Expanding My Skills - Prong Settings

 

I was particularly excited about the classes dedicated to creating prong settings during my recent metalsmithing course at the local art college. To me, it seems like the perfect setting for raw uncut stone earrings and rings. Our instructor demonstrated two different types of this setting - this is the more intricate but the one I like the best!

I made this setting from 14 gauge brass wire as the glass nugget is quite large - about 18mm. I was also most interested in creating a ring as sizing a ring that will be soldered to each side of the oval shown above (instead of creating the band and soldering the setting to it) as this was also a new undertaking for me. Plus, I LOVE the look!

Shown in the first photos are the brass oval on which the stone will rest, shaped and soldered and the U-shapes that will be soldered to the oval and eventually cut to make the prongs. I filed four little grooves for the ends of the U-shaped to fit snugly on the oval and actually managed to solder all four without melting anything! :) 

The band, also 14 gauge brass wire, was easily shaped but I fiddled with it a lot to make sure the ends were smooth to create a strong seam.  The sizing was TRICKY too, and honestly, I had to hammer the band a bit in the end so it fit.  Next time, I will allow slightly more in the length of the wire for filing and soldering and see how that works!

 The setting is pickled, cleaned and polished and ready for me to set the stone.

 With all soldering completed, I cut and trimmed the U-shapes and filed the ends smooth. I opened them to accept the stone and began closing them to hold it in place. This shouldn't be rushed - just work around the stone gently pressing down each prong until it is secure.

Some final adjustments, light sanding and polishing and it's done!



My First Square Bezel!!!

It still needs to be polished but 'Yay'!!!!

My first sterling silver sheet metal ring band!

Where DOES the time go???

After a couple more weeks of work around the house, the last two have been a whirlwind of family fun! We've explored every corner of the island and more beaches than I can count...such a wonderful time! You may have seen me on my boogie board, riding the waves! I've been weepy since they left for home yesterday -- we miss you guys already :(

and we'll see you soon!

I had my metalsmithing class this morning which helped take my mind off their departure.  So far, I've loved it! Our instructor is a talented sweetie --

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 :)

 

Professional Developement, Maui-Style

Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center Maui is operated from this charming building located in the historical ranching town of Makawao right on the side of the volcano, Haleakala.  Today, Makawao is a vibrant community of artists and artisans whose work is available in numerous shops and galleries that line its character-rich streets. While we are on the island, I’ve enrolled in a metalsmithing course that will improve and expand my skills and designs working with wire and sheet metals.  I’ll be cutting, drilling and piercing metals, learning various soldering techniques and most exciting of all, bezel setting stones! I am SO looking forward to this! They also offer some great photography classed which I'm considering as well. And, I can’t wait to meet some members of the local art community!



Hui No'eau Visual Arts Center in Maui

The college is about 35 minutes from our place which is quite convenient.  I could travel the distance by highway, if I choose, BUT, part of the island culture is to slow down and take your time – so, I think I will take the longer route along the north shore through Pa'ia, a little surf town and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Maui mornings…inspiring, I think. 

 

Stay tuned as I will post photos of my progress (I’m optimistic there will be some J) and the scenery along the way!