San Francisco Bead and Design Show, Part III

Photo by Larry Sanders

If you have been reading the last few weeks you will be aware that the SF Bead and Design Show is taking place this weekend. To highlight the show, we have been running a series of mini-interviews with exhibitors in the show. You can read the past interviews here and here.

This week’s mini-interview is with Candice Wakumoto a Hawaiian resident who works in silver clay and is greatly inspired by the beauty of her surrounding.

KM – When and how did you start working with silver clay?

CW- I discovered silver clay approximately 10 years ago. My husband noticed an advertisement for a class at our local art academy. The teacher was from Japan and she had a workshop featuring silver clay. I was intrigued. A year later I took the workshop. It gave me an opportunity to check out this new medium. Everything since then has been self taught.

KM – How do your surroundings inspire your work?

CW- Hawaii’s natural beauty defintely influences my work. I love using foliage, insects and flowers as motifs.
KM – What other jewelers to you admire?

CW- One of my favorite jewelers is Barbara Bixby. I really admire her desgins, attention to detail and meticulous workmanship. I own several of her pieces.

KM- Are there any everyday objects or non-typical tools that you find indispensable in your work, and if so, how do you use them?

CW – I do use objects such as straws, dental tools, and clay tools. I find that the best everyday tools are my hands – whether it’s my fingertips to smooth a bump or the back of my fingernails to seal a join.

KM – Are there any new materials that you would like to try and work with?

CW – My next project is to add more color to my pieces. I have some things I found in Tucson that I have yet to try out.

You can visit Candice during the show at booth #B124 or contact her by email at [email protected].

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San Francisco Bead and Design Show, May 21 – 23, at Hotel Whitcomb, 1231 Market Street, San Francisco. 10-6, Fri-Sun, open to the public. More than 150 artists and merchants showcasing: handmade, antique, vintage and contemporary beads, gemstones, designer components, vintage findings, gold & silver, handmade jewelry, cloisonné, ceramics, wearable art, embellishments, textiles, hand dyed ribbons, art clothing, hand painted silks, millinery, embroideries, accessories, collectibles, antiquities, and objets d’art. Along with workshops in jewelry, clay, mixed media and bead making. For more information visit sfbeadanddesignshow.com.

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Selling Your Handmade Jewelry on Etsy: A Beginner's Guide

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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