The Naughty Secretary Club: The Working Girls Guide to Handmade Jewerly Book Review

The Naughty Secretary Club: The Working Girls Guide to Handmade Jewelry by Jennifer Perkins

Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: North Light Books (August 11, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1600611168
ISBN-13: 978-1600611162

I will preface this by being completely honest – its real hard to be unbiased when reviewing a book when A: the author is a friend and B: you have a love for the subject matter that rivals the people on InFANity. So I’ll “keep it real” like as I always do. I have one word for this SQUEEE!!!!!!!!!!!! Jennifer is also Craft Gossip’s Craft Artist Life editor. You should visit her section & read all the cool interviews she has up over there.

I got the package as I was going out the door with my dog. I quickly ripped it open as I was walking and it was love at first sight. How can you NOT love it?? The colors, the laughing mannequin with perfect red cat eye glasses-SQUEE!!!! But hang on, there is more to love, trust me. This first glance is just the tip of the color saturated iceburg that awaits you inside its glossy covers-so much so, my dog and I made an emergency pitstop at Starbucks so I could sit and go thru this book right there and then.

Open it up and be prepared for a full blown blast of colors, kitsch and cleverness. This is not a book for the shy or conservative jewelry maker. Jennifer wears her heart on her sleeve, a watch on her head and pencils in her ears-and she’ll make you want too as well!

Packed with ideas, tips and tricks on how to turn vintage junque into wearable art I really feel this book will appeal to just about everyone. Even if you can’t imagine wearing little plastic deer in your ear (hey, I’m a poet and didn’t know it!), you will get a ton of inspiration and tricks in the book that you can use with whatever your style is.

The book begins an introduction, supplies, tools and the definition of the skill levels of the projects. Remember because this is all about using found objects you are not limited by what you have or don’t have at home. This book is ALL about being creative and having fun. The projects are broken up into 3 sections: A case of the Mondays, Hump Day and TGIF with 30 projects total and unlimited ways to expand upon them. While its hard to nail it down to just a FEW, I’ll pick three of the top ones that I love especially: Thank you for Calling bangle (I love those purses too!), Tied Down Brooch and the Specs Appeal Necklace (super clever). Sprinkled through out are little “take a memo” sidebars with fun info, trivia and tips.

Its a great book for beginners as well the experienced jewelrymaker who wants to expand their boundaries and push outside their boxes. Its a delight to look at and read.

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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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