Jewelry Making

DIY Jewelry, Beads And Patterns

Jewelry Artist Mini Interview with Jill Lawrence of Twisted Sisters Art

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This weeks Jewelry Artist Mini Interview is with Jill Lawrence of Twisted Sisters Art.  She creates some of the most amazing,  jaw dropping, intricate and drop dead gorgeous wire work I have ever seen. 

How did you start doing jewelry (or bead making) as a business?

I had a booth at the local Farmers Market, selling silk scarves that I had dyed, and needed scarf rings. I had wire that I had at work, and designed scarf rings with buttons, beads and wire. They were rudimentary, but they sold. After a year, I found smaller and higher quality wire, and started making designs with it.

Do you remember the first piece of jewelry you ever made?

I took jewelry classes my junior year in high school, I learned how to enamel copper. I remember a series of 1/2 inch squares that I kept, but didn’t do anything with…but I do have under the couch, a bag of those tacky scarf rings. I keep them to keep me humble. There are other beginners out there.

You are stuck on a desert island for a year and can only take 5 things to make jewelry with-what would you take?
Oh, the 5 things I would take if on an island? Easy, my needlenose pliers, my blunt cutter and my flat nose pliers. I’d need 20 gauge and 28 gauge wire. With that I could find pebbles, glass, metal, seeds, anything small could be fashioned into jewelry. What color wire, would be the hard part.

What material would you like to work with/or what skill would you like to learn that you haven’t yet?
I have two things I want to do. One, I’m really wanting to upgrade my wire into silver and gold fill. I love using the parawire I’m using now, I buy it by the designer bolt. The cost is what keeps me from doing it. The retail price would have to go up to cover my expenses, and I’m not sure the customer will pay it. This summer will tell me, because I’ll have more feedback.
The second thing I want to do, is to use brass filigree, cubic zirconia and wire, and create corsages in metal. I have a floral background, and I can see an approach in designing a piece like a corsage.

What do you do when you aren’t making jewelry?
My day job is a buyer for a large floral shop chain in the Midwest US. I buy all the blooming and green plants, and work with flowers and plants all day. At night, I spin wire, and spend time on my etsy website and I just started a blog. My dream is to become proficient enough in this to support myself to quit my day job.

You can find my work at:
www.twistedsisterarts.etsy.com
http://twistedsisterarts.blogspot.com/

Thanks Jill for your interview!

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Comments

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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

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