Bead Society of Northern California Bead Bazaar

Since I am constantly saying “I have no beads to work with” I went over to Oakland today to shop at the annual Bead Society of Northern California‘s beadshow called “Bead Bazaar“.

The “Bead Bazaar” seemed a bit smaller than in the past, but it’s always a good place to buy and today was no exception. I didn’t buy a ton but got some goodies to play with and talk to some people.
From the top: African recycled record beads & chunky coral from my friend Carter at Bead Trust, yummy black tourmaline crystals, fat baroque pearl (a splurge! but I can’t find the receipt to see who the seller is), a few strands of mixed dark pearls, aquamarine nuggets, creamy freshwater pearls, amazonite beads and vintage glass all from Juliets Beads, and last but certainly not least is the colorful bunch of vintage Lucite from Baubles & Beads.

All that lovely Lucite is for a project I am working on and I was THRILLED to find so much at one booth. I hadn’t been to their store in Berkeley, but needless to say I’ll be riding Bart across the bay alot more frequently now!

I also got to chat with Gail Crosman-Moore and see her new stuff. I wanted to find my solid colored beads then shop for myself, so I MEANT to get back and buy from her. But as luck would have it, I got busy talking with others, got super hungry and had to to find a place to eat and then didn’t make it back into the show. I am kicking myself!!! She had some crazy cool metal pieces and beadcaps I was oogling. I didn’t get to buy anything from Greengirl Studios either because the crowd was so big I couldn’t get close enough to look at anything. Thank God, these wonderful bead enablers are all online!

I got this lovely ring as a “party favor” from Miss Chili at Pico & Salsa. They sell alot of beaded jewelry pieces at affordable prices. I’m in love with the coral necklaces they have. I’m going to make it look even more amazing with a huge pendant attached!

There were so many wonderful artisan beadmakers there as well including Grace Lampwork Beads, Jileys, Wild Woods Art Glass, Gail Splavera and many others. The show is one day only, but sign up for the Bead Society newsletter so you don’t miss out next year!

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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

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