For anyone out there who would like a comprehensive tutorial on prong setting, bezel setting, and flush setting faceted stones, Ann Cahoon has one of the better demonstrations I’ve watched.
You can download it to watch immediately or purchase the dvd.
Enjoy.
Actually they have a lot of good dvd’s.
And here’s another piece I’ve just finished because I know you were wondering.
I’ve decided that my next pieces will concentrate on finishing and polishing.
Jane I know you asked, but I’m really not that good at it.
For the pieces I make with the leaves I simply buff the hell out of them using one of these
These
And these.
The bottom two make it easier to reach into the nooks and crevasses.
You can also use fine sandpaper.
I know steel wool will work also, but I threw mine away because it hurts.
All those tiny slithers of steel get into your skin and even if you wear gloves there are still stragglers on your bench etc..
They really hurt.
I know, I’m a weeny.
I actually find it very hard to finish my pieces.
My journey to correct this starts now…
stay tuned.
When I get frustrated I take it out on a perfectly innocent canvas.
Sorry canvas.
As you all may know by now I start a lot of paintings, but rarely finish any of them.
I’ve decided not to let it bother me and just enjoy the flow.
Perhaps I’ll get to finish this one as I’m pretty sure my acetylene is going to run out at any minute and I won’t be able to replace the tank until later next week.
Will I be able to make it…
dum dum dummm…..
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I just wanted to say that I love that the backs of your pieces are so beautiful! It’s like a special, hidden surprise!
I love making the backs. In fact this last one got me thinking that my next might have this design on the front. Well o.k. not exactly, but you get my drift 🙂
Hey there! I just discovered your blog and I’m LOVING it. Great inspiration, lovely lessons, and your work is beautiful. I’m making jewelry just up the road in Austin, so I thought I’d say hi. I saw the fine silver stamp on the back of this and wondered if you make all of your settings from fine silver? I’ve been working in sterling and was curious about your preference…. I’ve done fusing with fine silver, but it seems most of the classes or demos I’ve seen use sterling, yet I feel the finish on my sterling pieces isn’t as nice as I’d like. I’m really looking forward to your “finishing” posts!
Hi Kami. My daughter lives in Austin 🙂
I use fine silver in my bezel settings because it doesn’t tarnish like sterling, but I tend to buy sterling wire because fine silver wire is very soft and doesn’t hold it’s shape well. Therefore it can be a problem with earring wires and links, etc.. Problem is that I then end up with a tub of scraps that generally have a mixture. If I melt this down and reuse it I label it as sterling as you must always mark a piece for it’s lowest silver content. (As far as I’m aware). I always worry about this as some elements in my pieces are sterling, but in general I just mark the piece that is completely fine silver. The rest are just add ons. I’m in the process of re thinking this, however, as I’m not completely sure of the rules. lol
Good to know you can melt all the bits together – I’m excited to find another use for it all! And I think calling that “sterling” is the right choice. I was looking at my materials – my bezel wire is fine silver, but I’m using sterling for backings.
My project for today is your bracelet! I definitely need practice making jumprings AND soldering. I’ll let you know how it comes out!
https://coldfeetstudio.wordpress.com/2015/03/24/how-to-practice-your-soldering-whilst-also-making-a-fantabulous-bracelet/
I’d love to see it 🙂 I’m cleaning bedrooms 🙁