Tuesday, March 29, 2011

This week so far - March 29th

I really enjoyed my weekend workshops. I learned some great new skills and got a lot more tools! I bought a two hole punch, small vise (I'd been looking for one of those for awhile), a bezel mandrel, soldering block, a few different types of tweezers, and a rivetting hammer. I also got some flux. I didn't get any pickle because I'm going to try an eco friendly version. I've added to my list of tools that I'm saving up for (rock tumbler, disk cutter, and rolling mill).
My first workshop was the resin one. We made two pendants using two different resins. I've worked with resin before but the results have not always been what I've expected. I've had a lot of problems with bubbles and the texture of the resin. It seemed like only a third of them would turn out so it was great to get my questions answered.  These are the results of that class.

I used a shimmery powder on the square one and a doming resin on the circle one. The square one is backless so the light shines through.

I also took a copper etching class. It was easier than I thought it would be. When I first took it out of the solution it didn't look like anything had happened, so I had a bit of a panic attack. Then I pulled one of the smaller resists up and it looked so cool. The cuff still needs some polishing but I'm quite happy with the results. This one doesn't need tools, except for the cuff bending bit. This is the cuff I made.


I'll have to work with these new techniques for a bit before they become available in my etsy shop.
I also took classes in riveting, soldering, and enameling. I'll post about those workshops next week. 

6 comments:

  1. stopping in from hopping!!! Love copper jewelry I guess because it seems in between silver and gold.

    Feel free to stop by and link up to my Make & Share 1st edition Fridays if you like.

    ~ Christy

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  2. hiya stopping by from 5 mins for mom and i am following you too x what a great selection of classes you have under your belt an i am soooo coveting that copper bracelet x hope to see you at mine sometime
    xmaggiex

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  3. I love that copper cuff! I am going to have to look into doing that!

    I would love for you to come and share this at my Fantastic Friday link party http://ironvioletdesigns.blogspot.com

    thanks

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  4. We featured your Copper Cuff from the Fancy This Fridays link up today! Hope you'll check it out and grab a button! http://trulylovelywiththelaneysisters.blogspot.com/2011/04/fancy-this-features-editon-18.html

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  5. that cuff is stunning.

    thanks for linking up last week!

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  6. i love copper jewelry! you put in so much detail to your creations! great job!! thanks for linking up :) madisonavenue2011.blogspot.com

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