Last Minute Easter Decorations

Mason Jar Craft

We hold an annual Easter picnic in a local park for all our friends and family. We play lot’s of games and have an Easter egg hunt. Because we have been doing this for around 4-5 years it is important to us (Okay, me) that it always looks a little different. To reduce the costs I like to spray- paint things new colors (from brights to pastels etc) and just give certain things an overhaul. This year I had added a few more brights and a little less pastels I was even tempted to add some Neon too.

The perfect paint for craft projects is Rust-Oleum. You may recall our previous product review we did with them here. Glitter Shoes and Glitter Heaven.

(We have an exciting new tutorial coming soon using more of their amazing product)

Rust-Oleum’s Ultra Cover 2X can be applied to most surfaces, providing endless opportunities for Easter craft and decorating ideas. Here are a few ideas to spark your imagination and add a touch of colour to your festivities:

Transform a drab brown wicker basket with Ultra Cover 2X Key Lime and Aqua – perfect for Easter Egg Hunts with the little ones
Create vibrant vases by spraying flower pots and jars with Ultra Cover 2X Gloss Warm Yellow
Brighten up your Easter Egg Hunt and spray eggs with any of the Ultra Cover 2X pastels, scattering them throughout the garden to add a splash of colour
Revive tired-looking placemats with Green Apple to give your lunch setting a pop of colour
Coat candlestick holders in Candy Pink to create pretty centrepieces for the Easter lunch table

Rust-Oleum Ultra Cover 2X is available from Bunnings Warehouse nationally and offers a broad array of colours that can be used for any project and any surface.

Offered in gloss and satin sheens, this user-friendly spray paint features a comfort spray tip that allows you to apply the product with ease. Ultra Cover 2X features twice the coverage as the competitive spray paint, making your project completion easy, fast and foolproof.

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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

Bezel Set Ring Tutorial

Torch Talk

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