Here is a sanding tip from @danacfear - “I have to sand a lot of flat surfaces so I use a 18x18” plexiglass board with 3M’s adhesive-backed micro finishing film from Rio Grande, item number 337707. On one side I have two sheets of 100 grit, one... more
Here is a setting tip from @marquisjewelryacademy - “When I'm setting a station necklace like this on a rotating vise (GRS Multi-purpose) the chain can get caught up below. I use a spare baggie to hold the chain clear of my Thermoloc ( @grstools ) and... more
Here is a template tip from @theelkandowl - “I would love to get an RT blanking die made for this ring but in the meantime, I have sawn out a bronze pattern in 20 gauge that I can easily trace. It’ll hold up far better than the index card pattern that... more
Here is a soldering tip from @tkiplinger - “When I’m soldering a jump ring onto a chain, I wrap the chain behind a third arm; the metal in the tweezer provides just enough of a heat sink to protect the chain from the flame. When I’m extra-worried that... more
I am keeping today’s #tooltalktuesday simple, let’s talk BOOKS please mention your favorite jewelry making book and a sentence about why in the comments. I can’t recommend Christine Dhein’s “Eco Jewelry Handbook” this practical guide for a healthy,... more
#societychat Today is Episode 7 of SOCIETY CHAT. This biweekly video series features my 15 minute (or more :) interviews with inspiring jewelers and teachers. Really excited to share my conversation with Susan Fauman of @susanfauman and here is her... more
#societychat Today is Episode 7 of SOCIETY CHAT. Susan made being a full-time jeweler a reality for herself! She is awesome! If you aren't familiar with Society Chat it is a new-ish series where I am asking inspiring people from our jewelry making... more
Here is a tip for setting super thick bezels sponsored by @turquoise_moose (and featuring one of their gorgeous turquoise bars) Once you have your setting created you will want to chamfer the edge. This is done by filing a 45 degree angle on the top... more
Do you sell your work? If you do, please read on. Have you formed an LLC? Do you have a business bank account? What about business insurance? Small jewelry businesses often slowly evolve from hobbies. We start selling our work to cover supplies and... more
Here is tip for identifying your different file cuts from @kkmetalwerk4640 - “I got tired of trying to locate the right file cut so bought some inexpensive nail polish to color code my files. 0 is red, 2 is blue, 4 is purple. I do have a few other... more
Here is a tip for trimming wires from @mimicha__fira - “When I need to cut or trim away small parts of metal with a shear, usually they just fly and gone somewhere on the floor or bench. So I reuse the ziplock plastic (that usually comes from ordering... more
Here is a tip to get a curved bezel to sit on a curved ring from @elementril_smithing_co - “I just measure the diameter of the outside of the ring, mark that size on my ring mandrel, then wrap some sand paper around the mark and sand the bottom of the... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I’m showing off the Busch® Clean-cut Cup Bur Set (Item # 121-1524) from our friends @gesswein.jewelry If you want to make your own earring wires these will quickly smooth the ends! This set accommodates wires 0.72mm -... more
Here is a storage solution for bezel wires from @metal.by.kate - “I thought I’d share how I sort all my bezel and wire. I only purchase in small amounts as smithing is just a hobby. I found this clear case full of smaller containers at Kmart here in... more
Here is a sawing tip from @seungwoosun - “When sawing, everyone will have experienced the saw blade breaking and the saw hitting the workpiece. This can mark up your metal, to prevent this I use Blue Tack on my safe frame knob. This quick, extra step... more
Here is a tip for production from @dirtynailsdesigns - “I print "recipe" cards out and write my how-to info and my materials list and dimensions onto it while I am creating. When the project is done, I take photos and use double stick tape to tape... more
Here is a tip for creating a stamping area in your studio from @Carolewiser - “I did not have access to a tree stump. I have a friend in the wood working shop who kindly made me 2 blocks to fit the height I needed to hammer on. This idea may be... more
