Here is a tip for when you want to create multiples of a shape from @blueberryjewelry02 - “I made a jig to help me shape my hoop earrings. To make This I used small brass nails, you can also use tubes to make different sizes or just thicker nails.”... more
Here is a terrific method for making balls the same size from @jewelryinstructor - “When you have to make a bunch of identically-sized silver balls, the easiest method is to start out with the same size wire pieces. I superglued washers together at... more
Here is a tip to protect your piece while bezel setting from @brackendesigns - “I use my vinyl shape template to protect my pendant during stone setting.” We’ve shared a few methods for protecting your piece from a slip, I love this idea if your stone... more
This week’s #metalsmithsocietyminiseries post is a bit subjective. I wanted to share some of my favorite abrasives, polishers and bits that I use regularly in my studio. Many of them we have discussed on the page before! I also welcome everyone to... more
Here is a solid method of applying patina from @thebenchmarkcollection - “After matting the background of my plates evenly, I use a metal-free watercolor brush (a tip I picked up from the community) filled with Vigor to oxidize the recessed areas as... more
Here are some fabulous tips for successful sawing from @cabrinachanningsilverworks - “First remember to breathe slowly and deeply and sit up straight. . It’s very important to hold your saw with a loose grip, you should be able to wiggle your fingers... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I wanted to (finally) chat about magnetic tumblers 😄🔥 I often get asked about them and I thought it would be a great topic to discuss! There are many options on the market, but I wanted to show the Arbe KMT-15V... more
Here is a fantastic plier modification from @refraction_manufacturing - “These stumpy pliers are absolutely unreal for holding pieces. Because they’re short the force of the hold is in a very small space so they work better than parallel pliers.... more
Here are some #diy texturing tools shared by @kellylimbergjewelry - “Who needs fancy stamping tools when you can use old screwdrivers and worn out polisher mandrels?! 😆 This is how I make all my starburst details on the backs of pieces. ✨⚒🔥” For those... more
Here is a simple safety tip I picked up while taking a class at @metalwerxstudio if your anvil is placed anywhere it can be walked into place a tennis ball on the tip! This a great one for those of you who have workshops! 🔥 Thanks again for having me... more
For this week’s #metalsmithsocietyminiseries post I wanted to discuss my @foredomelectric micromotors! I have the K1030 Portable Micromotor and the K1070 Plug In. I will discuss the differences between these two units but first I want to describe the... more
Here is a tip to keep your bezel settings and stones organized from @indigenousjewels - “This week I made a bunch of settings for stones I'm planning to use soon, but to keep them all safe and organized I just took a piece of cardboard, added some... more
Here is a technique for when you want to solder near fragile item like shells from @sassylemonade - “I’ve been asked a few times about how do I save the shell from getting burnt? I use Vigor Heat Shield, you form it all around the shell. It does get... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I wanted to show off a tool that has helped me tremendously in my smaller work space - my Vertical Bench Vise from @ottofrei1930 This heavy duty vise holds my ring mandrels, dapping tools, and other stakes securely... more
In the month of June the theme of the challenge was Cold Connections! Thank you to everyone who submitted a piece!
This month our community grew to 85K followers! 🥳❤️ The support and love that I get from this group everyday AMAZES me. I know I say this all the time, but this page would be nothing if you all didn’t show up everyday to exchange ideas, ask questions... more
Here is an awesome technique for keeping your stone in place when starting to hammer set from @buffalocraftco - “Using bee’s wax to hold your stone in place while setting is great when there are prongs everywhere and tape just won’t work. My wax is... more
Here is a tip for those of us who forget to turn off the pickle pot 🙋♀️🤦♀️ from @wiredlotus - “I have this tip for a reminder to turn off the pickle pot. I use a power surge protector cord with a switch. I plug in the pickle pot and the light into... more
For this week’s #metalsmithsocietyminiseries post I wanted to talk about setting up and maintaining your Foredom SR. Here is the good news: when you purchase a new one all you need to do is take it out of the box! Simply hang your motor, plug in the... more
Here is a sanding tip from @lucywalkerjewellery - “One of my favourite tips for cleaning up the inside of piercing work. Mount a thin strip of 3M micro-finishing film from @riogrande (item number 337315) in your saw frame and get to work taking your... more
