Some excellent wax carving tips from @makihandmadeart - “I always found small wax models difficult to pick up and hold without breaking them. So I came up with the idea of sticking the model on a brass disc - I just used superglue to attach it. This... more
Here is a soldering tip from @maggiethebear - Here’s a trick for picking up and placing chips of solder. I like to use a tiny paint brush that’s damp with water to position pieces of solder in hard to reach areas. The paintbrush applies the chips... more
Here is a brilliant organizing tip for all those flex shaft bits from @ritualremains - "Small parts organizers like these are your biggest friend to find what you need fast. Jewelry making has an infinite amount of small parts that need to be... more
Comment “custom stamp” to get a link sent straight to your DM! Have you been looking for a custom stamp with your logo on it? Or maybe a custom design element to set your work apart? You can find these awesome stamps at @impressart They are also... more
I want to hear from you!!! Introduce yourself, or tell me what your favorite tip has been..or what you’d like to see in the future! Which tool do you want to see more of? Visit tips.metalsmithsociety.com to search for tips we have shared.
Here is a wax carving tip from @madneeco - scratch lines in your wax so you can file symmetrically! Really cool to watch this video and see the wax reach it’s final shape 😍 #waxcarving #lostwaxcarving
Tips for adding decorative wire around a bezel that I put together awhile back featuring a gorgeous stone from @turquoise_moose they have been huge supporters of Metalsmith Society and they are even giving away a bundle of stones worth $400 to one of... more
How to curve the bottom of a bezel to fit a ring from @martindenoch shared many years ago but still a question I’m frequently asked - “You can use your doming punch for other things that intended!” Love this technique! By creating a bezel that is a... more
Here is a soldering tip shared back in 2018 from @kkbmetalstudio - “Use copper pennies (prior to 1982) when you need to hold things in place or as a lift, while soldering! I keep a stack of them around and pickle them when they get gross!” Love this!!... more
Amazing hinge tip from @elmharris shared back in 2018 - “I use graphite pencil leads to keep the hinge knuckles in place and to keep the inside of the knuckles “dirty” so solder doesn’t flow inside. I also paint a little rouge or white out (the green... more
Here is a patina tip from @thenomadicpine - ““Patina is one of my favourite ways to make my landscapes come to life. It’s great for adding depth, accents, and making elements like twisted wire pop! I use Jax Silver Blackener and a fine-tip... more
Here is a rust tip from @fifthelementjewelry - “Ever hear the rumors about Coca Cola‘s ability to remove rust and think to yourself, “there is no way - that stuff goes into my body!” Think again! First try was a great success. I put the file in the... more
Here is a tip to keep shots out of your hollow forms from @silversmith_classes_vernonbc - “Safety Pins! One way to keep your shot out of your hollow form pieces....use as many as you need!” This east step will save you time and heartache! Thanks... more
This is an oldie but a goodie from @marionwild sent years ago but we have lots of new community members so it is new to them! - “I use binder clips on the ends of cross locking tweezers for help with soldering things in place. I prefer this over the... more
Here is a popular border tip shared from @thesilverschmidt @saltcitysmithery - “To get a perfectly consistent width on a border around a bezel I keep wire scraps of different gauges at my bench to use as a guide to trace around the bezel. Place the... more
Comment “template” to get this tool sent to your DM. This steel circle template created by @lionpunchforge @marquisjewelryacademy is a fantastic addition to my toolbox. When I want to divide a ring for flushset stones, or engraving or balancing a... more
Anyone else forget?!? This tip is for all the polishing bits and for the folks in our community like myself that sometimes forget which is which 🤦♀️🙋♀️ if my polishing bits come with a chart I tape it either at my bench where I can see it or where I... more
Here is an annealing tip from @metalsmithsinflorence - “This demo is with 18k yellow gold. When you have wire or a long strip of sheet to anneal, you can make more efficient use of the heat from your torch. With a bushy flame, angle your torch at a... more
We’ve heard this before… “If Instagram was gone tomorrow…would you be able to get in touch with your community?” If you LOVE the tips, want to know about my exclusive promos with online jewelry classes, tool companies and gemstone suppliers, join my... more
This video is in response to some questions I’ve received about removing a piece from Thermoloc-Loc. As someone who in the past used boiling water and also a microwave the craft heat gun is by far the best, quickest way. Many years ago... more
