Jewelry Making

DIY Jewelry, Beads And Patterns

Bead Books Giveaway!

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Not only was Katie Hacker was kind enough to grant us an interview  and she also gave me two books for giveaways to a lucky CraftGossip reader.

If you’d like to win a copy of “The Need to Bead” and “Born to Bead” books, leave a comment here with why you feel “the need to bead” or why you think you were “born to bead”.  I’ll pick one lucky person at random on Jan 31st!

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Comments

  2. I need to bead because I cannot resist buying beads – they are like candy so i have loads of them. And when I see beads lying around I feel a great urge to make something of them – a need to bead!

  3. I have never worked with beads before but I am interested in learning new crafts and would love to learn more about beading after seeing all the beautiful creation on different craft sites.

  4. I feel the need to bead because that is my way to express my creativity and to show my interpretation of beauty. I love creating beaded jewelry for my self because it makes me happy and helps me relax and take my mind off of things. I also feel the need to bead and give people gifts of beaded jewelry to see them smile and see them wear some jewelry that makes them feel happy and beautiful.

  7. I don’t like my hands to be idle – and do a lot of machine sewing and rubber stamping -neither of which are very portable.

    I find beading to be portable, and show-offable, so I can brag on my mad beading skills – quilts are harder to show off at the office, and you can only stamp so many cards to display on your desk.

  9. I’m not sure if my comment went through ok…I was having problems with my Internet connection, but anyway…I feel the need to bead because that is my way to express my creativity and to show my interpretation of beauty. I love creating beaded jewelry for my self because it makes me happy and helps me relax and take my mind off of things. I also feel the need to bead and give people gifts of beaded jewelry to see them smile and see them wear some jewelry that makes them feel happy and beautiful.

  10. Clearly not “born to bead”–I still chafe at picking up a needle. The “need to bead” has come out of a desire to express myself through the visual arts and a personal love of bling.

  11. i’ve always loved to adorn myself with pretty babbules so i would love to learn how to make my own to flaunt

  12. i need to bead because i did a lot of it in my younger days and really miss it thanks for the giveaway

  14. I have a tutor form high school I would love to win these for. SHe send me a nice beaded gift for Christmas

  15. I love beading – it has been my new “relaxation hobby” and a great way to stimulate the creative juices!

  21. I would like to have a craft to do with my teenage SD.

    Thanks for the giveaway.
    kimspam66(at)yahoo(dot)com

  23. I feel the need to bead so I have an outlet to release my inner artist 🙂 I love the all the beautiful things that beads can make. *Thanks* for the giveaway!

  26. I love to do bead work!
    I just started beading recently and I just can’t stop! lol!
    Its like its an obsession or something!
    As I bead my project it starts taking a life all its own.
    And Iam always amazed at the beautiful end results!
    This new hobby of mine blows my mind as I finally realize…..”Hey! Iam an artist too!”

  28. I need to bead, because I saw my mother-in-laws beaded Christmas Ornaments and Angels and fell in love with this artistic endeavor. She told me she fell in love with beads from seeing beautiful necklaces and braclets her daughter had beaded.

  29. I would love to win one of these books! They would help with inspiration. I bead so that I can get the images out of my mind to a format that I can show to other people.

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Soldering Tips For 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

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Torch Talk

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