Pretty Little Things Book Review

Pretty Little Things: collage jewelry, trinkets, keepsakes by Sally Jean Alexander

I love Sally Jean, she is truly a real life cupcake-sweet, pretty and makes you smile to be around. So of course, I was sure I’d love the book even if this kind of shabby romantique chic thing isn’t my style. And I was right.Â It is SUCH a gorgeous book, from the embossed cover, to the photos of the objects and her studio, to the projects themselves-that you will fall in love with it even if you never ever plan to solder anything.

There are twenty-seven projects and thirty variations feature Sally Jeans signature style of using collaged vintage ephemera allÂ soldered within glass of some shape or form. The finished pieces tell romantic, luxe and sometimes whimsical stories.Â Â Looking at the book is like falling into Marie Antoinette’s jewelry box-you are surrounded by pale aqua blues,pinks and greens, cream colors, faded ink, velvet, rhinestones with a hint of shimmer.

The jewelry projects include a Vintage vessel pendent, Bottle Bangle and a project from one of her sold out classes-Â Totally Tiara. Many of the other projects could be modified into jewelry-like the tiny chairs or budvases that would make lovely pins and pendants.

So with all the visual eyecandy, you also get very well written instructions on how to cut glass and solder properly. Even if you have never picked up a soldering iron in your life, you will feel completely confident to do so after reading thru the book. Sally Jean talks about everything you might need or want to know with how to work with one, tips and tricks.Â She has hand written notes on each page so its like she is right there with you, helping you along. You learn how to solder correctly the first time, rather than muddle thru on your own. I have to add, you don’t HAVE to cut your own glass to do many of these projects. Nowadays there are tons of shapes you can buy pre cut (see yesterdays post about Delphi) but knowing how to do it gives you more leeway in your creativity.

Even if you are more modern than vintage, or more chic than shabby you will still love the book. EVERY project can be done with your own colors, materials andÂ style. Make skyscrapers instead of houses, or spaceships! Don’t like flowers-use a doll head orÂ bunch of feathersÂ instead for the pen. Use modern graffiti art or MangaÂ instead of Victorian letters-make it your own.

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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

Bezel Set Ring Tutorial

Torch Talk

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