Today, to distract myself from the waiting (and to get some work done too), I decided to make some new earrings. The shop is getting restocked with new and returning items and I made a few of each today. I needed to revamp my oxidizing station so that happened as well! These photos show my set up - which is also my laundry room. I love the natural light in this room - it has two large windows - which is also helpful for the smell of the liver of sulfur...good ventilation is absolutely necessary!
Then, I headed for my workbench. It needed a serious re- working to make room for the new tools and equipment and to better utilize my work space. Because it's in the basement and there is no natural light, the top got a coat of bright green paint to add some color - I plan to spend a fair bit of time here and want it to feel happy and fun! A second little desk (don't you just love this vintage enamel table top?) means I can keep an eye on the shop without running up and down stairs all day (although the exercise wouldn't kill me :). Looking at these photos, I can see that I'm a bit of a clutterbug in this room! So, maybe those tools will arrive tomorrow...fingers crossed! Otherwise, who knows what will get organized next!
...I was SO excited to go to class this week to finish my ring and set the stone. The finishing included several rounds of sanding and polishing both the interior of the band, the setting and the rest of the ring. Next, I gave it three baths in liver of sulfur to add patina. A good scrubbing with water, a bit of dishsoap and a brass brush brought out some pretty highlights.
After securing it in my ring clamp and gathering my bezel rocker and burnisher, I was ready to set the stone :). I worked around the stone in several stages, slowly bringing the surrounding silver closer and closer until the stone was snug and then I burnished the edge of the setting to smooth it out. A bit more sanding and polishing were required as I made a few little scratched in the silver and unfortunately, that also removed some of my patina on the setting itself. I'll know better next time! 
Even so, I like how it all turned out! Here is the finished ring which I am happily wearing today! I can't wait to make another :) Stay tuned for some new silver earrings I plan to make at Open Studio this week...
she explains and demonstrates projects clearly and is patient with us too. So far I've made a copper and brass pendant using sheet metal that I sawed and textured. Last week and today, our project has been a sterling band, also made from sheet metal. I remembered my camera today, so have some photos just prior to soldering through several stages of sanding and polishing. Right now, the band is ready for it's final buffing. I plan to go to the studio on Friday to finish it and create a wider band, also in sterling. 
After class, I scooted to a local bead store that carries gorgeous gemstone cabs. I found several pretties - lapis, kyanite, turquoise and larimar (this one is new to me and is a beautiful shade of aqua blue). Our next class project is creating a bezel setting and I plan to add it to my ring. I am VERY excited about this step -- something I've been keen to learn for quite a while.
My ring band, ready for the final polishing! I'll make sure to take photos next class of my finished ring :)
I've been doing craft shows for several years and have always wanted a professional banner for my booth...and I finally had one made! It's first adventure is next weekend at the Fredericton Fall Craft Show at the Capital Exhibit Center here in town -- I can't wait to set everything up!
Drop by Wild Woman Jewelry and check out the savings!
New this week at Wild Woman Jewelry!!!
Herb Garden Bracelet
By the Sea, Gemstone Earrings
Bouquet, Gemstone Earrings
Sliders Earrings, Geo
