Jewelry Making

DIY Jewelry, Beads And Patterns

Give Away: Bead Star

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Bead Star CoverInterweave Publications has made the following announcement today about their exciting publication, Bead Star magazine:

Bead Star magazine announced today the 45 prize-winning jewelry designers in the second annual Bead Star challenge—an exciting competition that garnered more than 2000 entries from the U.S. and Canada, and was voted on by 26,000 people worldwide.

The designs are published in Bead Star 2009, the first-ever beading publication composed entirely of prize-winning designs, on newsstands nationwide Tuesday, December 8. This issue showcases forty-five of the winning designs in nine categories: Crystals, Heart Designs, Glass, Metals, Pearls, Plastics, Seed Beads, Stones, and Designs Under $25.

Bead Star has given a copy of the publication for a giveaway to readers of this blog.  Post a comment here for a chance to win a copy.

This looks like a very exciting publication and I for one can’t wait to leaf through it and see the winners of each catagory.

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Comments

  3. i would love to have this magazine. it’s always exciting to see new bead designs. thanks for the chance.

  6. I’m always interested in learning new things. When I started to make jewelry, I was amazed that, Wow, I can do this. It have become an obsession, It’s so fun. I can alway use new inspriration to continual the fun!!

  10. HI:Thanks for the opportunity to win a beautifullllll magazine, please choosee mmeeee.
    Thanks and Happy Beading.
    Irma.

  12. I’ve been thinking for awhile that I’d like to try beading jewelry. Right now I do some beading in my cross stitch, but I haven’t done a project entirely with beads yet. I’d love a magazine of inspiration! Thanks!

  19. Oh that is fabulous!! I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy…..all the shiny sparklies!!

    Thanks for oppurtunity to win one!

    Jenn

  20. Thank you for this exciting opportunity. I am a newbie with jewelry making and I am loving learning this beautiful art.

  23. I love all their magazines and subscribe… I hadn’t seen this one!! Looks great…
    Virginia

  27. I don’t want to win it! I already have a copy. 🙂 I won first place in the stones category, and I must say there are some wonderful designs in it! 🙂 I can’t wait to try them.

  30. How exciting! Always looking for new inspiration and gorgeous gems! How wonderful to have an opportunity to win a copy! Thanks for the opportunity!

  32. I hope I’m not too late…I’d love to enter to win a copy. My 13yo daughter is a beading freak!

  33. I hope I’m not too late to enter!
    I’d love to win a copy and share it with all
    my friends & fellow students at CIJT–
    California Institute for Jewelry Training.

    Thanks for the chance,
    Matt

  35. i live in pocatello, idaho, and it has been a long and very cold winter, so when i got on line, to break the monotony, i was delighted to find your site. i hope that you will send me a copy of your magazine, because it will inspire me to do something fun, with all the time i have on my hands. i love inspiration, and i know that this will certainly do it. thanks for letting me enter this contest. margaret.

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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