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
Here is a technique for cutting a seat when stone setting from @noctuajewellery -“If you don’t have a flex shaft pendant motor with a low speed and you’re trying to make seats for settings I find they can get too big or deep too quickly. I use a... more
I was overwhelmed (in the best possible way) by the amount of participants in the August #metalsmithchallenge I wish I could share every single piece - but you can see them by clicking on the hashtag 💕🙏🏻 the spirit of the challenge is to go outside... more
On the first of every month I take great joy in sharing members of our community representing in their Society paraphernalia 😁 I’m stoked every time an order is placed and so grateful for all of your support. Excited for the day I run into someone and... more
Here is a two in one tip from @silent.g.designs use one of these awesome storage clipboards to stash your sandpaper and you can also clip the sandpaper while you are sanding and the board will provide a nice flat surface. Thank you for sharing this!!... more
Here is a #diy leather catch-all from @loupeandpeg - “Measure your semicircle/points from which you will hang the catcher and get a skin that is at least 2.5x the surface area. Here are my measurements: Semicircle 30x55cm Leather 57x75cm. I used... more
If you can see light, it isn’t right 😂 an easy way to check your seam prior to soldering is to hold your piece up to a light. In the first image I could see that I needed to sand my piece and/or my bezel, in the second image I checked again and I can... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday we are discussing why you need parallel pliers in your life. Thank you @moonlightmileartisan for sharing yours -“They help to straighten things when they are bent or curled up. As with many tools you should run a super... more
When you are running a tumbler (like this Lortone given to me by @seattlefindings ) that doesn’t have an on and off switch, use this tip mentioned both by @beccatron5000 and @sweetbellajewelry on a previous post (the one about “hand tumbling from... more
In case you don’t have a miter jig and you need something to hold your piece while you file flat use this tip from @sterling_perch - “A ring clamp makes for a great mitre jig in a pinch.” This would also be a great tool for holding small things while... more
Here is a tip to protect your fingers while holding something small from @argentumvapor - Create a little holder out of 3M tape! I’ve seen others use this on a larger scale as well, and I think it’s a terrific method! Thanks for letting me share Tim!... more
