Celebration of Craftswomen Arts Fair and Jewelry Artist Lisa Toland

Last weekend I attended the Celebration of Craftswomen show here in San Francisco. It has 300 Vendors over 2 weekends (150 vendors per weekend). There is an amazing amount of talent at this show. I wanted to go both weekends, but since I was getting ready to vend at the KPFA show this past weekend I could only go to one.

There were a number of great jewelry artists the weekend I went. I talked to Carter Seibels of Divali Glass Jewelry-but was so busy chatting I forgot to ask for a photo! She had the most vibrant jewelry booth there too. You can see how pretty her booth is here on her blog.

Sadly, some did not want photos taken of their booth space so I don’t have alot of pics to show. In a few of the jewelry booths, the artist was out-either taking a break or perhaps getting some food. I didn’t feel it was right to snap a photo without permission. I REALLY loved the jewelry of this artist Shadowbox Art, but she wasn’t at her booth when I walked by. I love this Protection pin in particular!

But one artist who was lovely and did let me take a photo was Lisa Toland.

She makes GORGEOUS bead crocheted wire jewelry and bags. Very vintage Hollywood Glamour. Based out of LA, Lisa hand crochets everything herself. Everything is absolutely gorgeous and so amazing in person. You can’t help but want to take it all home! She has a website and sells at various art shows and boutiques around the country. Please contact her if you’d like to find out where she is sold in your area.

This weekend was the KPFA Craft & Music Fair that I exhibited at. Because I was working, I didn’t get to take any photos, but will do a writeup on who I got to talk to there in a few days.

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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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