Experimenting

My stamps
Originally uploaded by lpdesigns

So I cut out the pieces for the earrings project. I think I did a pretty good job, especially considering I don't have a bench pin and I'm collect the filling in an empty dollar store container with the aid of a paintbrush. Ha!

I stamped them, oxidized them with bleach, and sanded them. Well, I stamped one of the wrong. Now, I'm thinking that they should be 1.5" and not 2". Also the stamps, in the picture, are too big. I'm going to keep the stamps, I have another idea for them that will work, because I already made a sort of mock-up. But I need smaller stamps for the earrings. Plus, I'm not sure I like the sanded look. And bleach oxidizes the sterling brown not black. That's not that big a deal...but it bothers me a little.

I have enough to cut new pieces. But as is the problem with me so often, finding smaller stamps, that don't cost $50 is proving tricky. I got those stamps for about $16. Why are smaller ones so much more expensive. I'm going to keep looking. I think I need 1/16" ones, if you dear reader, happen to be looking. :)

I have a list of things I should be doing, but I'm blogging. I'll conclude this entry and get started on that list.

Sproing!

Sproing!
Originally uploaded by lpdesigns

I broke my first saw blade last night. I got one cut down and filed and was halfway through the second when the blade snapped. I wanted badly to change it and keep sawing. But I wanted to take a picture and it was too late to take it then. I feel like a bona fide metalsmith now. Okay, not really...but it's like a right of passage, yes? I quickly broke another one.

I finished the prototype of my project, which I didn't photograph yet, because I want to finish a proper one; the prototype has two boo-boos.

Sterling silver is much easier to saw than aluminum flashing. Haha. I think I need a better saw. Mine won't stay taut. It wiggles alot. It was cheap. I didn't want to blow a lot of money if I didn't like metalsmithing...but I'm addicted. It's very rewarding so far.

box. paper. metal

metal
Originally uploaded by lpdesigns

*in sing-song voice*
My metal came today! My metal came today!

I ran downstairs when my mom told me the box had arrived. I took pictures of the whole unwrapping process but figured that this would be the best one to use as the blog picture. You can see the others on my Flickr.

I got 18 gauge nickel silver- that's the biggest sheet, 20 gauge sterling silver- that's the one that looks like a bookmark, 12 silvertone clasps- they're huge and perfect, and 10 sterling silver earwires- they're almost too expensive looking to use. The sterling silver stuff is for one project. The nickel silver and clasps are for another. I still need some more supplies for the nickel silver project.

Both sheets are thicker than I thought. I can't say that I'm positive about how to proceed from here. I'll need to bend the nickel silver a bit after I cut it. I'm not sure how to do that. Maybe with a mandrel or something.

I'll figure out logistics later. I'm so happy now. I finally bought metal. I hope my ideas turn out as nice as they are in my head. :P

I'm reading Bleak House by Charles Dickens. On page 231 of the copy I have, he has one of his characters say 'tricked out' in the proper context, as proper as it can be for being 150 years ago. So my question: does this make Dickens cool or that phrase untouchable? Or does it mean that really language isn't that inventive?


That picture is one of the illustrations in my copy. It's by Phiz. To me, that's a great name.

I have theater today. I'm not looking forward to sweating to death in that room. I'll survive, though.

That's my first customer appreciation picture. It's for my Convex earrings. Well, they're her earrings now. Heh. I'm so happy. She also wants some custom earrings for me. I'm very happy about that. Still need to work out some details. I should get up some custom work policies. Hmmm...

I went to a graduation party today for two of Bro1's friends from church. It was nice. I didn't talk much, I never do. But it was nice.

I did see fireworks. I felt very American, though I know other countries do fireworks too. I went with my dad. Our vantage point wasn't the greatest but it was nice. It was a good show. I didn't bring the camera...so again, you'll just have to trust me. I wish they did them more often. I only ever see them for Independence Day. Though the boarding school down the street does do something when they have graduations. I'm not sure what because I never actually see anything.

I thought this would be a short entry...but no. I ramble when I write. I guess it's all the things I kinda want to say but never do.