Jewelry Artist Mini Interview: Jana Roberts Benzon of JRB Art & Design

Today we meet Jana Roberts of JRB Art & Design. She is an EXTRAORDINARY polymer clay artist. She creates these AMAZINGLY organic pieces that look like wild sea creatures. (pictured above). So lifelike, you want to gently hold one and pet it! Then, she alsoshe does the most technically precise millefiore work that looks like psychedelic kalidescopes in 3D!! AMAZING! She is really pushing the envelope about how polymer clay can be used in artwork.

How did you start doing jewelry/beadmaking as a business?
I have always loved beads and beading, so began many years ago making seed beaded bracelets, and earrings. It wasn’t until I began using polymer clay in earnest, that I turned jewelry making into a business..

Do you remember the first piece of jewelry you ever made? Oh, boy, I don’t, but I’m certain I was very small, and likely made it from flowers and twigs while playing “Fairy House” with my sister in the bushes and trees outdoors! Then I moved on to using real, wooden beads as a BlueBird and Camp Fire Girl…that’s the first time I remember actually making jewelry. I was always weaving fibers to create bracelets, as well (this was in the early 70’s, so my macrame bracelets were very ‘in vogue’..lol).

You are stuck on a desert island for a year and can only take 5 things to make jewelry with-what would you take? Pasta machine, clay, brayer, cutting blade, oven (is there electricity on this island???)…if not, I’ll cure my clay in the sun 🙂

What material would you like to work with/or what skill would you like to learn that you haven’t yet?
Oh, my list is long. I have long wanted to work with glass, especially lampworking. I also would love to do metal working (I wanna play with a torch!) and also, paper marbelling…that’s not jewelry related, but the effect is so beautiful and I’d love to try my hand..

What do you do when you aren’t making jewelry? I am an avid hiker (snow-shoer in the winter) and love to be outdoors exploring. I’m also a dedicated reader, and lover of information, learning and ideas.

Where can readers find more out about you? More of my work can be found: www.janarobertsbenzon.com, I also have a flickr page, and will have my etsy shop up in the near future. I sell my items at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts Gallery, and also have two instructional DVD’s available, “Arabesque Caning”, and “Secret Shapes Inro”. Folks can see how to purchase those by visiting my website.

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Selling Your Handmade Jewelry on Etsy: A Beginner's Guide

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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