Mini Interview with Leslie Yang of Feisty Elle

Today’s Jewelry Artist Mini Interview is with Leslie of Feisty Elle. I’ve known Leslie for a number of years and have always admired her work, but her new stuff just blows me away. It’s unique, hip, strong but still girlie. So without further ado, I bring you the feisty goods of Feisty Elle! (all photos copyright Feisty Elle 2009)

How did you start doing jewelry (or bead making) as a business?
Until recently, Feisty Elle, produced handmade women’s brooches, bobby pins, hair clips, and badges made from felt and cotton fabric. I was obsessed with felting before it became popular, and taught myself both wetfelting and needlefelting. However, I became frustrated over how many womanhours I would put into a single piece and how low I would have to price it be able to sell or move it. Talk about depressing and not profitable! I’ve now begun to phase out of producing handfelted work and begun to introduce more laser-cut industrial wool felt into my work, which finally gets to answering your question! When I first started designing laser-cut accessories, I designed brooches and hairclips, and just for fun, I made a smaller version of a dahlia brooch design to fit onto a bobby pin. A friend of mine saw this small design said she’d love the design instead as earrings. And here I am, designing felt and bamboo earrings!

Do you remember the first piece of jewelry you ever made?
Yeah! You’re taking me back, Barbe! It was in this arts and crafts class in fifth grade where we made paper beads and strung them into long necklaces.

You are stuck on a desert island for a year and can only take 5 things to make jewelry with-what would you take?
One, I need my CS4 design software; I’d feel naked without it. Two, and this is totally cheating, but I’d love to bring a lasercutter with me. Three, that means I’d need some sort of solar-powered generator to run the lasercutter and my laptop. Four, a year’s supply of bamboo ply and felt in every imaginable color. And five, dark chocolate because it’s delicious and keeps me going.

What would you like to work with/or what skill would you like to learn that you haven’t yet?
I would love to work with a 3D printer.

What do you do when you aren’t making jewelry?
I’m most likely either working on the biz side of Feisty Elle, reading design books, reading too many blogs, eating out too often when I should be cooking at home, and scribbling new jewelry design ideas in my sketchbook.

Thanks for the interview Leslie! And if you are in San Francisco, Leslie will be selling her feisty accessories at Renegade Craft Fair Sat & Sun July 18th & 18th at Ft. Mason.

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The Legal Side of Running a Jewelry Business:…

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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