bench shot

a shot of whats going on at my side bench...this semester is going to be interesting!
Pin It

Bench test

In my Casting II class Tim gave us a bench test with specific requests, giving the band texture, a bevel, sizing it down and now gypsy setting four 2mm cz stones. I actually enjoyed it but def found myself getting frustrated and challenged to meet the specs.

Drilling the pilot hole with a #50 drill bit.

*You want to drill the pilot hole 10 percent smaller than the stone

This is per Tim's demo.

Did I mention I also have a brooch due today - better get to the studio!

Pin It

bench shot

Now that classes are over, I can make whatever I want! I'm planning on making a 'man' brooch. We'll see how the guys in the studio respond.

Pin It

brooch

almost with the brooch at my bench yesterday and now wearing it today! Pin It

new earrings

Here is my initial sketch and stones for a pair of earrings. The stones were actually one...but they broke! Why waste such a pretty agate stone? I plan on prong setting them in sterling silver. When I left the studio the prongs were already in, next step is soldering the back hooks for chain earrings.
Here are 3 of my 'paper lantern' coral earrings. I'd been contemplating how to make some sophisticated, funky and unusual earrings. I take a small piece of already used or scrap silver and roll it out to a very thin sheet and then pierce out swirly/curvy designs and lastly attaching a large piece of coral. Overall, I'm very satisfied and plan on selling these on my website and future etsy site.

I'm taking photos tomorrow, with the help of metals grad student, Laura Wood. I'll finally have some decent ones! Pin It

did someone call for the doctor? the jewelry doctor?

I began working part time this week at the jewelry doctor and I'm already learning so much!

I'm really loving it. Such a breath of...jewelry dust (not fresh air)...to work with my hands and be away from a desk and computer.

Ellis, the owner, will do the repairs (sizing, chain repairs, checking prongs and/or settings stones) while I clean them up. I grind down the solder seams, file, and file some more, more filing and then polishing.

My bench at the repair shop

Ellis is a really patient and good teacher. Before even working part time, I came in once a week for an hour to get trained. Ellis gave me several tests and had me take in orders. It's such a great experience to learn this side of the jewelry business. Repairing jewelry is very different from actually making a piece.

In that you have to understand the properties of whatever your repairing, in addition to assessing the type of repair it needs.

Here I am with my magnifying glasses; looking completely dorky and happy!

Pin It

fundamentals

Yes, I'm taking fundamentals of art school. on one hand it can be tedious and somewhat boring on the other hand, I look at it as another outlet of jewelry and metal practice. I've certainly taken these courses in high school however they're not from a credited university, or whatever you want to call it.
So here is one of my first 'gesture drawings'. I think it's pretty decent. I do enjoy working with charcoal and this class, drawing 101 is so much more enjoyable than my other...design. And above you see the easel we use to prop up our newsprint. Whenever I begin to think how 'tedious' it is....I recall 2 months ago, sitting at my old job, answering the phone or doing data entry and well, this is 100% better!
So on to jewelry and metals; since I don't have a job most of my free time is spent in the studio.
I finally finished filing my raised bowl and pierced it! It really was a chore piercing out the feather designs, but so pretty!Yes I know, the bowl isn't perfectly centered - I'll get it right the next time! This will be a lovely piece to place on my corner stand.
oh and here is a photo of my new bench set-up. Since I'll be at the school's studio most of the time, I'm bringing in my own bench, and with a cushioned, adjustable seat. I'm beginning to feel my 30's in my lower back...no fun!

Pin It