Filed Fingers

Win Free Earrings!

2011-09-25T11:56:00.000-07:00

Check out this great giveaway hosted by Life, Chaos, and Quotes!

http://lifechaosandquotes.blogspot.com/2011/09/please-meet-nicole-of-solo-art-works.html

Newly listed! Sterling Silver Ornate Patterned Ring - Size 9.5

2011-09-05T14:08:00.000-07:00

These rings are simple yet incredibly ornate! They are made from patterned sterling silver that is formed into perfect rings with nice smooth edges and inside.

2mm Wedding Band in 14K Yellow Gold

2009-05-22T16:06:00.001-07:00

2mm Wedding Band in 14K Yellow Gold, originally uploaded by Nicole Solo.

New piccie, still trying to figure out how to get the best macro shots with the new camera!

Making Extra Money Online

2009-05-05T14:47:00.000-07:00

First of all, my deepest apologies for the lack of recent blog updates! I've moved to a different state, and been quite busy. But the real reason is that my beloved Canon Powershot A85 has bit the dust. The sensor malfunction has gotten worse to the point that I can no longer take a picture without severe distortion. Which leads me to the topic of the day: Making Extra Money Online

Making Extra Money Online.

(For, among other things, a new digital camera!)

Since I work at home it seems only natural for me to search for ways to make extra money online. So far I have a few reccomendations, with more to come.

E-Bay

Online Surveys.

MySurvey.com (Referral name NicoleSolo)

Cash Gaming Sites.

favorite

WorldWinner.com (Referral name NicoleSolo)

That's it for today, but if you have other proven money-making advice, do comment here and let us know!

Making Filigree - Step Seven

2009-03-25T15:08:00.000-07:00

The next step in making filigree is the soldering work! It takes forever, since you have to be very meticulous about soldering every single tiny joint, including the insides of the swirl designs. Here is a photo in the middle of the process, and one right after they come out of the pickle! Yes, I have a lot of firescale, but that will not be for long :)

Making Filigree - Step Six

2009-03-20T14:44:00.000-07:00

Now that you've got smooth, flat frame pieces, you get to do the arranging of the final design! Like I mentioned before, I'm doing a random design, so I just piece the little pretties into the frame like a puzzle. You want them to fit snugly against eachother so that you can solder each and every piece. I make them so snug that sometimes one jumps up out of the frame!

I do all of the arranging right on my soldering surface, and then brush flux over the entire design. Let it dry so it won't bubble up when heated and ruin your design!

Making Filigree - Step Five

2009-03-19T15:53:00.000-07:00

Step Five is to polish the pendant frames and make sure there is a clean inside especially for soldering the pretty filigree swirls to.

I had to take a self-portrait for an interview, so I took one of me working on these pendants!

Making Filigree - Step Four

2009-03-18T11:13:00.000-07:00

Your filigree will need a frame to support all the pretties. I am making heart-shaped pendants. Step four is to fit and solder your pendant frames!

Making Filigree, Step 3.5

2009-03-17T15:25:00.000-07:00

Having realized that all those tiny little pretties might get lost, step 3.5 is cleaning up my bench and work area! Yikes!

(click the photo to see notes and details!)

20% Off Etsyversary Sale!

2009-03-16T19:05:00.000-07:00

My two year Etsyversary is coming up on March 23rd! I have a goal of making it to 400 sales! Come stop by my Etsy shop and take advantage of 20% off your next order, through March 23, 2009! All you have to do is metion "Etsyversary" in the message to seller during checkout, and I will send you a discounted invoice or refund the difference! I have a huge range of prices on great sterling silver, 14K gold, and other metal jewelry.

Making Filigree, Part Three

2009-03-16T14:34:00.000-07:00

If you're like me, your pretty little swirlies are all a bit bent out of shape. You'll want to flatten them, and also make sure that all the middles of the twirls are closed loops, so your finished filigree design won't snag on hair or clothing. I use a rawhide mallet and a bench block to gently hammer my designs flat. And now from this picture I realize how badly I need to clean my bench!

Making Filigree, Step Two

2009-03-13T13:30:00.000-07:00

After you've got your bazillion strips of filigree wire, its time to start bending them into pretties. Don't forget to save all your snippets of silver wire!

I am making a design with random filigree swirlies instead of a pattern, otherwise you should sketch out your pattern and make the specific pretties you will need!

I'm making heart-shaped pendants, so to keep them symmetrical I bend both pieces of wire at once.

Making Filigree, Step One

2009-03-12T12:59:00.001-07:00

Okay, I was able to get a good photo out of a bunch of wierd ones!

Here is the first step to making filigree pendants! Snip about a zillion pieces of filigree wire to your decided length. (Practice till you find the length you like). I don't have a rolling mill, so I am using commercially purchased filigree wire.

Today, I Am Making Filigree

2009-03-12T11:29:00.001-07:00

As mentioned in the today's title, I am making filigree. I have lots of nummy wire and will be snipping and twisting away until I have four gorgeous heart pendants, which will be set with birthstones for a custom order. I am having camera difficulties, but will post photos of the process when I can! Wish me luck :)

Edit: I am having camera problems! Can anyone help me diagnose these terrible lines through my pictures?

Who calls?

2009-03-11T20:40:00.001-07:00

Who calls?, originally uploaded by Nicole Solo.

My darling little Hlao turned three this week :) We love the bunnies!

Riveted Copper and Sterling Necklace

2009-01-30T23:30:00.001-08:00

Riveted Copper and Sterling Necklace, originally uploaded by Nicole Solo.

I was so happy to find out less than 12 hours after listing, that this new design had sold! And to a repeat customer as well, which always gives me a warm fuzzy feeling :) I still have one of these left at my Artfire Shop.

I love my packaging :D

2009-01-26T12:35:00.001-08:00

I love my packaging :D, originally uploaded by Nicole Solo.

Busy weekend!

Fourth Try's A Charm - Blush Topaz Solitaire Ring

2009-01-22T15:21:00.001-08:00

Blush Topaz Solitaire, originally uploaded by Nicole Solo.

Blush Topaz Solitaire. This was my fourth redesign. I finally fabricated a stepped bezel from scratch, and soldered it to a plain band. The stone set perfectly this time. I have officially given up on premade settings!!

Fail Of The Day

2009-01-20T15:12:00.001-08:00

Fail Of The Day, originally uploaded by Nicole Solo.

This was the third attempt at a custom order ring, all of which failed miserably. A fourth design change is in on the bench now, with desperate hopes that I will not disappoint my waiting customer!

Visit Solo Artworks on Artfire

2009-01-06T09:44:00.000-08:00

Store not available

My IQ. Hmm

2009-01-02T01:02:00.001-08:00

120

My Photography is now on Imagekind

2008-12-30T12:42:00.001-08:00

Shayne and I :))

2008-12-10T14:51:00.001-08:00

Shayne and I :)), originally uploaded by Nicole Solo.

And The Winner Is...

2008-12-10T11:33:00.000-08:00

Meg! You've won the drawing for the free earrings here at Filed Fingers :) You didn't leave your contact info though, so please contact me soon or I will be drawing another name!

Congrats and thanks everybody who entered!

Mrs. Smith

2008-12-08T23:35:00.001-08:00

Nicole's Wedding 122, originally uploaded by groecar.

Doesn't that just sound good? *still giddy*