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
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
GOLD Fingerprint Jewelry Exploration
May 29, 2010
Check out my latest addition to the fingerprint collection … a 22 karat solid gold custom fingerprint charm! It was a blast (and a challenge) learning the change of working with gold instead of silver for this project! But I’m so glad that I reached out to try something new. I’m not really a gold wearer, but I have had so many requests for gold pieces that I thought I’d finally give in and give it a whirl!
Next on the project list… adding unique stone cabochons for a splash of color into my silver! So much to learn! I can’t wait to try more experiments and see what lovelies come out! I’ve ordered a few new cabs that I’ll post soon… maybe you can help me decide how to set them!
I have several craft shows/fairs I’m contemplating for 2010 Summer/Fall… but with a tiny little one on the way in just a few short weeks, I’m not quite sure how much I want to stretch myself just yet. I will be listing the shows that I do choose after our little bundle arrives soon! Wish me luck! (And a lot of sleep!)
Mother’s Day Orders
May 4, 2010
I’m working frantically this week on getting all my orders done in time to go out for Mother’s Day!! I feel so blessed that these last few weeks have been absolutely wonderful in my online store!
This is a pic of one of my orders for 9 fine silver fingerprint charms! These took forever it seemed, but it was so worth it! Only about 30 more orders to finish in the next few short days! (Yikes!)
I am so thankful for these last few weeks’ successes! I honestly can’t figure out where it all came from, or how people have been finding my shop, but I am so so grateful!
Can’t wait to see what the next few weeks brings us!
Just a little insight into my next feat of exploration… I’ve had an order for a solid gold print this week, so I plan to post on how that process goes very soon! For those of you who have been asking for more gold items… stay on the lookout!
Hope you’re having a beautiful day!
Laura
Color Cabochons in Silver Jewelry
April 19, 2010
Adding splashes of color into my silver these next few weeks! I’m loving these cabochons and the character they bring to my recent pieces! More pieces available at janewearjewelry.etsy.com
What are you’re thoughts? Like the color or prefer the plain silver?
Personalized Christmas Gifts!
November 25, 2009
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Give a wonderfully unique gift to your loved-ones at Christmas this year: The Fine Silver Fingerprint Necklace! I am featuring the Fingerprint Necklace this month… Order yours before December 5th to make sure you can get it just in time for giving! |
