HHH Enterprise Designer Pendant Kit Review part 2

Yesterday I told you about what was in HHH Enterprises Designer Pendant Kit, now I’ll show you what I did with it!

First I cut out a couple of the pre printed Friendze papers. They are really nice quality, heavy printed paper with great designs. The kit gives you 4 different designs, perfectly sized for the pendant settings. You can use them as is and make a great pendant or embellish them to your hearts desire. Since I always feel the need to “gild the lily” I got out some of my own collage paper and started playing around. I finally decided to do one in a french theme and the other as old Hollywood glamour. I used the zebra print “Wild” Friendze paper as a background and a black and white photo of Marilyn Monroe. I love the way she looks a bit wild in the photo.

I used the included rhinestone trim on the Marilyn one, and my own paint, ephemera and glitter on the French Themed one. Here are the finished pendants, I think they look pretty good!

I love to work with resin and do ALOT in my own work. Speaking from experience I can confidently say-IF you are interested in working with resin but don’t know how to start, get this kit. You get everything you need to get you started and enough supplies to make a good number of pendants. If you like to work with resin occasionally-get this kit! The little bottles of resin are PERFECT for the person who doesn’t do alot of resin work. Who ever thought up this kit idea is a true genius!

HHH Enterprises has so many wonderful jewelrymaking items that you won’t find anywhere else. They also sell belt buckle blanks you can fill with resin, lots of interesting beads, leather cord, pendant settings, papers and so much more!!! If you haven’t visited the website, do right now. There is also a 25% off Holiday sale AND free shipping!!

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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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