Hi there all metalsmith friends,
I hope you are keeping safe and well.
Like the coal, we might be under a bit of pressure now, but remember a diamond bright spring and a sparkling summer awaits around the corner.
Learning jewelry making, is a process of chipping away at those layers and polishing those facets into a brilliant shining diamond.
Some days, are more of a challenge than others. I still have challenging days, where it feels like nothing goes right. That is part of the game.
Just remember.....NEVER GIVE UP. Reach for your goals and dreams
with dedication and hard work.
And then one day, you will experience that light bulb moment, where it all just clicks together.
Photo Credit : Newbie Tora Dum
Here are a few new projects to get stuck into.
This tutorial shows you how to make a square or rectangle solitaire ring with a cathedral shank set with round gems.
Square Solitaire Ring Making - US$25
The trick with making a full eternity ring, is that it has to have all the stones equally spaced around the ring and also be the correct finger size.
Full Eternity Ring Tutorial - US$25
This ring design is made in the halo style with a modern twist. The circle design repeats in the bezel settings. Wire bands keep the style light and dainty.
Modern Halo Ring Tutorial - US$25
The ring has an inner sleeve and five outer bands. Careful heat control with minimal solder is used, so as not to flood the twist wire pattern.
Greek Style Ring Tutorial - US$27
I've received several requests for instructions on making rivets. In this free tutorial, I show you how to peen rivets.
The rivet dimensions will vary, depending on the piece you have to rivet. What will it be used for? How much force will be exerted on the rivet?
That will determine the thickness of the rivet pin. The general rule of thumb is that the pin must be at minimum 0.7 mm thick.
A hole is drilled, so that the pin fits snugly. Too loose and the pin will jiggle and eventually bend in the hinge. Too tight and the metals won't move as needed.
I have an instruction on this diy rivet helper, which makes it easier to support the rivet during the peening process.
I hope you have a bright and shiny day behind your bench.
My very best wishes,
Hans
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