Jewelry Artist Mini-Interview: Teresa Pfeiffer

Todays mini interview is with jewelry artist Teresa Pfeiffer of “Designs by Teresa”. Teresa is an avid animal lover and works with feral cat rescue. It was her love of animals that got her started in her jewelry business.

How did you start doing jewelry (or bead making) as a business? MY DEAR CAT FRED PASSED AWAY, AND IN ORDER TO MAKE HIS MEMORY LIVE ON, I GOT A TATTOO OF HIS PAWS, AND PROMPTLY MADE A SOLDERED ART PIC UNDER GLASS WITH A PMC SILVER HEART ON IT. EVERYONE ELSE AT THE VETS OFFICE LOVED IT, AND A BUSINESS WAS BORN…I THEN STARTED MAKING AFFIRMATIONS PENDANTS AND MADE SOME FOR A VERY WELL KNOWN BUSINESS IN SALEM MA THAT ORDERED FROM ME…THAT SPAWNED MY CREATIVE EFFORTS AND I JUST KEPT PLUGGING ALONG.

Do you remember the first piece of jewelry you ever made? THE FIRST PIECE I EVER MADE WAS PROBABLY AROUND THE AGE OF 4…OUR TELEPHONE GUY WOULD SAVE THE COLORED WIRES AND I USED TO MAKE BRACELETS AND RINGS AND SELL THEM….I CLEANED UP!!!

You are stuck on a desert island for a year and can only take 5 things to make jewelry with-what would you take? SOLDER, SOLDER IRON, SILVER/COPPER WIRE, WIRE CUTTERS, PLIERS…..WHY IS THIS SO HARD, THATS ONLY A PARTIAL LIST!

What material would you like to work with/or what skill would you like to learn that you haven’t yet? I REALLY WANT TO TRY THE CHEMICAL ETCHING, AND I AM REALLY WANTING TO TRY A PLASMA TORCH ON METAL TO MAKE SOME “BACKYARD LAWN” JEWELRY

What do you do when you aren’t making jewelry? CAT HERDING. WORKING PT FOR A VET, GROWING MY GARDEN, COOKING, AND ENJOYING MY HUSBAND, TWO SONS AND 5 CATS….AND OF COURSE, CRUISING MY FAVORITE CREATIVE BLOGS ONLINE!

I am currently selling jewelry thru my blog as well as local boutiques. I am in the process of setting up a new etsy shop. I will have the store url posted on my blog as soon as its up.

Thanks Teresa, for letting us get to know you better.

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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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