Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Bead and Button Show Again?
I can't believe it's that time of year again. Time to pack up and get ready for the Bead and Button show! This is an event I look forward to attending all year long. I am very fortunate that I am able to participate in this event. There are so many things that make this such an exciting opportunity. Here are a few highlights:
- Spending time with my jewelry making friend from CA.
- Meeting some amazing and talented artists.
- Learning new jewelry making techniques.
- Making new jewelry that I get to keep for myself!
- Shopping at the bead show!!!
- Getting inspired.
Folks from all over the world gather together to attend the Bead and Button show. It's such a thrill to meet other people who are also passionate about jewelry design. Bead and Button, here I come!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Copper Ball Head Pins
I DID IT! Finally. So I've tried and tried to make my copper ball head pins with no success. Making them in fine sterling silver was so easy! So I thought...why is it so hard to make them in copper?
It's actually quite difficult if you don't know how to do it right! So what's the trick you ask? Here are the simple, easy steps to follow to make your very own copper ball head pins:
1. Hold the copper wire at the very end with a pair of wooden handled metal tweezers.
2. Using a butane torch, turn up the flame as high as it will go.
3. Using a kiln brick, hold the copper wire (with the tweezers) just 1/2 inch above.
4. Center the end of the wire in the flame, just in front of the blue cone of fire.
5. Viola, a ball will form at the end of the wire!
The trick is using the kiln brick to help keep the heat centered on the end of the wire which helps to form the ball on the end. I've made copper ball head pins in 20 gauge and 18 gauge wire with ease following these steps.
It's actually quite difficult if you don't know how to do it right! So what's the trick you ask? Here are the simple, easy steps to follow to make your very own copper ball head pins:
1. Hold the copper wire at the very end with a pair of wooden handled metal tweezers.
2. Using a butane torch, turn up the flame as high as it will go.
3. Using a kiln brick, hold the copper wire (with the tweezers) just 1/2 inch above.
4. Center the end of the wire in the flame, just in front of the blue cone of fire.
5. Viola, a ball will form at the end of the wire!
The trick is using the kiln brick to help keep the heat centered on the end of the wire which helps to form the ball on the end. I've made copper ball head pins in 20 gauge and 18 gauge wire with ease following these steps.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Ring in the New Year!
After taking two weeks off, I'm back in the studio filling an order for my wire wrapped rings. But alas, something is amiss! For some strange reason, I tend to struggle with getting my jewelry making groove on following any sort of leave from the studio. I know how to make jewelry, I am confident with my jewelry making ability yet my hands, fingers and brain are not in sync right now. SHAKE IT OFF already!
It really does feel good to be back at it. I just need to find my oil can so I can loosen up my rusty joints!
It really does feel good to be back at it. I just need to find my oil can so I can loosen up my rusty joints!
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