Jewelry Making

DIY Jewelry, Beads And Patterns

Sugar Mouse Giveaway

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Sugar Mouse was founded two years ago by Faridah whilst she was studying for her undergraduate degree at the University of Oxford.

After investing in miniature drills, saws, files, and countless sheets of brass, Sugar Mouse has soared in popularity.  Last year saw it featured in several national and international publications, including The NME.

Her vintage designs are more than affordable with necklaces just 10 pounds.

Win Win Win

Sugar Mouse is giving 3 of our lucky readers the chance to win a Scissor necklace. For your chance to win simply comment below and tell us where you are planning on wearing your necklace.

Competition Closed – Winners are  Bernadette, Charmily and Laura Jones. (you have been e-mailed)

Competition Open Worldwide

Next Idea:

Comments

  1. What a cute necklace 😀 I would wear it with just about anything, actually! 🙂 Congrats on coming so far with your business, too.

  3. Oh, how cute is this necklace! Apart from probably wearing it on every occasion I think it would look great with my favourite black jersey dress. Thank you for this cool giveaway!

  4. I would have to wear it to our local monthly craft fair (Kraftbomb – http://kraftbomb.blogspot.com/) and show it off to everyone. Probably making them all insanely jealous in the process.

    I adore Faridah’s stuff and will definitely be purchasing some regardless… I just have to decide what to get!

  5. This is adorable! I would wear it whenever I wanted to feel kick-a** because to me it would symbolise cutting free from things or cutting them out of my life.

  9. Nice necklace! I would wear it for everyday, to university, to go out with my friends….

  10. i would wear in my next pin-up type photoshoot! the theme is sewing! it would fit in perfectly!

  14. I am in love with this necklace. I would wear it to work. I am not only a scrapper and quilter, but also a hairstylist.

  15. I would wear it when I’m crafting and at work to cut from the doldrums and create! create! create!

  16. Awwww this is so sweet! It reminds me of the scissors I had for my charm bracelet when I was young – I was crafty at 8 and still am today! Would love to win this and would wear it anywhere and anytime. Thanks!

  17. I would love to wear this to work. I work at Joann Craft Store. Where else would this be more inspirational than at a craft store? Would love to show it off for you. Thanks.

  19. I love the necklace. I would give it to my niece. She and I are the only crafters in the family. It would make a great gift.

  23. When I win, there is two places I can wear it. When I quilt for the cause and when I scrap with my sisters.

  24. I would wear this sweet necklace to the office everyday to help keep my crafting sanity in a world of suits!

  25. I could wear this anywhere, but I think it would make a great gift for my daughters preschool teacher!

  29. Wow! This is the ‘cutting’ edge. I would wear this necklace anywhere especially among my peers and crafting with my pre-teens. I host a craft session with pre-teens and try and teach them the value of crafting.

  30. I love the scissors necklace. I’m going to check to see if she makes a little sewing machine. I would wear the necklace anytime. It looks like it would go with my kind of living.

  34. I would wear this necklace to my Embroiderer’s Guild meetings and to the crazy quilt retreat I plan on going to this fall. Thanks for the opportunity to win.

  35. Super cute, I plan on wearing it to the craft store and everywhere maybe tea with my best friend!

    luckysluna(at)yahoo(dot)com

  36. Very Sweet Necklaces! I create the activities for a children’s recreation program and do crafting on my own. I’d love to wear the Scissors Necklace to work (the kids would think it was awesome) and everywhere else. I have always been a fan of miniatures and I have really been enjoying crafter-type images and items to celebrate my love of crafts. Thank you for your consideration.

  37. I like the vintage designs combined with handmade modernism! 🙂 I would wear it with pinks because scissors, crafts, can be girly 🙂

  43. Love this…would wear it with my everyday uniform: black racerback tank (my wifebeater) and slacks. I’ve also got a cocktail party coming up that this necklace would add something special to. Thanks for this giveaway!

  44. wonderful i adore jewellery its my weakness as a crafter i would wear this wonderful necklace to show the world i appreciate crafts and your lovely jewellery

  47. I’d give it to my mum. She’s a crafty sod as well and is always making cards and unique little gifts for friends & family. I think she’d get a kick out of this necklace. It’s her birthday soon, so if I don’t win I’ll buy one anyway, ha!

  48. What a lovely necklace, it would be great to add into my holiday bag, for something new to take with me.

Have you read?

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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