DIY Jewelry, Beads And Patterns
If you have little ones who haven’t mastered memorizing your phone number, this is a fabulous idea! This idea comes from Pinterest. My apologies to the creative soul who thought of this idea. I wasn’t able to trace the repins back to the originator.
Editor’s note: after this posted, I’ve received several comments about why this is a bad idea – please read the comments!
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.
You don’t know the name of the person.. but you have her phone number.. her name is Joyce, she lives on xxx… xxx.(removed by editor – We have someone’s phone number but not necessarily the creator of the bracelet.)
That was so easy..
So, what is to keep a unsavory person, to take the number off the bracelet..casually..someone standing beside you… Take the number, do what I did with a reverse number search… , now they have your name, your husbands name.. the street you live on.. They can case your house.. and if they are so inclined.. they know you have a child…. who might be fair game for a predator….. NO WAY , I would do this, you are inviting trouble.. in a mirad of ways…
PLEASE don’t be an adversary for the predator who is out there…
Keep your child safe…
You make a very good point Trayne. What a shame the world is filled with a myriad of offensive criminals.
I’m glad I wasn’t the only person to think of the above commenter’s thoughts. I also wouldn’t do something like this (nor label my kids’ belongings with their names for all to see) because of exactly this sad, but very real, possibility. Cute idea, but in reality for today’s world…kinda not a great one for kids.
You can put your cell number on it, which can’t be traced the same way as a land line. Or your work number. There are ways to still stay safe while your child having access to your number.
I totally agree with the other commenters, and I thought the same thing. HOWEVER, I do think it is a cute idea for a singles party or speed dating, to give out to new friends (maybe in school colors?) I might think an email is safer also.