Here is a technique for securing your work while stone setting from @alwaysaleda - “The t-plate from GRS is a Godsend. I haven’t got a ball-vise, (or the room for one at the moment!) so I use this in their ring clamp for setting stones in flat or... 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
Here is a tip for making your bezel rocker extra special from @anna.maria.designs - “I cut the leather (from a pair of gloves) and hold it tight over the rocker and tape around the bottom to hold it on. I use painters tape so it’s easy to remove when... more
Here is a great sanding tip from @jewelryinstructor - “when trying to make sure a ring shank is completely flat along the edges, color it with a sharpie marker before sanding. Sand flat on a bench block, alternating circular and figure 8 motions and... more
Here is a natural way to pickle your work from @simplecommebonjour - “We work green, so instead of using acids after soldering we use alum! Most people know alum as something that is used after shaving for stopping the blood, and it’s also used for... more
Here is a tip for when you have teeny tiny things in your ultrasonic from @lyzz_gold_jewelry - “I use a tea strainer for little gemstones or other stuff. I put it in and it's super easy to clean and take out!” This is awesome! Will definitely be using... more
This #tooltalktuesday is actually about two different tools that you can use to create your own burnishers, sharpen your gravers and shape tools! Thank you to @piecesofstarrjewelry who recommended them months ago when I was making my own tools for... more
Here is some solid advice on setting bezels from @annperryjeweller - If you're hammer setting start on the "North" side of the stone and, holding the tool as shown in your non-dominant hand, gently tap the end of it with your hammer in a series of... more
Here is an awesome tip for using your polishing machine safely if bolting down isn’t an option from @cobraqueen - “Use grip shelf liner underneath your equipment to prevent them from moving during use 👍It’s cheap, lightweight and you can easily cut it... more
if you are polishing a piece with a chain and want to prevent the chain from accidentally getting wrapped around the flexshaft or sucked into the polishing machine 😵 use this tip from @deehebarddesigns - “If you need to polish something that has a... more
Here is a tip for those using shot plates from @billy_kyle - “I have had good success with using liquid wrench on my shot plates. Spray a small amount prior to striking your shot and it will keep them from sticking. When I don’t use the lube I have to... more
I like this system set up by @revel.designs.by.shelly to keep her sawblades lubricated while working! -“To lube your saw blade with ease as you’re working, tape a candlestick right next to your bench pin. Just give the blade a quick and easy swipe... more
Here is a finishing tip for all of you patina lovers out there from @stuffbyana -“When you patina a pair of earrings, it’s always a good idea to make sure that the posts remain silver, for customers with sensitive ears. I use the high shine knife-edge... more
For this #tooltalktuesday I wanted to talk about Kate Wolf’s Soldering Clay (shoutouts to @katemallerjewelry who recommended this game changer to me) + a tip for holding things while you solder (it also protects elements from moving and from heat) - a... more
Here is a classic tip for coding your solder from @cupidsmoonjewelry - take a sharpie and color the entire piece. That way even when you cut it into tiny pieces you will know which is which. Thank you for sending this! No joke this was probably sent... more
Here is a tip for photographing your jewelry - I use the Elviros light box and a DSLR camera on a tripod. The light box is fully encased with a Velcro flap to insert your camera, this drastically reduces weird reflections on your jewelry. It also has... more
If you are new to our community 👋 on the first of the month I post submissions for the #metalsmithchallenge! The theme for November was #flushsetting 💎 If you want to vote on December’s theme go check my stories on the first of the month and cast a... more
KINDNESS ➖ COMMUNITY➖EDUCATION. To all of you who have sent me a tip, who have so generously shared your knowledge - To those that have answered my questions and others questions without judgement and with kindness - To those that have asked wonderful... more
Here is a tip for making a split shank ring with regular wire from @ritualfemme - “Start with two rings same size, line up solder seams before binding together. Use stainless steel wire to bind the two rings together, stacked upon each other. Place in... more
Here is a tip for cleaning your space, cleaning your work while you saw, drill or cut seats - something I only started using in the last year. A bench brush! I actually posted a tip about using a paintbrush to clean your bench pin in the first month... more
