Thursday, January 03, 2008
First Pieces in 2008
I set myself a goal for 2008 to make at least one piece of jewelry a week. This week, I have a pair of earrings, a pendant and a pendant/earring set to share.
First up, one of my first pieces of PMC (Precious Metal Clay) that I made on my own. I learned a lot making this piece, namely that PMC isn't quite as easy as I remember it being!
I started out with three PMC pieces - a heart charm with my hubby's thumb print on it, a coated leaf, and this pendant. While filing down some rough edges on the charm, I got too aggressive with the files and cracked the piece...I'm hesitant to fire it because I don't want to waste the clay (I should be able to reconstitute it prior to firing, even if I just use it for slip) if it cracks again after firing.
The leaf ended up not having enough coats of PMC on it, and after firing, it sort of fell apart. Lesson learned - build up LOTS of coats of PMC on the leaf before firing!
The pendant turned out nicely. It doesn't have as much texture as I'd like, but I like the shape and the bail is sturdy and will support the pendant. I cut the shape using a large metal washer as a template, and used a bit of wire screen for texturing. I would like to put something in the center - some domed and stamped copper pieces I have would fit nicely, but I need to get to soldering to attach them at this point.
Tomorrow, I'll share the earrings and the set, along with some tips on wire wrapping!
Labels: 2008 goals, jewelry making, pendant, PMC
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
2008 Jewelry Goals
Time to set goals for the new year!
In 2008, I plan to:
1. Get more proficient with PMC. I did make a couple of pieces yesterday and today, and they turned out okay for first attempts. I had a LOT of fun firing them...not scared of the torch anymore (but I still respect it!). So this year, I'd like to continue to work with the medium, and produce some pieces good enough to sell. :-)
2. Work with that torch. Yes, it's just a little baby butane torch, but there are a lot of things I can do with it. Soldering, making my own head pins, just for a start. I have some really good resources for soldering, and this will be the year I learn to do it!
3. Grow my jewelry business through higher end and more personal showings. Craft shows are good and fine, and I have a few that are still my "bread and butter"...but I'd like to work at developing a broader audience for my work. That means checking out art shows, working with some guilds/organizations, and being choosy in where I take my work.
4. Create one piece per week. No stress here in meeting a published deadline, but if I can create one quality piece per week, I'll be miles ahead by next holiday season! Also, I want to create some jewelry that's "mine"...but if it's for sale, I need to photograph it, list it, and market it!
5. Finally, I'm setting a goal to write one article/project/review for Beading Help Web per week. I want to inundate you with new things to read about and try! You can help me out by letting me know if there's something specific you'd like to read about...just email me at beadingpublisher@consumerhelpweb.com!
Your turn...what do you want to learn or improve on in 2008? What are you looking forward to...a beading trip, taking a class, starting your own business? I'd love to hear your plans for the coming year!
Labels: 2008 goals, PMC, torch
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Merry Christmas!
Our Christmas was quiet and low-key this year - I've been suffering with a terrible cold that kept me home on Christmas Eve for one thing. It's been hanging on for far too long, and I'm tired of it already!!
Hubby came through with the PMC (Precious Metal Clay, aka Art Clay Silver) starter kit I'd asked for, and I'm looking forward to running in town, getting butane, and firing up the cute little torch that came with it. Starter kit came from
Fire Mountain Gems, and is supposed to have everything I need to start playing!
He also sprung for an iPod Nano, which we FINALLY got up and running today. Seems there was a problem with the iTunes software and compatibility with the Nano, but it's fixed with the new download. I've been happily putting music on my cute little Nano and playing the games that came on it. Absolutely great portable music, and I know I'm going to love it!!!
Labels: Christmas, Fire Mountain Gems, iPod, iTunes, jewelry making, PMC
I started out with three PMC pieces - a heart charm with my hubby's thumb print on it, a coated leaf, and this pendant. While filing down some rough edges on the charm, I got too aggressive with the files and cracked the piece...I'm hesitant to fire it because I don't want to waste the clay (I should be able to reconstitute it prior to firing, even if I just use it for slip) if it cracks again after firing.
