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Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Pieces for New a Necklace

I've been working in the studio while I'm in Florida and I want to share with you my progress.  First of all, even though it's been hot, the humidity has been low (a miracle!) so I have not had to resort to working in my bathing suit!  Everyone ... including me ... is appreciative of that fact.

Sterling Silver Flowers and Discs, Lampwork Doodles, Teeny Tiny Enameled Washers

I've been working with the Swanstrom Disc Cutter that I purchased from Jeanette at Fundametals.  Not everyone is at the place where they want to invest that much in a disc cutter.  Will the amount of discs I'll be cutting be worth the investment?  Do I have an ample supply of Advil to handle the headaches I'll be getting if I don't buy a Swanstrom?   These are the questions you should be asking yourself.

When you first get into metal work, if you're like me, you invest in the economy disc cutter.  The main reason is, of course, price, which is why the word "economy" is such a standout.  I mean, you're having to buy a million other things.  It's kinda like when you buy your first house ... the lawnmower, the leaf rake, the blinds for the windows ... it all hits you at once.  But when you're ready to invest in the best, by a Swanstrom.

Jeanette is a great supplier of tools ... competitive pricing, speedy and personalized service.  I know my husband worked with her on buying my Christmas present ... a flexshaft for Florida.  I recommend buying from the independent business owner when you can ... "Buy from the little guy!"  (Hey, do you think I can sell that?)



Without the Swanstrom disc cutter, I would not have been able to cut these teeny, tiny washers (6mm), which I enameled.   Of course, enameling them was no challenge using the Painting with Fire method.  Stick in on a mandrel, put it in the flame, dip it into enamel ... you're done. Of course, if you want to apply Klyr-fire and sift ... have fun!  I would have had all of the enamel knocked off by the time I got them to the torch! :-)

The stylized flowers and discs are sterling silver.  I did not wash the silver, deplete the silver, scrub the silver ... on the mandrel, to the flame, in the enamel ... off the mandrel!  The surface texture is achieved by hammering.

Lampwork doodles

I've done some lampworking ... not a lot ... but I have had some glass rods sitting around, because they don't have a home in my Florida studio.  These were hijacked by the movers!  I used to make my own glass head pins.  These are just a step up in terms of size and are fun to make.  Susan Kazmer had a couple of necklaces that had a lampwork bauble dangling from a pendant and I thought, "Hey, that's a great idea!"  Thank you, Susan!  


                                     

So, how these items will all come together is anyone's guess ... we'll have to wait for the book!

17 comments:

beautifullybrokenme said...

I can't wait to see how this necklace turns out - I just LOVE the headpins! Beautiful as always!

Lorelei Eurto said...

i totally want one of those disc cutters. and where in florida are you? i am waving at you from Orlando, right now. can you see me??

romantic decay said...

These are great, Barbara. Looking forward to the finished product.
Love your practical sense of humor!

Christine said...

SWEET! I love love love those flowers and headpins and lampwork bits. I admit to a deep desire in my heart for a Swanstrom cutter...just think of all the cool things you can make with one! Plus, I love tools. Someday....

I am sure you already know this, but I just dig your sense of humor. :D

Can't wait to take a class with you again...hope you can do one in NoVA (ArtBLISS, anyone?? ;) ) sometime soon...

Barbara Lewis said...

Christine, you're a sweetheart. Jeanette and Cindy asked me but I'll be at North Light with the photo shoot for the book. Definitely in the future!

steufel said...

I'm eager to see how the necklace will look like. Glad I found your blog. regards Stefanie

TesoriTrovati said...

Me, too! I want a disc cutter. I want one of those with the clear acrylic top so you can see. I am totally looking for one of those at Bead & Button. I love this palette and those little bits. I will secretly covet them and wish you were my next door neighbor so I could raid your stash. ;-)
Enjoy the day!
Erin

stregata said...

Oh, these look so gorgeous!! My torchfiring enamel attempts have not been too successful yet. I can't wait for your book to be published...

Malin de Koning said...

Those things you made all looks so nice. I am so keen to see them put together.

SummersStudio said...

You've definitely got my attention. But I'm patient. I'll wait for the book.

sharon said...

These are spectacular!! Can't wait! Glad to see you are having fun as well!

mairedodd said...

ahhh - a book preview! this is going to be great barbara! haven't been this excited for a book since harry potter - and this is no joke!

Judy said...

Ok, big tease...I love all the elements so summer like. As far as the bathing suit, I may have to resort to wearing mine soon, it is heating up in Tenn.

Melissa J. Lee said...

Very intriguing - I can't wait to see how it all turns out!

Sharon said...

Very cool, and I'm sure you look hot in your bathing suit!

My metals class studio has a Swanstrom disc cutter, thank goodness, so I will take advantage of it this summer.

I like how you ignored those useless steps for preparing the silver, you're my kind of artist!

Michelle said...

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the colors. They are so fresh and just call for the beach!
Bead Happy!
Michelle

Pretty Things said...

That tool is absolutely next on my list!