Help Japan-auction coming April 1!

We at Craft Gossip are saddened and humbled by the devastation in Japan and wish to help the people who have suffered such tremendous loss. We are pleased to announce that we are holding an auction to help raise money for the people of Japan. The editors at Craft Gossip are donating their art, books, supplies, etc., for this worthy cause.

Jewelry making at Craft Gossip will be auctioning books donated by our generous friends at Lark who have graciously donated many titles from Lark Jewelry. Please bid generously on these wonderful titles! The winning bidder will not only receive many informative, beautiful books from Lark but will have the satisfaction of knowing they have helped those in need as our friends at Lark have done.

Our auction will run from April 1st through April 7th. During this 7 day auction, you can bid on any items you see listed by leaving your bid in a comment. At the end of the auction, the highest bid for any item (or group of items) will be the winner of that item (or group of items). Each Craft Gossip editor will contact winners and ship the item (or items) to the highest bidder after payment is received. If the winning bidder doesn’t make the payment within 3 days, we will select the next highest bidder. The highest bidder will send the payment to [email protected] via PayPal. I’m very sorry to say that due to the high cost of shipping books overseas, the books for auction by jewelry making are for US residents only. ALL the monies we collect during this auction will go to the Salvation Army to help the people of Japan.

I will be offering 3 sets of books from Lark and one Lark book from my personal library. Please check back on April 1 for the list of titles. Thank you again, Lark, for helping support our auction!

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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

Bezel Set Ring Tutorial

Torch Talk

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