It’s the weekend and this tip makes me smile - If you want to play around with stone placement use play doh like @elisamelegarijewelry 😂 but seriously this is awesome because the play doh will hold the stones easily while you visualize the layout and... more
Here is a solution for holding small objects while filing and polishing from @annie.lesperance - “I use a clothes pin and tie an elastic to the end of it. It creates a tiny ring clamp with just enough tension to hold tiny pieces securely. I use this... more
Here is a simple, but game changing organizational tip from @bearandtheadelaide - I started using Jessie's method of hanging clipboards on my studio wall and now have my custom orders, supply order list and to-do list all at glance. How I used to do... more
When you are sanding a piece flat you need to ensure your sandpaper is on a flat surface @nokitchensink shared her awesome technique - “I use highly polished stone tiles to put sandpaper on to make sure I'm sanding on a super flat surface. I also... more
I love this solution for hanging your flexshaft from @splatboombang -“I thought I’d share my make-shift flex shaft holder, a cast iron hanging plant hook. Perfect because I can move it where I want it & push it out of the way when not in use.“ Love... more
For today’s #tooltalktuesday we are talking about ultrasonics! Shoutouts to @estherweinbergjewellery for these fab images and for sharing her experience - “This is the Elma Ultrasonic .8. Uses - CLEANS LIKE A MOFO! Ring rack is probably THE most... more
If you’d like to create a gorgeous rounded edge on a ring use this tip from @petercat_jewelry - “I was introduced to this tool in a printmaking class, where we used it to bevel the edges of our plates. It occurred to me I could do this with the thick... more
Here is a fabulous tip from @fairbankandperry if you are making a stepped bezel - “For smaller stones, like this 6x4mm citrine, we often make both the seat and the outer bezel from one tall piece of bezel strip. Once the bezel is made, it is cut... more
Since this month our #metalsmithchallenge theme is hinges, I wanted to share this tip for cutting tubing - you can place your tube cutting jig in a vise to make it a bit easier to hold the tubing and hold down the jigs arm! Can’t wait to see what... more
For all you stone-setters out there, you need a wax stick! Thank you @twinklebird for showing us yours! 🙏🏻 “Tip for a wax stick: I use simple bees wax (a sheet which you can use to make candles). Just roll a tiny bit onto a nail, soften and shape it... more
If you want to be able to see your work a little better when using a sanding disc try this modification - cut off about 1/4 of the disc. Then when you are sanding it allows you to see your piece a bit better and make sure you aren’t accidentally... more
Recently in my stories @ironwillsilver reached out for help - her pieces had splotches that were turning orange (image on the right) the reason I love this community is because you all sent me over 100 messages to help ❤️(so I apologize that I can’t... more
For this #tooltalktuesday @melissa_gisele shared her fume extractor with me! I frequently get asked for solutions to help improve our studio environments, I thought this could be a great option for some - “My current soldering situation is pretty... more
CONGRATS @knotandsplice 🎉 Here are two amazing tools you will want to have in your studio from @wellnessformakers The first is The Rist Roller - it helps elongate the muscles in your forearms and increase blood flow and circulation (my newest... more
Here is a genius way to keep bezels and stones paired up from @salaciousstones - “When making several pieces at once, use a painter’s palette. Check dollar stores or amazon.” This is an awesome idea thank you for sharing 🙌 #metalsmithsociety... more
This is very basic, but a game changer. Buy gallons of distilled water and basically use it for everything in your studio! There are minerals and metals in your tap water, if you know your water supply has a high level of minerals a.k.a “hard” water... more
I love these #diy finger protectors from @thewildpine - she took an old pair of insulated gloves and cut the tips! I love how the fit looks on these and they would be perfect for protecting your fingers from some of the heat, polishing compound etc.... more
Today Kate Ellen, shop owner @crownnine is sharing tips for approaching retailers with your work. Swipe right for more on each insider pro-tip. TIPS 1. Be ready with a complete collection 2: Have an awesome website 3. Have a linesheet 4. Send a brief... more
This is a two-for-one tip from @daveaugustdesign When using a hand vise you can place a rubber band inside to help prevent your metal from getting marred. Dave also shared how he sands and polishes inside the tiny details of his work. “Strips of 3m... more
For this #tooltalktuesday I wanted to show off the Lortone Rock Tumbling Abrasive and Polishing Kit which was included with my Lortone Tumbler from @seattlefindings the set includes four compounds which you mix with water and tumbling time is between... more
