photography tip from @hannah._gregory - “Put a dab of hot glue on the bottom of the shank and place it down at your desired angle. It works so well and pops right off the ring when finished.” 🤯 Love this so much! Half the battle is... more
Here is an awesome system for protecting and organizing your files from @metalwithmeaning - “This is an idea from about 8 years ago. @kristendianadesigns taught me this trick with files and keeping them clean and organized. It’s cute, and I feel like... more
Here is an organization tip for smaller items in your studio from @shannonrusselljewelry - “I hung steel sheets on the wall and bought magnetic containers used for storing spices. The lids are see through and plexiglass, so it’s easy to spot... more
This was an incredible month for our community! We hit 90k 🤯 and I owe it to all of you! There is nothing I love more than seeing pictures of members of our community! Your generosity astounds me! Be sure to click on these images to find some new... more
Thank you to everyone who submitted for this month’s challenge. You all did an amazing job 🙌 The theme was to incorporate sawing in a manner that would challenge you! I think everyone did a phenomenal job! If you’d like to participate in our August... more
Here are some clever #diy sanding wheels for your polishing machine from @kathrinjonasilver - “My little bench polishing machine is a sander/grinder at the same time. I make sanding wheels with different grits. these styrofoam wheels i got in... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I’m excited to show off the Spider Hold Tool and the Mini Spider Hold Down Tool created by @silversmithingretreat These tools are designed to help you position, and secure different elements when soldering various... more
In this episode we have some gorgeous turquoise from @knotandsplicestones opals from @baystateopals and a variety of handcut cabochons including some gorgeous agate and labradorite from @heart_ons - the purpose of Gem Talk is to connect members of our... more
Here is a tip for oxidizing gold from @leahhollrockjewelry - “I use iodine to oxidize my gold jewelry. (I used to use black max applied with steel wool, but I found the color wasn’t great and the finish wasn’t long lasting.) 1.) First you have to get... more
Here is a great tip for shaping your bezels from @estona_sieraden - “I use 0.6 mm (22g) sterling silver for my bezel wire. After annealing the silver I stick my stone to my workbench. You can do this with a piece of tape (sticky side up). The silver... more
Here is a riveting technique from @deeravenue - “I use my miter jig vice to create a head on one side of the rivet. Then I use an old gift card (or credit card) to cut the rivet to measure 1mm above the card and start to hammer. When the rivet is... more
Here is another technique for opening a bezel and keeping your stone intact from @_jmkjewelry_ - “This is a ring someone bought this weekend but they needed it resized. The stone is why she bought it so I had to try to get it free with no damage. My... more
Here is a time saving tip when you are fitting two pieces together to solder from @moonandforge - “I was framing up an imperfect circle for a pendant with 3/4 round wire and every time I tried to adjust the fussy spot and re-fit the frame in the right... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I wanted to show off a set of economy anvils from @splenortools this set is a great affordable option that gives you a few different surfaces to work on - Flat, Low Dome, Medium Dome and High Dome. You can use the... more
Here is a way to repurpose your honeycomb block that is broken beyond use from @doritdehan - Take your block and smash it up into smaller pieces, they become a great surface to anneal upon! Very cool idea! Thanks for sharing with us!... more
Here is a great plier modification from @jonesingforjewelry - “I’ve been really struggling to lately with my grip and particularly holding small bezels while filing and sanding. Unfortunately all the conventional holding tools crush the bezels. I had... more
Here is a great #diy mini bench pin from @ninotchkagoods - “When you need to cut out small pieces, I use 1/2 of a clothes pin in a vice for a tiny bench-pin. Using this miniature bench pin helps me hold on to and balance small pieces while sawing and... more
