Blue Necklace

Raku lampwork beads, hammered rings and silver beads.

Poolside Necklace

This is another necklace I made using aqua and green beads.

Chalcedony Necklace

I made the necklace to donate to my children's school. It's made with faceted chalcedony drops I bought some time ago.

Practicing sawing metal

I am practicing the skills I learned in class and made this pendant with brass and copper. I stamped the circle and shaped it. The flower was drawn freehand so it's not symmetric but works fine for my first attempt.

My bounty

This is what I got today at the Whole Bead show. I was so happy to find the puncher at the Beaducation booth! I used a drill before but it's a bit intimidating so this tool is perfect for me.

I also couldn't resist these gorgeous agate beads. The picture does no justice to the colors... Simply stunning. I will be making a necklace and a bracelet with them.

Inspiration

I opened my box of beads today as I was looking for ideas to make necklaces and found almost enough beads to make them. I need to make just a few beads to complete the sets and buy a few silver beads... Luckily the whole bead show is around the corner so I can buy the supplies I need.

Jewelry class-part 4

Tonight I soldered the top and bottom of the box. I realized the box is not square so I keep stressing out this is a learning experience.

Before I completely closed the box, I scribed a line and saw the corners. I need to file down the top and clean the box.

Jewelry class- part 3

Tonight I soldered the sides together...one side at a time and pickled it after each soldering application.

After that, I sanded the ridges on the joints and the top and bottom of the box.

Next week, I will solder the bottom of the box. I am considering stamping the top and bottom...

Jewelry class -part 2

Tonight I made the walls even with a grinding machine.  I first taped two pieces together and made one side even and worked on the other sides.  Once the two pieces were even,  I taped a third section and cut it to match.

After I had all the pieces the same size (or at least as close as possible) I filed the burs.  I then placed them on the brick (fixture  I made in the first class).  I applied flux, put 4 tiny pieces of hard solder on top, buried them in flux and soldered two sides together.   

Soldering wasn't too bad.  I was afraid of messing it up but I am happy to report success!  I first warmed the flux until it turned white. Then I moved the heat closer and warmed the metal until the flux turned brown.  At that point, I directed the flame onto the solder and it melted.

I am very much content with the results.   I can't wait for the next class!