Put a fork in it…

Once again, Craft Gossip’s Fork & Talk Blogger Meetup sponsored by EK Success is done. Imagine 24 crafty women gathered to share ideas, network, and try some of the fabulous products from the EK Success line up over a wonderful lunch at Trios in Little Rock. What a great day we had last Saturday!

Needlework Editor Denise Felton chats with Janna Jennings, Sarah Bird-Bogner, Kimberly Eagle, and Codie Pope during registration before the event kick off.

Denise called these envelopes from the beautiful K & Company papers a way to recover from a craft fail. I think they are gorgeous enough to warrant their original name – origami business card holders. We stuffed them with a set of business cards from each participant.

Each participant introduced themselves, their blog, and shared their crafty interests. Wendy Gregan tells about the focus of her blog Amelie Eyes.

Trios made us feel very welcome. Julia brought us each a delicious lunch and was the judge for our editor makeover contest.

After lunch, the crafting began with teams giving each editor a makeover. Here Janna Jennings and Julie Kohl are transforming Sewing Editor Anne Weaver.

Angela Crook shows the winning makeover her team gave to Quilting Editor Scarlett Burroughs.

Of course the highlight of the event was the swag bags brimming with products from EK Success including Dimensions Crafts, Laliberi, Martha Stewart Crafts, Inkadinkado, Jolee’s, and American Girl Crafts to name a few. Andi Berry looks at her new clear Inkadinkado stamps.

Leslie Andersen shows off her new paper pad from K & Company.

Paige Condray looks at this versatile flower clip from Laliberi.

Holly Young smiles as she begins to explore her swag bag.

Thanks so much EK Success for the opportunity to meet again with old friends and new, a delectable lunch and all the great swag! You can see more photos from Craft Gossip’s Spring 2012 Fork & Talk Blogger Meetup sponsored by EK Success at Flickr.

I’ll leave you with a close up look at my fork and spoon creature crafted just for our event and links to the other editors’ perspective of the day. Check back soon – there will be a giveaway related to the event!

Sewing Editor Anne Weaver

Needlework Editor Denise Felton

Quilting Editor Scarlett Burroughs

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20 Ways To Use Scrabble Tiles In Jewelry Making

In the dimly lit corner of my small jewelry studio, the silver soldering torch hisses to life. The familiar scent of metal and flux fills the air. As a jewelry maker, I’ve always found a certain magic in the process of soldering. It’s the moment when separate pieces of metal, like puzzle pieces, come together to create a beautiful whole. Over the years, I’ve gathered my fair share of tips and tricks that have made this art form more of a delight than a chore. Here, I’ll share some of those secrets to help you master the art of soldering in your jewelry making journey.

1. Set the Stage for Success
Before diving into soldering, ensure that your workspace is well-organized and clutter-free. You need a clear and clean surface to focus on your work. Make sure you have all your tools and materials within easy reach. An organized workspace not only boosts efficiency but also minimizes the chances of accidents.

2. Fire Up the Torch with Confidence
The torch is often the heart of soldering, and it can be intimidating for beginners. When I was starting, I remember feeling nervous about lighting the torch. But here’s a tip: practice lighting and adjusting the flame without your jewelry piece. Get comfortable with the torch, and you’ll gain more control.

3. Understand the Three S’s: Surface, Solder, and Sweat
Surface preparation is key. Clean the metal surfaces you plan to solder meticulously. Use a brush or abrasive paper to remove any oxides or contaminants. Then, apply flux. It’s like a magical potion that prevents oxidation and helps the solder flow.

The solder itself comes in various forms: sheets, wire, and paste. Choose the type that suits your project best. For small, delicate joints, I prefer solder wire, as it’s easier to position accurately.

As for the ‘sweat,’ it’s the term for the moment when the metal reaches the right temperature, and the solder flows like liquid silver. It’s crucial to wait for this moment, rather than forcing the solder to melt. This requires patience and practice.

4. Master the Art of Heat Control
Controlling the heat is a skill that comes with time. It’s essential to understand that different parts of your jewelry piece may require varying levels of heat. Larger pieces need more heat, while smaller or delicate areas need a gentle touch. Don’t rush this process; take your time to heat evenly.

5. Use Third-Hand Tools and Binding Wire
These trusty sidekicks are indispensable for securing your jewelry pieces during soldering. The third-hand tool can hold your workpiece in place, leaving your hands free to manipulate the torch and solder. Binding wire is your invisible assistant, helping to align and support delicate elements during soldering.

6. Post-Soldering Care
Once your soldering is complete, it’s crucial to quench your jewelry piece in a pickling solution. This removes any remaining flux and oxides, leaving you with a clean, shiny piece. After pickling, give your creation a good scrub with a brass brush for that extra shine.

7. Practice Makes Perfect
Like any art, soldering takes time to master. It’s not uncommon to experience frustration in the beginning, but remember that practice is your best friend. Take on small projects, perfect your technique, and gradually work your way up to more complex designs.

Soldering is more than just a technical skill; it’s an art form that bridges the gap between separate elements and transforms them into a unified whole. My journey as a jewelry maker has been a series of sparks, flames, and, yes, occasional mishaps, but each experience has added to my skill and passion.

Solder Like a Pro with these great tips

Bezel Set Ring Tutorial

Torch Talk

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