Here we are again. One of the ideas I had about opening this studio is the opportunity to sell some of my creations.
Currently I have been making beaded chain necklaces. They are created with silver and gold artist wire and a variety of beads. I have accumulated a fair collection of beads over the years and have had fun putting together color stories for each necklace. The necklaces might have a similar colorway but each one is unique and one of a kind.
While the necklace is light and delicate looking its quite sturdy. Each link of the chain has the wire wrapped around the eye reinforcing the links so that they will not pull apart easily.
Each necklace will have it's own post with the ability to purchase. If there are any questions about a necklace you can comment on the post for that necklace or send me a message at my email silverwrenstudio@yahoo.com
Let's start with this y style necklace.
It's created with silver artist wire and has a black and white colorway. It's always lovely to have a few dark stars to wear around your neck and an evil eye to protect you from any negative energy
Isn't this a beautiful studio? What a dreamy little space to create within. Our abode does not allow for a dedicated creative space. Since this blog is going to be my virtual studio, why not let this image represent this space.
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Heather. I have been very lucky in my life to be able to explore a variety of crafts. From working with various types of clay (ceramic, polymer, and paper), lampwork glass, fiber arts (crochet, knitting, embroidery, sewing, spinning and needle felting), painting and drawing, to working with uv resin.
I recently decided to investigate and try my hand at metalworking or silversmithing. Fortunately I married a very patient man, that supports, albeit sometimes begrudgingly, my adventures in crafts.
Starting in silversmithing can be a daunting endeavour. Where does one start? What are the basic supplies? Well I can tell you how I chose to begin this journey.
I stumbled across this video; Basics of Soldering Jewelry 101
That's all it took to get me curious. And you know what they say; Curiosity killed the cat, satisfaction brought it back.
In researching how to get started, I began to become overwhelmed and slightly discouraged. All the videos I watched or articles I read, gave quite a lengthy and expensive list of begining supplies. Since I work on a very tight budget, spending $400 plus to just get started was extremely off putting.
Then I came across Susan Lenart Kazmer Jewels of the Nomad. I loved her style and her enthusiasm. Plus she gives you a list of beginning supplies that you can obtain for little under $300. Still a high price, but if you buy it bit by bit it is, at least, more accessible. She also offers a free class on soldering, Alchemy of Soldering that I found very helpful and inspirational.
There are actually quite a few websites that offer tools and supplies for metalsmithing. The ones I have found that offer the best prices for my budget are:
And of course, when starting on a new adventure or journey it's always good to have a support system. I found this group on Facebook;
☆Metalsmithing for Newbies aka Babysmiths ~ the creator of this group, Jaime Scudday, is extremely kind and generous with information, as well as the other members in this group.
I hope you'll continue to visit my studio often to see what new information there is or what creations I offer for sale.
