When you want that perfect seam, use this tip from @silent.g.designs - “Form 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 😊” when it comes to soldering,... more
GIVEAWAY CLOSED 👊 CONRATS TO @KAYINEMMETALS - THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED 🙏🏻 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 - “I make tiny tweezers from steel paper clips to help me hold small things while soldering. I learned this from a teacher. 😊 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 - “a 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
I’m 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! I’ve been overwhelmed by the support this community has shown me by ordering shirts and thangs. It really... more
I’m so honored to share some of the works created in May for the #metalsmithchallenge the theme was ✨PRONG SETTING✨ I wanted to give special shoutouts to those who challenged themselves with prongs for the first time/minimal previous experience 👆🏻,... 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! 🙏🏻😘💕... 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
Here is a tip for setting square shapes, triangles or even hearts - go straight into the points (corners) first! Thank you @marcella.austenfeld for the image and I appreciate all of you that responded to my story about this! An overwhelming amount of... more
Binders are a perfect solution for sandpaper organization, thanks so much for sharing this @izaks_work 🙏🏻 keep sending me all of your organizational ideas 😃 you can DM me videos as well. I appreciate all of you so much! What an awesome little... more
When you want to go the extra mile to protect a stone during a soldering repair, use this method from @andreabjewelry -“I used a crucible to not get the paste all over my work surface. The crucible helped with the large stone being cradled. Then I... more
If you’d like less slippage, especially when working with cut off wheels and more "dangerous" attachments, less hand fatigue and general finger crampiness try this flexshaft modification from @isobel_and_aveline -“This is tennis racket grip tape, but... more
Today is all about GOLD FILL thank you @blueberryjewelry02 for imparting your wisdom of 15+ years working with this materiall! 🙏🏻 -“Gold filled is actually a layer of gold metal. It starts as a tube of gold and it's filled with another metal. Usually... more
Here is a fantastic way to sort different sized balls from @basicwitch_ -“When making little silver balls for granulation/accents, I sort them by size using Dixie cups. I just drill holes in the bottom of the cups using different size ball burs, then... more
If you want to check metal prices, find ring blank lengths, and see what size wire corresponds with what size drill bit (and a bunch of other helpful stuff) you can download the iMakeJewelry app for $3.99 it’s AMAZING created by... more
Here are two specialty pliers that are a game changer for prong settings from @sinead_cleary_jewelry - “Basically the tips are curved and have a groove in each side and that allows the prong to sit in the grooves. I gently squeeze the pliers to close... more
Here is a genius way to cut your bezel wire from @seaneckel.jewelry he wrapped 3m painters tape around the wires once he got a perfect fit around the stone, this supported the wires while he sawed through them for a nice clean cut! -“Had to do minimal... more
When you have a tiny stamp and you always forget which direction to face it 🧐, write yourself a reminder in sharpie! (No need to go as literal as I did 🤣)💡 Also I am still loving the tuffbreak film I got from my @benchtooljunkies box. It protects the... more
Here is another prong hack from @shop_kajsjewelry she solders an X with two wires, then she forms the arches around her piece. - “I find that that way I can adjust the prongs to the exact spot that I want them to “land” on the piece. Having a central... more
