Here is another sandpaper storage solution from @Doris.in.the.hamptons (I canโt get enough ๐) she uses this gorgeous magazine holder from @ikeausa ๐คฏ I love the idea of just walking over to it, and grabbing what I need versus searching through my... more
If you use liquid flux here is a tip from @izao - โI use fluoron powder that I mix with water. It becomes very liquid (like water) so to apply it on the jewelry I use a syringe and needle. It makes the application of the flux more precise!โ Thanks so... more
This is a essential tool every jeweler can make for themselves. Sanding sticks! ๐ I purchased a square dowel from the hardware store but Iโve also seen people use wooden sticks of all types (tell me about yours in the comments ๐) cut the sand paper... more
If you are forming round bezels often, use this tip from @refraction_manufacturing - invest in concave and round forming pliers, they are a game changer! โFirst I bend up the ends of the bezel and then I bend the center so it does not warp out of... more
When Iโm soldering a clasp onto a chain, I protect the clasp with heat shield. It helps prevent the small elements of the machine made clasp from melting. This heat shield is also great for preventing chain from melting or accidentally getting... more
Here is an anti-rust recommendation from @dangbravegirl โI own hundreds of metal stamps in addition to the rest of my tools & Froglube saved me. For almost 2 years now! It's an all natural paste, USDA cert., non toxic, non hazardous & made to dissolve... more
I love this solution for holding a split shank ring in place while soldering from @meritmade - She used a split mandrel and binding wire! The split mandrel ensured her two rings were an equal distance apart. As jewelers we always have to be quick to... more
Last week in my stories we discussed what you can do to help combat/prevent/minimize tarnish on silver pieces when they are sitting out on display in boutiques. Thank you to each of you who reached out, (I got over 50 messages) I appreciate you all... more
Here is a #diy wax carving tool shared by @argenta.shop - โCut the tip of a sewing needle and put it in a mechanical pencil to create a wax carving tool, perfect for details! The tip can be modified and you can also use a sewing machine needle which... more
If your bezel has a cutout on the back and you are using Jett set or something similar to hold it, it's hard to keep the plastic from oozing up into your bezel cup and raising your stone higher than it should be. Here is an awesome tip from @elleyo... more
When you need to file two identical pieces (like these cufflinks ๐) use this tip from @frk.stokholm and super glue them together ๐คฏ gently heat them up to remove the glue (in a well ventilated area of course๐) love this one! Thanks for sharing! If this... more
When you want that perfect seam, use this tip from @silent.g.designs - โForm the ring band, file the ends as best you can, line them up and then saw right through the seam. Repeat as necessary to get a nice, tight seam ๐โ when it comes to soldering,... more
GIVEAWAY CLOSED ๐ CONRATS TO @KAYINEMMETALS - THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED ๐๐ป If you want to counteract the constant gripping, squeezing and constriction in your hands from doing hours of bench work here is a tool to build strength and... more
These #DIY paper clip tweezers are AMAZING from @irenezaerajoyas - โI make tiny tweezers from steel paper clips to help me hold small things while soldering. I learned this from a teacher. ๐ Super easy! To make just anneal them, hammer the tips... more
Here is another way to keep your tools from rusting! Save these pouches and throw them in your drawers and containers to help prevent rust. Thank you @heatheroleari & @jo.dornbusch (and shoutouts to @rungypsy and anyone else I might have missed who... more
If humidity is rusting your tools @janaprancejewelry has a solution for you - โa piece of equipment that has literally changed my life in the studio is getting my dehumidifier. My studio is separate from our house in a repurposed tool shed and I had... more
Iโm going to start a new tradition and post some pics on the first of the month of members of our community in their Metalsmith Society gear! Iโve been overwhelmed by the support this community has shown me by ordering shirts and thangs. It really... more
Iโm so honored to share some of the works created in May for the #metalsmithchallenge the theme was โจPRONG SETTINGโจ I wanted to give special shoutouts to those who challenged themselves with prongs for the first time/minimal previous experience ๐๐ป,... more
When you want to make perfect, large balls that are flat on the bottom - take your melted ball and place it inside your dapping block and hammer! If there is a little edge you can file it off! Thank you @lm6d for sending this awesome technique! ๐๐ป๐๐... more
If you want to create a gorgeous and functional surface to solder your work on steal this idea from @silvergreenjewellery she used four patchwork tiles (in this case a single patchwork tile consists of nine tiles that come grouted together) to cover... more
