Jewelry Making

DIY Jewelry, Beads And Patterns

Eclectica Giveaway

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Eclecticism: the borrowing of a variety of styles from different sources and combining them.
ECLECTICA is here to show the love for variety of styles and present an eclectic collection of fashion items. Therefore, each collection might have major differences and will not stick to just one certain kind of style.
As the owner of the label, Tara Amelz has been a fan of various kinds of style.
Through ECLECTICA, she wishes for each items from the collections to find its way to the hands of people who discover a part of themselves in it.
Check out the website and brows the store for all the latest offerings.

WIN WIN WIN

Her pieces have been featured in various magazines including ELLE and she is giving 1 of our lucky readers the chance to win one of her tulle designs as featured here. For your chance to win simple leave a comment on this post and tell us what your favorite accessory is.

Competition Open Worldwide

Competition Closes – September 1st

Next Idea:

Comments

  5. Hi, Your necklace is fabulous!
    I enjoy wearing earrings and necklaces
    according to my whim and outfits.
    Many thanks, Cindi

  6. I heart statement neckies so much.
    since they always make simple clothes becoming outstanding. And somehow, they give sort of personal touch to each person who wear them.
    actually, im thinking to order one of eclectica necklace.im so lucky then knowing this giveaway competition *grin ;P*
    the give away is one of my fave. I think the design is smart, combining ‘playful’ material (the wrinkle thingy) with golden chain. you can wear it to both casual and official occasion. Thanks to maroon color, it empowers the elegance sense. it’s such a great dualism ;D

  7. My favorite acessory would have to be headbands-all different kinds, embellished or not, color for all ocassions!

  13. I love to accessorize and anything works for me: headbands, bracelets, rings…. I’m not fussy =)

  15. I am a headband and necklace junkie, and I love them big and bold! Eclectica has so many amazing pieces – I love the tulle necklaces and the beautiful grey lace and black vintage button necklace in their sold section.

  17. My favorite accessory?? A punky pink plastic ring with a violin inside that I got from a friend who went to Japan!

  19. My favourite accessory is necklaces, they can make or break an outfit, and hs one is just stunning. good luck everyone 🙂

  25. I think my favourite accessory at the moment is a sunflower bracelet that I made, I wear it when I’m sad to remind me that there is happiness in life!

  26. My favourite accessory is a necklace, I always wear a different one according to my outfit, style or mood.

  28. my face accesories would definitely be necklaces..love em, and feel naked without it:P followed by bangles and rings:P in short i love accesories so much, and on top of my list is cute necklaces just like ur design tara:P (from indonesia)

  30. I love accessories and my favorite is a necklace but I also love purses!

    luckysluna(at)yahoo(dot)com

  31. My favourite accessory are scarves, whether it long woolen ones or just cute kitsch ones to add a bit of style to an outfit. Worn round my neck, my arm or my waist what more do you need than this versatile accessory

  38. Statement bracelets, closely followed by dangly/sparkly earrings. Although i probably wear necklaces most often…

  39. Antique Ethnic Necklaces-the one with wooden, beads,, Simple Earrings

    ADMIN – CONGRATULATIONS VIDYA YOU HAVE BEEN RANDOMLY SELECTED AS THE WINNER WE WILL CONTACT YOU!

  41. NECKLACE! Yes, I do love necklace so much. I’ve got tons of necklaces that I organized in one gigantic box and two tiny boxes.

    I always think that when you are wearing a necklace, your look will be more perfect. Also, it will describe who you are, simply by wearing statement necklaces.

  44. My disney ‘think of a wonderful though’ bracelet. I wear it all the time!! I would totally cry my eyes out if i lost it!

  50. My favourite accessories are hair things and bright necklaces that I can wear to brighten up my plain/modest clothes I wear for teaching in school.

Have you read?

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

Bezel Set Ring Tutorial

Torch Talk

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