// BLOG
Tools for Soldering Silver Video
August 31, 2010
Want to learn how to solder silver into jewelry but not sure where to start? Check out these inexpensive tools I’ve found to solder my sterling silver wire into jewelry pieces.
I’ve discovered a unique method to solder simply, fast, and inexpensive! You can do it too! It’s so simple, not to mention fairly cheap to get started… which is always wonderful!
I started soldering just a few short months ago, and I’m loving every minute of it! I can create so much more with this method. For more info and to find out where I purchased my tools, sign up for my FREE newsletter at the right of your screen.
New Cabochon Necklace: A Walk in the Clouds
July 14, 2010
I want to show off one of my newest creations that finally came to life yesterday evening!
For now I’m calling this beauty, A Walk in the Clouds! (by the way a great movie if you’ve never seen it…)
Using a Mexican Laguna Lace Agate and Sterling Silver…
I wanted to make sure the backing allowed for light to shine through as this rock is just as lovely as can be on both sides… I couldn’t bear to hide that beauty!
Here are a few pics of my process… looks a little ugly at the beginning… but I think turns into a lovely piece by the end!
The first bezel setting I tried failed miserably (setting on the left in this pic above)
SO I got a second chance at a re-do… turned out much better and I learned a few valuable lessons with this oopsie…
Just freshly soldered and ready for “pickling”… the term for removing the cubric-oxides and imperfections that surface during the heating process…
Almost went with a “3 chain” bundle look above.. but quickly decided that didn’t have the character I was hoping for…
Piecing the chain together… too many options to choose from…
AH! Finally all pieces soldered and the stone set … final touches polished up! Ready for show!
More stone necklaces to come out soon! I’m getting ready to jump into another piece today! Can’t wait!
You can check out more of my jewelry available for purchase in my online store janewearjewelry.etsy.com!
Thanks for looking!
~Laura
Soldering Sterling Silver
June 28, 2010
While waiting on our new little bundle to arrive …we’re anxiously hoping it’s any day now… I spent this last weekend teaching myself how to solder!
(Soldering is fusing metals together using various alloys applied to the joint between the metal objects to unite them without heating the objects to the melting point.)
While that seems like one of the first skills a jewelry artist should pick up, I’m a little behind the times I suppose, but I think I’m finally getting the swing of it!
(You can find some great soldering tips on YouTube! I’ve found YoutTube users, “CoolToolsVideos” and “artjewelrymag” to be extremely helpful.)
I spent most of this last Saturday and Sunday with my new little pencil torch in hand (thank you Walmart, $18) and went through a lot of sterling silver wire experimenting on what I can and can’t do.
I have to say, I think soldering is now my new obsession! I’ve discovered many new techniques that I just wasn’t able to accomplish without a torch. Below are some pics of what came out of my torch-crazy weekend…
Though they each took me quite a bit of time to get to looking wearable, I’m hoping now that I’ve learned some new tricks, I’ll be able to create them a lot faster the next go around.
I even had some dreams last night about soldering some new pieces, so I can tell it’s definitely becoming a new craze with me!
I’m even posting a sneak peek into my sketch book from this weekend, which I normally don’t share with anyone!
Hope you’re all having a beautiful day! And good luck soldering if you’re getting ready to dive into it! It’s a whole lot of fun and will definitely be worth your time!
~Laura
New Stone Cabochons!
June 21, 2010
I’m getting ready to set some pieces from my wonderful new collection of stone cabochons in silver! I ordered these 5 stones from a wonderful lapidary artist, Larry from Utah, a few weeks ago. Lapidary artists, lapidists, or lapidarists, are wonderful folks who work with precious stones and perfect the art and techniques of cutting, polishing, and engraving them. I stumbled upon Larry’s work by accident, and I’m so happy I did! He hunts down his own stones, and then cuts and polishes them in his personal studio.
The stones I chose are a Mexican Luna Agate, Argentinian Rhodochrosite, Utah Silver Flash Opal, Mexican Luna Lace Agate, and a Canadian Labradorite. I have had to wait until I could get my hands on just the right supplies to get these stones set, but now I think I’m ready to get cracking on these lovelies! I can’t wait to see what they turn out like!
I’ll be posting pictures (and list them for sale in my shop, janewearjewelry.etsy.com) of my finished pieces as soon as I can get them completed!
Hope you’re having a lovely day!
~Laura
My Fingerprint Jewelry Included in an Etsy Admin’s Personal Blog!
June 7, 2010
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My Custom Fingerprint Heart with Birthstone Necklace has just been featured on Etsy Admin, Mary Andrews’ Blog, contrary-garden.blogspot.com! Check out her wonderful words and encouragement by clicking here!
Mary is from Brooklyn NY and works for Etsy in the Merchandizing Team, writing articles for Etsy’s blog and often in Etsy forums assisting other sellers and buyers find answers to their questions! You can find Mary Anderson on Etsy under the name “marymary”or shop her wonderful store contrary.etsy.com.
This week in Mary’s blog, she so generously included me with other wonderful fingerprint artists as, “an exclusive selection of jewelry designers working to preserve your own (or a loved one’s) true fingerprint permanently in precious metals including silver, gold, and platinum. These one-of-a-kind pieces are truly something unique that is sure to leave your stamp in time for generations to come.”
Thank you for your kind words and encouragement, Mary! We’ll keep in touch and keep an eye out on your Etsy store as well!
Hope you’re all having a wonderful day!
~Laura Jane