Silversmith+Jeweler

All in Earrings (part 2) - Estona Metalsmithing & Jewelry Making Tutorials

2021-12-04T12:00:00.003-08:00

Part two of the All in Earrings tutorial From Estona Metalsmithing. Click here for part one. Finishing up the prong setting and making the dangle from our casting! Thank you Estona for sharing. To see more of her videos and to subscribe, here is her youtube channel. Estona Tutorials

All in Earrings (part 1) - Estona Metalsmithing & Jewelry Making Tutorials

2021-12-04T11:59:00.002-08:00

Estona Metalsmithing did a fantastic tutorial on making dangling earrings with a different way to make settings for faceted stones. This is part one, in part two, she uses our Freeform Flower casting as a final touch! I love the way these look and her explanation for the stone setting is very well thought out and shown in these videos. For part two, click here.

The Superstitious Jackalope home jewelry studio

2020-05-10T16:50:00.006-07:00

Kat from The Superstitious Jackalope jewelry line shows us her at home jewelry studio along with some of her must have organizational tools for a home jewelry studio.

Stamping Tips

2020-05-10T15:59:00.002-07:00

Today we are going over our favorite tips and tools for stamping when making jewelry. From getting good impressions to what tools we prefer.

Tools we use:

Heavy brass hammer
Steel block
Rubber block or sand bag
Electrical Tape
Double sided tape
Various Stamps (love these border stamps)
Copper metal

Northwoods Silver Jewelry Studio Tour

2020-04-30T18:03:00.001-07:00

Kristi from Northwoods Silver has been silversmithing for about a year and her home jewelry studio is in her basement!

Ocean Jasper Cabochon Ring

2020-04-28T17:32:00.002-07:00

Follow along as we show you how to make an ocean jasper cabochon ring.

Tools & materials used for Ocean Jasper Cabochon Ring Project project:

Materials:

20 gauge Silver Sheet
1/2 round Wire for the Ring Band (we used decorative ring band )
bezel strip (we used serrated bezel )
Easy, medium and hard silver solder
Cabochon

Any half round wire between 12g and 6g will be good for rings depending on the size of the stone and the desired look of the band. Keep in mind, the higher the number the thinner the wire.

Tools:

Ring Sizers
Calipers
Fine tip sharpie
Nippers
Jewelry Saw
Flat nose pliers and or Miter Jig
Wire cutters
Wubber bail pliers. The Wubber 7 & 9mm bail making pliers are a favorite around the studio.
Steel Block
Rawhide or Nylon Hammer
Ring Mandrel
Ring Clamp
Bech Pin
Flex Shaft
Polishing Wheels:

Yellow, Red and Blue Radial Discs
Silicone wheels fine and medium grit

Bezel Rocker or Bezel Pusher
Burnishing Tool
Sand Paper 400 grit
Disc Cutter *** optional
Heavy Brass Hammer
Torch
Solder Brick
Tripod
locking tweezers
sharp tweezers
flux
flux brush
50/50 mixture of denatured alcohol and boric acid
Pickle - crock pot
bowl for water
binder clips

Uses for calipers in jewelry making

2020-04-26T00:03:00.000-07:00

Today we are going to talk about one of the most useful tools on our jeweler's bench... Calipers!

These are the calipers we use at the studio: 6" digital calipers

Uses:

Depth and diameter of stones.
Checking bur sizes.
Inside diameter of rings. (you need to be able to create the correct size ring.
Scribe for straight lines.
Know the thickness of your metal.
Know if you filed your metal straight by holding them in.

Drawbacks:

Convert to inches and can easily hit the convert button.
Easy to accidentally hit the zero out button

miiik3 Studio Tour

2020-04-23T17:21:00.000-07:00

At home with Mike Marcum of MIIIK3

Mike has some great insight on where to pickup tools, how to make your jewelry bench work for you, and getting it done that are inspiring for anyone wanting to start making jewelry from home. So make sure to check them out in our next at home studio tour!

Silver Saguaros studio tour

2020-04-16T20:52:00.001-07:00

During these crazy times while everybody staying inside and possibly in need of inspiration we thought we’d start a new series. This is our first studio tour at home with Shad of Silver Saguaros! So sit back, enjoy and maybe pickup a few tips for organizing your bench.

You can find Shad here:

Etsy Silver Saguaros

We especially love this eagle claw pendant that is up there now!

Instagram @silversaguaros

DIY Silver Handmade Ear Wires

2020-04-10T09:47:00.002-07:00

Today we are going over all the steps for you to be able to make your own french ear wires.

This is something you can do when you’re not feeling inspired creatively, but still want (or need!) to be in the studio and productive. Sometimes we don’t feel especially creative, but pushing through with a project like making and stockpiling a bunch of ear-wires helps us get into the right frame of mind for our next design. And, when you are in a creativity frenzy, you'll have all the ear-wires your jewelry needs and deserves. So here is our quick video on the process we use to make our own ear-wires.

Arizona Artist Series: Kristi Ellstrom - Northwoods Silver Q & A

2020-02-18T16:14:00.001-08:00

How did you get into metalsmithing?

I have always loved silver and turquoise and wanted to do something that included those in my creative outlet. My early childhood, I grew up in Arizona so that had a lot of influence on my interest in the Southwestern styles. My Dad had a very close friend who had the largest Turquoise belt buckle I had ever seen. I thought it was so beautiful and special, I will never forget it.

I also credit my start into silversmithing to my Mom! She passed down her turquoise ring from the 1970’s to me when I was sixteen. I still wear the ring almost daily. We spent our summers in the Northwoods of Wisconsin on a lake (my favorite place) and every year on one of our “town” visits, we would visit a silver shop and would get to pick something out. That is why I named my business Northwoods Silver.

My path to metalsmithing was a bit untraditional, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Just 8 months ago, I took my first class at Harold Studio and have taken several more since then. I opened Northwoods Silver this spring and have been working on honing my style since then.

What inspires you?

Nature! I love spending time outside, taking in the fresh smells and sights. I also love to travel and am especially interested in other cultures. There is so much diversity in the world, you can take bits and pieces of it and apply it to your work. I am still discovering my own personal style when it comes to silversmithing, so I suppose the inspiration will keep coming from many different avenues!

What is your design process?

It usually begins with the stone. I love gems, so I really take in the color, shape, size, any special inclusions, etc. Then I trace around the stone on a piece of paper and from there I draw out a design. Many times, I end up tweaking the design once I get going. You’ll notice what works or doesn’t work during the actual process of making the piece. I try to stay as fluid as possible, because I’ve come to learn that if you try to force it – it won’t turn out well and I’ll be frustrated.

I also love making custom pieces, because I think about the person while I’m making the item. Wonder if it will be an everyday piece for them or something for special occasions? If it is a gift, I’ll smile and think about how surprised and hopefully happy the person receiving it is. It brings me a lot of joy to creative something that someone in the world will cherish as their own. I also hope that they will be passed down to friends or family, just as my turquoise ring was to me. I love when objects have a history

What is your favorite tool and why?

This is such a hard question! There are so many, but if I had to narrow it down, I would say the Flex Shaft machine, the rawhide mallet, and the bench block. I use those things every day I am working, couldn’t live without them. The Flex Shaft is a workhorse and I use it to clean up the metal during the process and also to polish the pieces. The mallet and bench block are two items every metalsmith needs and will use constantly. These would be my first recommendations to newbies!

What is on your bench right now?

Right now I am working on 15 cuff bracelets. I don’t normally have such a large volume of items on my bench at the same time, but something came over me and I wanted to create numerous cuffs for the upcoming market I’m heading to!

Where can we find your work?

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/northwoodssilver/
Etsy- https://www.etsy.com/shop/NorthwoodsSilver

Arizona Artist Series: Crystal Cleveland - Skye Silver Q & A

2019-09-28T12:09:00.000-07:00

How did you get into metalsmithing?

I’ve been into collecting jewelry since high school, when I inherited a bit of my grandmas native turquoise jewelry collection. Then after collecting and searching for stuff that I like or that fits for years, I just decided I wanted to try to make things that I couldn’t find and things that fit me. I have a couple good friends who are also into metalsmithing, lapidary and collecting that also really helped me get into silversmithing. I took the 8 week jewelry 1 class at the Harold Studio and really took off from there!

What inspires you?

Everything! I live for 40s/50s Fred Harvey era silver. Turquoise! The desert! Stones! Stones, probably more than anything, they really make every piece so special.

What is your design process?

I don’t know if I really have a process really. I doodle designs a lot, but my drawing is terrible. I usually just lay out some stones and it really just comes to me from there. Ill start moving elements around on my bench, playing around until a design is laid out. I do a lot of the designing at my home and then head to the Harold Studio to finish up the pieces.

What is your favorite tool and why?

My favorite tool is the polisher. Polishing, patina and cleaning up pieces and getting to the final step makes me really happy.

What is on your bench right now?

I probably have 10 or so ideas on my bench right now. A lot of rings, a couple bolo ties. I’m thinking about attempting my first bracelet!

Where can we find your work?

Instagram- @SkyeSilversmithing
Etsy- https://www.etsy.com/shop/SkyeSilversmithing

Arizona Artist Series: Stefanie Dicker of Bezel and Brass Q & A

2019-08-16T08:37:00.000-07:00

How did you get into metalsmithing?

Years ago, my grandma gave me her wedding ring and told me that I could reset the stones, if I wanted to do so. I felt that the best way to honor her, would be to learn how to reset the stones myself. Ironically, I no longer want to reset the stones. I cherish the memories that I have of her wearing that ring. I want to preserve the ring and the memories.

What inspires you?

I'm very inspired by other cultures. Specifically, Native American and Hispanic cultures. I love the story, the spirit, the richness and the detail.

What is your design process?

I tend to be a more methodical person, so, I'm not one to "wing it". I almost always have a plan before I start working on a piece. Usually, I end up deviating or modifying somewhere along the way. That's the part of the process that I have a tricky relationship with. I don't like uncertainty, although, uncertainty can be our best teacher.

What is your favorite tool and why?

My favorite tool changes, depending on the pieces that I'm working on. Consistently, though, I love my rotary tool. The finishing process is cathartic for me.

What is on your bench right now?

I'm finishing up some chrysoprase earrings and starting a collection for a salon in Minnesota.

Where can we find your work?
-Local Nomad on Camelback and Central, localnomadshop.com
-late spring/early summer at Mérite House of Beauty in Minnetonka, MN
-Etsy, bezelandbrass.etsy.com

Arizona Artist Series: Alex Babic of White Crow Works Q & A

2019-08-03T09:38:00.003-07:00

How did you get into metalsmithing?

"I developed an obsession with turquoise in 2018. It literally developed overnight. Until then, I used to think it was an "old lady stone", guess I'm an old lady now ;). Anyhow, I bought a few pieces of old Navajo jewelry and the workmanship was amazing, so I wanted to know how it was all put together. I looked up silversmithing classes and came up on Harold studio and the rest is history (not that long of a history I guess).

What inspires you?

I find inspiration in different places...antiques, old metal structures and even stones themselves (sometimes I "sit" on them until it "comes" to me what they should be). My love for vintage and rustic shows in textures and designs of my jewelry.

What is your design process?

Design process...as much as I overplan in all other aspects of my life, jewelry design just comes to me. I start working on something and it develops into a piece of jewelry. Don't get me wrong, I have rocks that I started months ago and have yet to become anything…someday.

What is your favorite tool?

Favorite tool- hands down rolling mill. I love texture, it gives life to a plain piece of metal. You can add depth, designs, whole stories to your piece. It's so forgiving as well, if you don't love what you did, you can wipe the "slate" clean and start all over.

What is on your bench right now?

There's always a turquoise stone and a buffalo nickel in various stages of completion on my bench.

Do you have any upcoming shows?

No upcoming shows at this time, I do plan on doing some in the future. Meanwhile you can find my work on Instagram @whitecrowworks and Etsy whitecrowworks.etsy.com/."

Arizona Artist Series: Susan of Wallace Chambers Design Q&A

2019-01-04T14:10:00.002-08:00

How did you get into metalsmithing?

I had an uncle who made a living as a watchmaker. He also had an interest in stones and made some jewelry. When I was in elementary school he would take me along to hunt for rubies, and on one occasion he bought me a handcrafted Sterling dogwood flower ring. I thought this was so amazing! Later on I became aware of art shows, and grasped the fact that I could actually make a living designing and making jewelry.

What inspires you?

I would have to say beauty. I relate to the fluid nature of metal, and am totally in love with the drama of fire. I find clarity in looking for design, and it is usually a subtle, very unplanned idea that starts my process.

What is your design process?

Very simply, I make it up as I go along!

What is your favorite tool?

I like working with my foredom ..... the finishing process I find
rewarding as the piece is becoming a whole.

What is on your bench right now?

I have been working on silver earrings with raw sea
glass. I decided to make unbacked bezel setting, and still have finishing to accomplish
on them.

Do you have any upcoming shows?

I just finished my season in the Seattle area, where I do a Farmers Market on Saturdays.
My current goal is to focus on my website, and host my own online shows.

Where else can we find your work?

In Arizona I have work for sale at Taliesin West, in The Frank Lloyd Wright Store. In
Washington I am working on a collection for SAM, Seattle Art Museum for the
spring/summer 2019 season.

https://www.wallacechambersdesign.com/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/WallaceChambers?ref=search_shop_redirect

Jewelry Classes & Supplies Make Great Gifts! Discover Different Ways of Giving for the Holidays.

2018-11-21T15:33:00.000-08:00

Are you already browsing for holiday gifts just to avoid the madness of the holiday rush at Christmas time? Or, are you dreading it because some of your loved ones are hard to shop for?

Maybe some combination of these?

Harold Studio can help you reduce your pre-holiday stress! We offer classes throughout the year. We have options for every skill level. From beginner, to intermediate and seasoned jewelry designer. We also sell jewelry design supplies and tools at our studio in Phoenix, AZ. All of these make great gifts!

Here’s a list of gift ideas for the creative soul in your life.

For the Beginner Jewelry Artist:

Jewelry 1 Class --This class covers all the basics a metalsmith jewelry artist needs to know to develop their craft. Hand sawing earrings, soldering to make a ring, to creating patinas textures and more. This 8-week class will help your novice loved one become proficient at the art of metal jewelry design.

For the Mid-level to Seasoned Jewelry Artist:

We offer a range of classes that would satisfy the intermediate to seasoned jewelry artists. From making cuffs, to stacked rings and or cabochon rings and more, the options for creativity are plenty.

Another Gift Idea for The Seasoned Artisan:

For those who’ve experience working with torches and metalsmith tools, we also offer the option to rent studio space, so individuals can work on their own projects. We offer part-time rental options.

Gifts for Everyone:

No matter what level of experience a jewelry designer has, they all appreciate new, quality tools and supplies. We carry popular essentials like cabochon stones, saw blades, bezel wire, polishing discs and more. If you’re not sure what to buy, we offer gift cards, too.

While these all make great gifts, the gift of learning and growing in one’s creativity is priceless!

If you have questions about our classes, or our studio rental options, feel free to contact us. Harold Studio wishes you and yours a safe and happy holiday season!

Ethical Fairs & Festivals Vs. Unethical Ones and How to Tell the Difference.

2018-11-10T09:25:00.000-08:00

You’re feeling pretty awesome lately. An art-based event company approached you about exhibiting and selling your jewelry to a large audience. It’s different from your local farmers market and sounds more sophisticated than your opportunity to sell at a local school fair.

However, don’t get distracted by sleek, marketing tactics – the chic website and venue location. Here’s some tip-offs that an event may not be worth your time:

The event organizers don’t ask to see images of your work. A legitimate art /artisan-focused event company would have a juried selection process from which to decide which artists participate in a given event.

They require you to sell tickets to the event. This in turn, takes time away from you that you could be applying to your craft, or making new pieces. Not to mention, it can cause friends/family to feel awkward or obliged to support you vs. you simply inviting them to the event – no strings attached.

They insist you pay a large sum total up front to participate – in cash only.

They require you buy advertising on their website or other promotional materials to participate.

Now, if you are one of those rare individuals that loves to sell advertising, event tickets and make art, you are amazing! Don’t let such particulars stop you from getting your work in front of people. However, no one should be required to sell tickets, advertise a certain way, or be limited to one payment option to participate in an event. Last but not least, everyone’s art should be reviewed and approved in advance to avoid situations where people are selling pre-fabricated or, worse, stolen work.

We hope these tips make it easier for you to decide which events to take part in this fall! This site features an extensive list of legitimate, juried festivals and fairs around the country.

If you need supplies or tools to finish up your metal jewelry creations for an upcoming event, drop by Harold Studio. We have a nice selection of essentials to choose from.

Best of luck to you this fall/winter with your jewelry sales!

Arizona Artist Series: Jen Lin of Hello Pecan Designs Q&A

2018-10-25T08:28:00.001-07:00

How did you get into metalsmithing?

I have always enjoyed learning and doing anything art and crafts related. I also admired all the pretty silver and turquoise jewelry out there, but had a hard time finding rings or cuffs that fit. I remember thinking maybe someday it would be cool to be able to make it myself. Two years ago, I was looking for a creative outlet to balance out my life and randomly searched the internets for a local metal-smithing class. I found Harold Studio, took the awesome Jewelry 1 class, and have been hooked ever since.

What inspires you?

Lots of things - a lot of the times just looking at the stone itself sparks some idea for what it could become or what style would fit it best. I had lots of fun looking to nature and the National Parks for inspiration for several pieces. Sometimes running low on supplies (rarely happens right...) generates ideas. It ends up being a semi-fun challenge to see what I can try to create using what I have left until I can restock!

What is your design process?

I like when I can sit there with the stones I want to work with, along with whatever metal I happen to have on hand in front of me. I arrange things and mix and match all the pieces until I hit upon something that I like and want to wear myself.

What is your favorite tool?

It's a toss up right now between the fresh stack of yellow bristle polishing discs and the buttery smooth metal file.

What is on your bench right now?

Currently on a ring kick and have a couple of different ones going on right now - some simple turquoise ones (my favorite), a few multi-stone rings, a Jasper one. Also finishing up an little cuff.

Do you have any upcoming shows?

Annual Fall Festival of the Arts on October 28, Noon-4pm at the AZ Heritage Center at Papago Park, Tempe.

Where else can we find your work?

My Etsy: HelloPecanDesigns

Harold Studio Talks Torches, the Type They Use & Options for Those Who Want a Home Workspace

2018-10-12T13:24:00.001-07:00

Whether you’re a beginning jewelry metalsmith or you’ve been practicing your craft for a few years, you may be wondering which types of torches and gas combinations do what jobs best. Harold Studio wanted to share why they use acetylene (acetylene-air) -fueled torches and also a few options if you want to set up a home studio for yourself.

Why Acetylene?

· Because acetylene burns at such a high temperature, students and studio renters alike will always have an adequate amount of heat no matter the size or details of their project.

· It offers the opportunity to use a range of torch tip sizes for different size projects and design situations.

· It burns so hot, it really doesn't require an oxygen tank for most things, which means less setup costs for you. When your torch is turned on and the gas reaches the tip, most torches have oxygen holes that merge with the gas to produce an adequately high heat for most silver and gold soldering. This means one less tank, regulator and hose to buy which can really add up. Note: Acetylene is not a good gas to use when working with palladium(a platinum alloy). For that reason, we have an extra propane/oxygen setup for all our palladium, palladium white gold and platinum operations.

Torch & Gas Options for Home Studios

· While initially it can be costlier up front to purchase than other smaller torch /gas tank options, your end cost may be the same (or more, depending on frequency of use). Since the acetylene gas tank is quite large, it will last months to years longer than butane. We also recommend you have adequate and well-ventilated space for all types of torch set-ups.

· If you aren’t comfortable with the idea of acetylene in/near your home, you can commit to smaller torch and gas options. Keep in mind, you’ll be limited to creating much smaller scale designs. Most people we have met start off with a butane and quickly move up to getting a proper tank/torch setup.

· Propane and oxygen torch combinations are commonly used in home studios as well. Propane, just like acetylene should be kept in a well-ventilated studio space.

· Butane torches are the smallest available and cheap. They are usually handheld with disposable tanks. However, they have no option to change the torch tip, you can only adjust the size a bit, and they only get hot enough to melt very very small objects such as jump rings. Even trying to solder a simple cabochon ring can prove frustrating because it is usually too big for a butane torch

Regardless of the type of torch and set-up you buy, always keep safety in mind. While we can understand you’re excited to get started, it should go without saying – home fires, accidental gas leaks, and or gas inhalation aren’t worth the risk of not fully understanding the operation of your tank(s).

Do you have questions about the torches Harold Studio uses, or want to learn how to use one? Contact us or sign up for one of our beginner classes.

Jewelry Tools for the Intermediate to Advanced Metal Jewelry Artist. Harold Studio of Phoenix Has Some Recommendations.

2018-09-28T14:15:00.002-07:00

You were excited to see that at least a few of your projects finished in your introductory level jewelry class was successful, now you’re ready to expand what you learned. Here are some tools that will help you add interesting and fun details to your work.

Center Punch – is a simple tool used to do as its name implies – it ‘punches’ or makes an indention in metal. This makes it easier for your drill to stay centered when making a hole in the metal. Since it stabilizes the drill, you’re less likely to damage the metal as you drill. Drilled holes can be a design element in and of themselves. However, they’re often utilized as a connection point for other jewelry parts – like a bail on a necklace, for example.

Rolling Mill – A rolling mill serves multiple purposes. It can flatten/thin out sheet metal and wire. It can also be used to apply texture and designs to your piece. Durston is one of the most respected manufacturers of rolling mills on the market. No matter which brand of rolling mill you purchase, be sure to purchase one made of high-quality hardened steel—this ensures that the mill can not only make quality, even forms but will also work for a long duration that’s worth the investment.

Metal Stamps
Metal stamps make a lasting impression - literally! They do take practice and finesse to get a nice even design. There are hundreds of stamp patterns, symbols, and design elements you can add to your jewelry creations. A tip - If you hit your stamp multiple times in the same spot, it may result in distorted or double images on the metal.

Casting Molds
Making jewelry with a mold is a method used to insure that your jewelry ideas can be accurately recreated again whenever you’d like in the future. Your original mold can be as simple as a ring with no stone, or embellishments or as elaborate as an intricately detailed statement necklace.

If you’ve not yet tried your hand at these tools, Harold Studio in Phoenix offers classes and the option to rent studio time where you’ll be able to practice with metal stamps, center punches, and a rolling mill. While casting classes aren’t currently available, there is a purchase option to have your design cast molded. Learn more about the studio here.

Arizona Artist Series: Roy Benjamin Harlin of Rbenjeejewelry Q&A

2018-09-21T10:58:00.000-07:00

How did you get into metalsmithing?
I was searching for an alternative creative outlet removed from the food world that I have spent my working career in. I needed a new medium that still let me use my hands and tell a story, but without being edible. (ring)

What inspires you?
The natural world inspires me the most. I look to the scenery around me for form and functionality. Themes are important to me. I like to set an idea and then open up the drawing books to let the creative juices flow. I research botanical illustrations, animal anatomy, and maps to help ground my wandering mind. (earrings)

What is your design process?
Draw, draw, draw. I try to draw in my books daily, even if I feel that is not consistent with what I’m working with at the moment. It helps me keep a log of what I was feeling at the moment. I also make prototypes for myself that I can where out and see the response I receive. The responses help me know if the piece is liked by the collective and not just myself. (earrings)

What is your favorite tool?
I’m currently obsessed with my soldering pick. It can be a challenge at times, kinda like patting your head and rubbing your belly at the same time. The benefits out way the juggling act with cleanliness on the piece.

What is on your bench right now? My bench is a bit of mess currently with some research and development happening. I will say that there is a strong presence of opal and rutilated quartz with silver and copper.

Do you have any upcoming shows?
I’m doing a show at noons on September 22nd. I will be showcasing the #MOTHER line. It is focused on asymmetry, elements, and clean lines.

Where else can we find your work.
Currently you can find my idiot line in Tucson at Popcycle. I will be at noons starting October. I also sell custom on line at www.rbenjeejewelry.com

6 Tips to Create a Fair Contract (for Yourself & Your Client) When Taking a Jewelry Production Order

2018-09-07T12:09:00.000-07:00

You were asked to use your jewelry metalsmith skills to make something for someone else’s product line. It’s exciting! Such opportunities are a good way to make some regular money for a period of time, get your name out there in a new way and work in collaboration with designers, or entrepreneurs.

However, it’s your first offer of this kind, it can also be a bit overwhelming – especially if you haven’t created anything like the particular design requested of you. You want to be fair to your client, and yourself in regards to your time and the cost of materials. What does that look like?

A contract agreement of some kind?

Here are some essential details Harold Studio recommends considering and including in a contract before you agree to take on the work.

1. Arrange for a beta production period where you are paid to design and create from their specs a sample of prototypes for approval. This way, you know how long a certain piece takes to make and can also better estimate necessary details. Especially, if you’ve never created this kind of jewelry piece/design before.

2. Once you’ve done this, you’ll be able to have a solid time frame for completing deliverables for a certain number of pieces and can list a solid completion date/time frame to include in the contract.

3. Once you know your time frame, your production fee (how much you pay yourself hourly) along with the cost of materials can be determined.

4. Include a non-disclosure clause in your contract. This won’t necessarily guarantee that the pieces you create are fully protected from copycats, but it provides a certain amount of legal protection that sets your expectations if you plan to include 3^rd parties in the production process.

5. Cover your time and expenses, if there are requests for changes of materials, or style applied for another round of prototypes. Note in the contract that there will be fees incurred for edits, changes to the piece. Be sure to include fees for not just your time and material, but also for any work required by 3^rd party service (engraving, for example).

6. If this piece you’re producing is going to be sold on a continual basis, determine a percentage of your share of each sold piece. You may need to consider a lower percentage at first, until the salability of a piece is proven and include a clause that says, ‘Upon a certain number, (200, for example) of charms, bracelets, etc. sold in a 4- month time frame, the contract can be revisited for consideration to raise my percentage share of each sale.’

We hope these tips help to put you at ease and feel more confident about taking on production work in the future. If you need specific tools and workspace to fulfill a production order, Harold Studio offers rental options based on your experience and budget. Learn more here.

Arizona Artist Series: Meghan of Girl's Run Fast Q&A

2018-08-31T10:25:00.000-07:00

Meghan makes jewelry for runners, triathletes, duathletes, swimmers, cyclists, yogis with her business Girls Run Fast. Jewelry to celebrate your accomplishment and more.

Meghan makes jewelry for runners, triathletes, duathletes, swimmers, cyclists, yogis with her business Girls Run Fast. Jewelry to celebrate your accomplishment and more.

How did you get into metalsmithing?

I took my first class when I was at the university working on my BFA, it sparked my interest then but at that time I could not fit any more classes into my schedule. I got back into it and started taking classes again twenty years later after teaching art for many years.

What inspires you?

My life experiences and the experiences of the people in my life. I started making my running pendants when I was training for a marathon and continue to get ideas for new pendants from events in our lives. One of my newer designs is a runner with a dog, inspired by our new dog.

What is your design process?

I begin with drawing several designs until they develop into something I am happy with. Once I am happy with the design then I will cut the figures out of copper. The stamped designs on the background are different every time. I create these designs on instinct without any planning.

What is your favorite tool?

My favorite tool is my saw. I enjoy cutting out the figures and challenging myself to cut them out smaller or with better detail each time.

What is on your bench right now?

Runner pendants and rings in process as well as some cabochons I am working on making into pendants for gifts.

Harold Studio Featured Supplier Series: Gem Resources, International Provides Quality & a Large Selection of Stones to Satisfy a Range of Jewelry Design Ideas.

2018-08-24T08:59:00.000-07:00

Gem Resources, International is a valued supplier for Harold Jewelry. We recommend them to you, because whether you are just starting out in your jewelry design education or, you’re a seasoned artisan, you’ll find a stone that’s perfect for your design idea.

The Minnesota-based company offers a wide selection of faceted natural and lab-created gems that come in styles such as rose-cut, checkerboard and bullet. Rough-cut gems are an option in stones like citrine, aquamarine, white topaz, a few kinds of garnet and peridot to name some examples. Plus, they have natural and lab-created stone cabochons (also called ‘cabs’), which are known to be easier to set than faceted or rough gems. They also have a choice of drilled stones or drops. Some of these drilled stones come in novel shapes – like boots!

Are you in search of details about certain jewelry making processes for your latest design? Gem Resources International’s website has a nice section of ‘How-to Guides.’ Also, if you want to find links to industry publications, educational institutions or guilds you’ll find these in their ‘Shop Talk’ section.

Another benefit to shopping with Gem Resources international is their specials on stones. They run monthly specials. One of their recent sales included half off the price of gems like - mother-of-pearl, lapis, turquoise, rose quartz, rainbow moonstone, amethyst, Australian Opal, Oregon Sunstone and Montana Agate.

Do you have questions about how a stone, or stones, you purchased from Gem Resources International will suit your jewelry idea? Do you wonder if they will work for a custom design, or a project in one of our upcoming classes? The staff at Harold Studio is happy to help you and answer any questions you may have before you start a class or a creation.

Visit our site again soon for our next ‘Featured Supplier’ blog. If you’re a gemstone fan, you’re probably pretty familiar with them, and may have shopped with them already. They are reputed to be one of the world’s largest resources for everything jewelry and jewelry design!

By: Amy Juneau

Avoid Melting Your Project. Hot Tips for Saving Your Jewelry Creation and Keeping a Cool Head in the Process.

2018-08-03T11:40:00.000-07:00

Everyone melts their jewelry piece when in the middle of creating their design idea from time to time. Everyone. Those with years of experience do it, too. However, we all want to do better, be more efficient in our work - wasting less time and material.

Here are some tips to help you melt your creations less often:

• Always focus on heating the metal, not the solder. Look to achieve a muted orange-red glow vs. a bright orange color of your metal. The latter could quickly turn your bezel or other smaller elements into a metal puddle.
• Heat the metal evenly, using the outer-most part of your flame, moving your torch slowly in circular motions over your piece.
• Concentrate the heat of the torch on the larger parts of your piece – the base, a band, for example, instead of the bezel or other smaller delicate decorations. Keep in mind that metal is conductive. Heat will travel throughout your piece from the larger elements to the smaller ones.
• As you heat your piece, move the torch closer to the blue tip of the flame. When you do this you, you will notice that the metal will change color to a bright orange-red glow. When you see this color change, put the torch flame on the joint where you put the solder. Watch for a liquid line of solder running along/onto the seam.

• Once the solder has flowed, pull your torch away and turn it off.
• Stay focused on the goal. Yes, it sounds trite, or obvious, but sometimes it’s common for jewelry artist to start envisioning the finished piece, or other possibilities as they work and not on the task at hand. This can lead to melting a piece, too.

We hope these tips help you to keep a cool head when heating up your piece, and be more productive overall. If you want to learn more about the jewelry design process, or make specific styles, Harold Studio hosts classes every month. Learn more about them here.