Quality jewelry forging tips and tricks by Bobby Graham Atlanta: From working in the garage, the garden shed, spare bedroom, the corner of your lounge to a rented studio – every space works, you just need to make it your own. We talk you through everything you need to get started, including jewellery making tools and jewellers bench options. We also show you our favourite customer workshop photos, revealing the variety of ways you can create your own space within your home or a rented studio. Read even more info about the author on Bobby Graham Cobb.
Mokume Gane is a metal sheet made of approximately 25 alternating layers of sterling silver and copper sheet, hand worked to reveal wonderful patterns. The name is Japanese for ‘wood grain’ which represents the wonderful swirling patterns that are made up of the contrasting copper and silver. You can cut, polish and solder this metal exactly as you would with silver and copper – plus you can use sterling silver solder with this metal. Find more advice pages and step by step projects on a range of jewellery making areas, from learning basic techniques, wire wrapping, stone setting and metalsmithing. Tarnishing is a natural process where metal reacts with oxygen and other chemicals known as oxidisation. It won’t cause harm to your jewellery however it will make the metal look dull and often result in a black coating on the metal. The tarnishing process can be slowed down by applying products such as renaissance wax and midas finish seal lacquer featured below, both creating a barrier on your jewellery designs. You will also find a range of products to remove tarnish on our website, including cleaning cloths, Town Talk Silver dip and even store-cupboard supplies which will clean up your jewellery and make them sparkle again.
Quality jewelry forging guides with Bobby Graham Georgia: Set up your workspace: Set up a clean table space in an area with lots of light. Jewelry making tends to happen on a much smaller scale, so it is a good idea to have plenty of light and even a magnifying glass if necessary. Your workbench should be solid so that when you hammer, stamp, and work your jewelry, it doesn’t wobble. A comfortable seat is critical as a jeweler because you may end up sitting in it for hours at a time. Consider a chair that supports your back and neck. Set up your seat so that you are eye level with your bench peg, so you don’t find yourself hunching over your work. If you plan on sanding, soldering, or polishing, make sure you have plenty of ventilation, as well as safety goggles, a mask, and proper fire safety equipment.
When getting started in jewellery making, choosing metal wire and sheet can seem like a tricky task but you’ll be much more confident once you understand the options available. In this advice page, we share with you an overview of the most popular metals used in jewellery making. You will find the most affordable and recommended metals for practising metalsmithing as well as learning the difference between plated, filled and solid metals.
Determine the type of jewelry you want to make: The first step in making jewelry at home is deciding the project you would like to make. There are many possibilities when it comes to jewelry making, from casting precious metals to fusing glass pendants. Choose one medium to focus on first, whether it is wire wrapping or casting jewelry, and know that you can learn and experiment with other methods later. The skills from one technique will likely build on and apply to other jewelry-making processes. Search for inspiration: Get inspired! A simple online search, Pinterest deep dive, or shopping around jewelry stores will further prove that the possibilities are limitless! Start by getting inspired and determining the type of materials you would like to work with, whether it is metal clay or glass. You can then design your project and determine the types of materials, tools, and equipment you will need.
About Bobby Graham Georgia: I’m a skilled metal forger and jewelry maker, and I love nothing more than creating unique and beautiful pieces with my hands. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and skills with others, and I’m always looking for ways to improve my craft.
Another passion of mine is celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day. I love the festivities and traditions that come with the holiday, and I enjoy participating in local parades and events with my friends and family. In my free time, I enjoy watching my favorite show, Arrested Development. I never tire of the show’s witty humor and lovable characters, and I’m always on the lookout for fellow fans to discuss the show with.