Get Your Sparkle On Book Review

Get Your Sparkle On: Create and Wear the Gems that Make You Shine

Written by Sarah Weir and Femmegems founder/owner Lindsay Cain “Get Your Sparkle On” is not your usual jewelrymaking book. Instead just a ‘how to’ book, this book focuses more on the fashion aspect of jewelry and how to create accessories that look like a million but won’t break the bank to make. If you are brand new to jewelry making, this book wouldn’t be the best first choice learn jewelry making, however it is definately one you would want to get after you get a little practiced. I feel like “Get Your Sparkle On“, is more for beaders who have some experience, because it doesn’t go alot of jewelry making skills detail that a newbie would need.

Paperback: 120 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books (August 24, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0811852407

The book is broken into three segments with 25 projects: “The Basics”, “Gemstones and Projects” and “Finishing Touchs”. “The Basics” consists of an introduction to the authors, a brief history of jewelry making, including “great moments in bling” and some basic tools & findings fundamentals. It ends with a “Basic Necklace Assembly” to get you started. This chapter has illustrations of wire wrapped loops, proper crimping techniques and a round bead size chart.

“The Gemstones” section is a little chaotic for me to take in. Most how to books have projects defined by section this book has those as well but they all seem to run into another. There is one section that focuses on a bridal shower jewelry making party, complete with projects, a song list and sangria recipe. I thought that was clever and a cute idea. I found the book a bit hard to read with so much info coming at you from various sources in each section.

However, there is a ton of great information for the jewelry maker in this book as well as some great design ideas. My faves were “She Sells Seashells” necklace and the French Knot Necklace. The book is filled with info such as color meanings, defining different gem style personalities such as partygirl gem style & bohemian gemstyle.

The last section in the book is marked “Finishing Touches” but it almost seems like an after thought. theres only one project for a flea market necklace and a list of resources. I feel like this chapter really could have been utilized with talking about findings or jewelry display/storage ideas.

Overall, its a great book for ideas and information. It will be a great addition to any jewelry makers library. I’ll be giving away a copy of this book next month, so keep reading to find out how.

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The Legal Side of Running a Jewelry Business:…

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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