Here is a wonderful technique to sand your bezels from @dreamlandcreations “Tape some sandpaper down to your work surface. Apply light but even pressure on your bezel (you don't want to squish it!) and move in a figure 8 motion. This creates a flush... more
This weeks #tooltalktuesday is about forming tools! I received this set from @splenortools and have spent weeks working with it, brainstorming all the possible uses. I fear this post does not even do it justice, but here we go: the Swage block (the... more
Here is awesome technique for creating rivets from @indigenized775 -"You can make a lot of rivets fast with a hand vise. I like using 18 gauge wire for this. First I take roughly 3/4 inch of straight wire and place it in the hand vise with about an... more
Here are some tips on torch safety from @creativesidejewelry - “ 1️⃣ Make sure to check the connection where the regulator screws on to the tank everytime you change the tank out. This is as easy as using soapy water and a paint brush to brush all... more
Here is an amazing concept to store hammers, sawframes and other tools from @vanillainkuk - “We wanted to make maximum use out of our space, packing the school with as many tools and resources as possible. Kate came up with the great idea of using a... more
In this week’s Rolling Mill Mini Series post, we are talking TEXTURES 🎉 💃🏼 First let’s discuss organic items. Always make sure they are completely dry, a fresh leaf or flower will just get crushed and make a mess. I didn’t do anything special with my... more
Here is an awesome organizing tip from @flameandstone she reuses the plastic bin her polishing bits came in to organize and store her handmade jump rings!” I’m definitely using this one! 😁 thanks so much for sharing this simple, amazing tip! We are... more
Here are some tips for increasing your Instagram engagement from @yoursocialteam - “We are all seeing lower engagement than before, which most people blame on the algorithm. But the reason for this is actually the amount of new accounts popping up... more
LOVE this technique for cutting jump rings from @rachelkdunnstudio “I cut jumprings using wooden dowels! I use sizes between 1/4 of an inch up to 1inch. I can usually find them at any local hardware store. I like using the dowels because it helps... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I have the absolute pleasure of showing off the appropriately named *“Perfect Bench Pin” created and sold by Mike & Mary of @flowmke2 🙏🏻😁 this bench pin is made of a abrasion resistant (nontoxic) plastic and fits... 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
Here is an opportunity to discuss CHAIRS (I think I promised to discuss this ummmm eight months ago?!? 🤦♀️) this chair recommendation comes from @petersonmade - "I liked this chair so much I purchased a second one, I wanted to show them side by side,... more
This month’s theme for the #metalsmithchallenge is RIVETS 😄 here we have an awesome tip from @copperhead_queen on achieving uniform rivets - “To get a consistent, uniform finish to the back of my rivets I use an 18 gauge copper washer as a cutting... more
In this week’s @pepetools_usa Rolling Mill Mini Series post, I want to discuss some of the main uses and benefits of having a rolling mill in your studio (besides texturing sheet which I promise to cover in greater depth in a future post!) If you have... more
Obsessed with this time saving tip from @wyckoffsmith “Links galore just out of the pickle. I’m working on another group of Olga chains today. I use this silicon grip from Ikea to keep all of the links together, so it is quicker to fish them out of... more
Here is an awesome way to heat your pickle from @thenumberthirteenjewellery - “This one was my version of a pickle pot. I use a single cooking plate and a glass oven bowl. It's cheap and effective!” I love that the glass bowl has no metal parts which... more
Here is a technique for getting your ring filed perfectly before you solder from @drenchedinsilver - “My little short cut, using a nail file to get a flush meet on a ring joint!” So critical to get those two sides nice a flush, and I love this... 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 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
Here is a tip for working with small gemstones from @objectif.bijoux “To handle small gemstones, I use beeswax glued to the tip of a toothpick.” When you are setting small stones it’s helpful to have something like this to help pick them up and take... more
