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Many wire artists work without a torch, using only cold-joining techniques to make jewelry. But a growing number are starting to incorporate elements and frames that are soldered.

Soldered metal gets oxidized, and turns black. So to clean metal that has been soldered, and bring it back to it’s original colour, a jeweller will use an acid solution called “pickle”.

In this week’s 1 Min/1 Tip video I talk about the various options for pickle, including some eco-friendly ones.

Please remember that all acids need to be handled with care, so if you use any of the options mentioned in the video, be sure to add acid to water, not water to acid (to prevent splashing), and wear protective clothing and gloves. Safety first, always!

WHERE ARE YOU ON YOUR CREATIVE JOURNEY?

Do you want to develop technical skills to build better quality jewelry? Do you want to create original designs? Do you want to sell your jewelry and build a business?

Do you want to find out?

Take the “Which Path of Tao? Quiz” to find out where the next step on your creative journey might be, and which lessons from the TToW Library could help you achieve your goals.

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If you’ve got old wire kicking around, then you’ve probably noticed that it doesn’t bend as well as it used to, or it tends to break easily. It’s very likely age hardened! In the video, I explain what age hardening is, and how it can affect your work.

Try out the Members Studio for 45 Days! Catch fire with excitement about making wire jewelry!

Last week I hosted an exclusive mini-workshop with my fellow travellers in the Members Studio on how to put together a show application that gets noticed. I was working on my own application for an upcoming studio tour, and shared tips and behind the scenes insights on what you need to pay attention to and what juries look for. (UPDATE: I got accepted 😀)

If you want to be part of an interactive community, where you can learn at your own pace or join in a live class, where you can focus on projects to teach you technical skills, learn tricks that professionals use to grow their business, build your confidence with constructive feedback sessions and community exclusive challenges that help nurture your creative spirit, then join the TToW Members Studio today!

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The last thing you think when you’re travelling is cleaning your jewelry. But the truth is that the combination of humidity, body chemistry and skin products can make your jewelry look grungy and ugly. So, here’s a quick tip for cleaning your jewelry with something you already have in your suitcase.

Watch the full cleaning demo here:

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Have you ever tried this tip with your jewelry? Let me know in the comments section!

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Permanent Fine Tip Markers are part of the “Essential 8” tools for making wire jewelry. They are useful because they make marks that don’t easily wear off. Sometimes though, they do their job TOO well, so in this week’s 1 Min/1 Tip video, I share a secret for getting stubborn marks off your wire.

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A few months ago I did a private jewelry photography class which featured jewelry pieces shot on various backgrounds. Today’s 1 Min/1 Tip shares one of the tricks I use for creating a really dramatic photo using hairspray!

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A few months ago, after I posted the video on using quilter’s tape as a substitute for 1/4″ masking tape, Kimberley Newman commented that another alternative would be to use automotive pin striping tape. So, I spend a couple of weeks testing it, and here are my results!

I’m always keeping my eye open for interesting tips, so if you have one to share, post it in the comments or send me an email!

(Thanks Kimberley for your suggestion!)

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In the last video I shared a DIY starter tool for making roundmaille chains. It works really well – except if you’re making a chain with very small jump rings! For that you’ll need another tool – and that’s the focus of this video! I would consider micro chain maille to be anything made with jump rings smaller than 3 mm I.D.  Making chains with such small rings requires patience, dedication and a good optivisor!!!

If you’re feeling adventurous, give it a try – and use this tool to get you started!

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Roundmaille is easily one of my favourite jump ring chains! Essentially it’s European 4:1 chainmaille worked into a round tube.

There are some very good tutorials available for making roundmaille, in particular this one from Derakon on The Ring Lord’s website.

One of the things I’ve found difficult (and my students have definitely struggled with) is how to set the rings up at the start. This video shows you a quick and ease tool you can make to help you get your roundmaille started. You’ll spend less time fiddling and more time weaving!

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Masking tape is my favourite way of holding bundles of wire together, but getting the masking tape off again without distorting the work? Well, that’s a bit tricky. Here’s a quick and easy method I use for removing tape.

In other news…

The Lessons Shop has been reorganized, and projects have now been tagged according to type as well as level of difficulty. So, if you want to see what tutorials are available for making rings, just click on “Rings”, and all of the ring projects will be shown. It makes finding what you’re looking for so much easier!

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This project is simplicity at its best! Using 2mm beads or 10/0 seed beads, this quick little square wire unisex ring can be easily made in any size. This newly updated project was previously published in a text-only form in “Contemporary Bead & Wire Jewelry” and “Simply Bead & Wire” by Lark Books. Now with step-by-step photos and more detailed instructions! 8 pages, 33 photos, 24 steps, plus design notes Level of Difficulty: Very Easy Video Length: 9 min. 11 seconds TOOLS AND MATERIALS YOU’LL NEED: Tools Flat Nose Pliers Chain Nose Pliers Flush Cutters Ruler or Measuring Tape Ring Mandrel Permanent Fine Tip Marker Masking Tape Rouge Cloth Rawhide Mallet Materials 22 ga (.65 mm) Soft Square wire (Length to be determined based on ring size) 2 inches (5 cm) 22 ga or 20 ga (.65 mm or .80 mm) Soft Half-Round Wire 5 x 2 mm Large Hold Beads or 5 x 10/0 Seed Beads Substitutions Substitutions are not recommended for this project. Release Date: April 19, 2018

You can add the PDF+video version to your library right now for only $5.00.

Did you know?

When you become part of the Members Studio community, you get early access to all new tutorials?

There are currently over $500 worth of tutorials, videos and courses in the Members Studio Library, with more being added regularly! Weekly live events and personalized coaching are also included with your membership. Find out more.

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