#societychat Today is Episode 8 of SOCIETY CHAT. This biweekly video series features my 15 minute (or in this case 40 minute :) interviews with inspiring jewelers and teachers. Really excited to share my conversation with Lorraine West of... more
Due to the length of this FABULOUS chat with Lorraine, the captions have been automated so please excuse any typos. This is Episode 8 of #societychat and Lorraine West is truly awesome. Her jewelry was featured in Vogue recently!! A true inspiration,... more
Here is a tip for applying a matte finish from @flourishandcharm - “This tip is for easily making pieces satin/ matte quickly. included attached are videos :) The only tools you need is pumice powder, a container, soft toothbrush (or fingers!!)and a... more
Here is a rolling mill tip from @kkmetalwerk4640 - “Experiement with rolling two different textures to get some unique finishes! I have been experimenting with new techniques with the rolling mill: under and over rolling, double rolling, consecutive... more
I’ve had stone envelopes (which are all a mystery because I have no idea what is inside them 😂)all over my studio for longer than I want to admit. Last night I took the time to write down the stone, size, cost, and dealer on 3.3” x 2” index cards and... more
Here is a tip for #diy sanding sticks from @littleoscilla - “A helpful tip to any newbie metalsmith/jeweler: save money by making your own emery sanding sticks. Use your old ones (or a wooden paint stir stick) and some sandpaper.😊 I figure most... more
Here is a tip for when you are creating multiple pieces from @smithandstoneco - “When I create multiple pieces that are the same style I like to scribe the inside of the bezel with a letter/or number (in this case first letter of the stone, A for... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I am showing off the Fretz® HMR-22 "Sandstone Texture" Hammer sent to me, by our friends at @pepetools_usa the single purpose of this beautiful hammer is to apply a rich texture meant to look like sandstone, when you... more
Here is a tip for sawing tubing from @llmexclusive - “I use my Miter jig to hold tubing while I saw. To prevent the tubing from flying out, I used a piece of masking tape, no more searching for little tubing on my hands and knees. P/S - I put the... more
If you are newer to our community, WELCOME 👋 you may not know that every year I have a new designer create a design for us! This year’s design was created by the super talented @anjaslibar ❤️ if you missed out on last year’s amazing Panther design by... more
Here is a tumbling tip from @sarabjewelry - “Like many of my fellow metalsmiths, I try my best to reuse packaging from silver and stone suppliers as much as possible. It is easy to reuse a bag, a box, or some bubble wrap, but what about the little... more
Here is a sanding tip from @danacfear - “I have to sand a lot of flat surfaces so I use a 18x18” plexiglass board with 3M’s adhesive-backed micro finishing film from Rio Grande, item number 337707. On one side I have two sheets of 100 grit, one... more
Here is a setting tip from @marquisjewelryacademy - “When I'm setting a station necklace like this on a rotating vise (GRS Multi-purpose) the chain can get caught up below. I use a spare baggie to hold the chain clear of my Thermoloc ( @grstools ) and... more
Here is a template tip from @theelkandowl - “I would love to get an RT blanking die made for this ring but in the meantime, I have sawn out a bronze pattern in 20 gauge that I can easily trace. It’ll hold up far better than the index card pattern that... more
Here is a soldering tip from @tkiplinger - “When I’m soldering a jump ring onto a chain, I wrap the chain behind a third arm; the metal in the tweezer provides just enough of a heat sink to protect the chain from the flame. When I’m extra-worried that... more
I am keeping today’s #tooltalktuesday simple, let’s talk BOOKS please mention your favorite jewelry making book and a sentence about why in the comments. I can’t recommend Christine Dhein’s “Eco Jewelry Handbook” this practical guide for a healthy,... more
#societychat Today is Episode 7 of SOCIETY CHAT. This biweekly video series features my 15 minute (or more :) interviews with inspiring jewelers and teachers. Really excited to share my conversation with Susan Fauman of @susanfauman and here is her... more
#societychat Today is Episode 7 of SOCIETY CHAT. Susan made being a full-time jeweler a reality for herself! She is awesome! If you aren't familiar with Society Chat it is a new-ish series where I am asking inspiring people from our jewelry making... more
