THEME CHALLENGE: New Technique

[MuranoSilver]

The second of our monthly challenges & thanks to Gemma for the fab suggestion :)

We could post a technique we've always wanted to try at the beginning of the month then the results when we're done"
So in that very open theme what will you try first??
nic x

[Gemma]

So many to choose from but I think I'm going to bite the bullet and open that pack of silver clay that has been in my stash for a year or so :)

[willow]

Well, I am being very brave here but I want to have a go at hinges using metal clay.=:-O

[Ominicci]

I am going to do Viking Knit. After seeing it demonstrated at the Chepstow Rock & Gem show it looks fairly easy and very effective. I have found a tutorial on the web but will create my own for my classes. I just need OH to make me some wooden drawplates (I could do it but it will keep him occupied for a while :-" )

[HannahJewelleryDesigns]

Im having a play with fusing and reticulation- I know strictly speaking thats two tecniques, but I cant get one without the other so I may as well say im trying both! #-o No actual pieces yet but some funky test pieces!

[caroleallen]

I wish I could think of something I haven't already tried. Ooh, I haven't tried chain maille. Not sure if I've got time though as Country Living is looming.

[Sunnybank]

My doming set has arrived so I'm going to be giving that a go.

[SilverBlueberry]

So many to choose from but I think I'm going to bite the bullet and open that pack of silver clay that has been in my stash for a year or so :)

Make sure to cut away any mould that might have developed. ;)

[SilverBlueberry]

BTW what challenge is this? Can anyone join and when is it due?

[daisychain]

I'm going to have a try at press moulding - I like the idea of making domed leaf and oval shapes.

[MuranoSilver]

Anyone can join - challenge is to try something new,
the challenges don't close but they change on the 15th of each month.
nic x

[MuranoSilver]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4379653085_3487807048.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4379653085_3487807048.jpg
Here's my first go at rivets - really enjoyed it & glad I took the challenge.
I can see more of these being made and am already looking for gorgeous tins, lol.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2766/4379652689_6024642522.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2766/4379652689_6024642522.jpg
Went a bit close to the edge on the top 2 holes but it's still very secure.
I also wrote down everything I did on my blog in case anyone else fancied having a go (you could do it in sheet metal if you don't use PMC)
PMC Tips: Making a 2 part - riveted pendant. (http://pmctips.blogspot.com/2010/02/making-2-part-riveted-pendant.html)
Nic x

[Ominicci]

Wow the backs of those rivets look superbly flush!!

Got my Lapidary Journal Jewelery Artist Mag today and the main theme is Rivetting!

[MuranoSilver]

Lol-I'm going to have to go and buy the mag now -
(it's got so many possibilities!)

Nic x

[barclaybear]

Hmmm .... I'm new to enamelling so everything's already a bit of a challenge but since 'New Techniques' is the topic, I think I'm going to bite the bullet and try some champleve round some shapes cut from metal clay sheets.

Fingers crossed.....!

:)

[lynnm]

looks smashing! Did you tumble before fixing together? Looks so shiny I think you must have tumbled but it would wreck the design on the tin....

[MuranoSilver]

I tumbled it before riveting :)
nic xx

[Sunnybank]

Lovely heart Nic, I'll put rivetting on the list of things to try.

[Sunnybank]

This is my first attempt at maille, in copper to keep the cost down in case I couldn't get the hang of it. The toggle clasp is all reused copper, the ring is sawn off a piece of copper pipe I found in a skip and the toggle is scrap electrical cable.

[MuranoSilver]

Loving the byzantine weave, very neat.
Did you enjoy the process? :)
Nic xx

[snow_imp]

This is my first attempt at maille, in copper to keep the cost down in case I couldn't get the hang of it. The toggle clasp is all reused copper, the ring is sawn off a piece of copper pipe I found in a skip and the toggle is scrap electrical cable.

Very nice - and so very shiney!!!

[Ominicci]

That's really good Jane!! Byzantine is one I have avoided as it look so complicated lol!

[Sunnybank]

Very nice - and so very shiney!!!

That's due to my little friend the National Geographic tumbler.

Nic, yes I did enjoy making it and I'll do some more, but I'm not going to become an addict.

[AlexandraBuckle]

that looks great Sunny :)

haven't decided what to do myself. Lately I've been too busy making things I've done before...

ideally I'd like to try something I don't need to buy loads of new tools to do - lol!

[Gemma]

Georgeous heart Nic! Are you sure this is your first attempt at riveting?!

Sunny I love that maille. Also love the idea of using copper pipe for the ring!


Hows everyone else getting on with their new technique? I haven't opened my pack of clay yet but did use sheet silver and a disc cutter for the first time the other week (results on blog if you want to have a look). RL is getting in the way of my crafty life at the moment- haven't been on here for a while. Got a fair bit of catching up to do.

I'm determined to have a go at using the silver clay before the next challenge though ...

[MuranoSilver]

Hi Gemma
Thank you & yes definately the first but am doing lots of experimenting with it now ;)
Love the "disk cutter" pendant the edge is gorgeous :D
Nic xx

[Ominicci]

Gemma that disk pendant is FAB!! I LOVE that the knotwork design is not perfectly the same on each side - it has a real ancient feel to it, you have a talent for that!

[Gemma]

:"> Thanks Nicci
In case you're all wondering, here it is. My first time using sheet silver and a disc cutter. (My designated new technique of silver clay went reeeeally badly yest. Try again soon)

1013

[Ominicci]

Not the 'New Technique' I said I was going to try (yet) but when I finished each of these rings (for Ring A Day (http://www.flickr.com/groups/rad2010/pool/)) I realised that they both entailed techniques I had not tried before;

1. Janice Berkebile's Pod Ring - I bought the Tutorial (http://www.interweavestore.com/Beading-Jewelry/Video/Pod-Ring-Download.html) AGES ago but haven't really found a bead I thought it would work with. This time I used one of the beads I made when I had my one-to-one session with Julie Fountain of Lushlampwork (http://www.lushlampwork.co.uk/page19.htm). It uses a different basketweaving technique which I hadn't tried before.

2. A Ring for Me - two new techniques for me on this ring; the first was the filigree type work in 0.5mm wire, and the second was a bezel on a curved surface. I have oxidised the ring and distressed the edges to make it look 'old'.

[MuranoSilver]

Love them both but my favourite is the filigree one :)
Did you add the filigree while it was flat or after you'd shaped it?
nic x

[Ominicci]

It was added 'on the flat'. But the other side (that you can't see, cos it's not as good lol) fell off, or wasn't soldered on properly, and so was soldered again after the ring had been made, but before stone was set.

Am joining in with RAD again for March (February wasn't very conducive for me in the end) and am numbering rings consecutively as well as by the day in the year, to see how many I actually get done.

[Sunnybank]

Love them both and the bead is gorgeous, my favourite is the bezel on the curve, haven't tried that yet.

[Gemma]

Gorgeous Nicci. I love the bead one as its so unusual and a great way to use a precious hand made bead. The band is yummy too!

[elliboo]

you're giving me some great ideas for new techniques. I love the riveting, disc cutting and chain maille. I'm hoping to have chance to try some enamelling before the end of the challenge, but in the mean time I've played with making tear away sheets for texturing metal clay and making beads.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4407110808_979dce71fd.jpg

[Gemma]

Wow! Sharon, thats beautiful! How did you do it? (If you don't mind sharing!)

[MuranoSilver]

Beautiful tear-away love the curved pendant you made it into too :)

[Ominicci]

Fabulous Bead!!!! No idea what tear away sheets are, but I hope I can make something as amazing in sterling sheet when I get down to it!

[jille]

I don't know what tear away is either, but i know this is stunning.
I have done something new today, but that's not difficult as I'm a newbie. I have made a pair of earrings with leaf impressions using the rolling mill and soldered on the posts.
I'm :dance::dance::dance::dance:
have a good weekend
jille

[elliboo]

Tear away is a technique which I think was originally for texturing polymer clay, but can be used with metal clay too. You print an image in black and white with a toner based printer/copier, put it face down on a sheet of polymer clay and then use pressure and heat (from burnishing with your hand and resting it under a 60W lamp!) to stick the polymer clay to the black bits of the image. Then tear away the paper like a bandage. When it works(!) the clay sticks to the black bits of the image and then you can bake the paper +/- sheet of polymer clay to get a shallow etched look.
I think that might be the worst explanation ever! :"> Try this instead http://www.jewelryartistmagazine.com/projects/pmc-tear-away/PMCTearaway.pdf

Apparently you can use it to roll silver although it destroys the tear away sheet - I haven't tried it yet though as I haven't got room to set up my rolling mill atm :(

[Petal]

I don't know why I haven't looked at this thread before, but phoarr, you've made some really beautiful designs there peeps. I'm glad you told us what tearaway was Eliboo, 'cos I hadn't a clue either. Love it.

[Sunnybank]

Well these are the results of playing with some of my new toys.

The earrings are an experiment with the disc cutter and doming set and the pendant was formed on the new round stake.

[Gemma]

Sunny, they're gorgeous <3<3

[elliboo]

Gorgeous. I love silver and turquoise together. I need to get a disc cutter/doming set too :(

[MuranoSilver]

Love them - Turquoise always looks fantastic againt silver
and the design is so elegant :Y:
nic xx

[snow_imp]

Nice work Sunny!

[lorraineflee]

Lovely work Sunny
Lorraine

[Ominicci]

Love that set Jane!

[Ominicci]

Have done my viking knit practice for teaching my class but forgot to take a pic when I had the camera in my hand for these (apologies to those who have seen on Flickr)

All first time techniques for me!!

1 & 2 Fused Argentium silver and simple balled prong setting with Olive Green sea glass (jelly tot!)
3 Spinner ring (I love this but purposely made it too small for me so I couldn't keep it!)

[snow_imp]

I like them a lot - if the spinner ring was deliberately too small, does that mean you'll be making another just for yourself - and as more practice of course :)

[MuranoSilver]

Love them both - especially the spinner ring :)
Nic xx

[Sunnybank]

They are both lovely Nicci, more things to try!

[elliboo]

Beautiful - I especially love the spinner ring. Now on my list of things to try!

[elliboo]

Still not the enamelling I said I was going to do :"> but I have been trying new things.

My first fastening - http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4427008704_089083e8bc_m.jpg

and my first pierced piece - http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4425810146_de7a6caa7f_m.jpg

[MuranoSilver]

Bloody ell Sharon those are fantastic!!
Love the clasp it's really pretty and organic (hope you don't mind me saying but not sure about the blue dangly),
it's such a striking clasp it definitely would stand on its own merit!
The piercing is excellent too~ I admire your patience & love the window like effect
(imagining it with plique du jour enamels, lol)

Thank you for sharing these they're fabulous =D>
Nic xx

[elliboo]

Thank Nic - I'm not sure about the dangly thing either - glad it's not just me! My DH thought it was nice, but now I feel justified in restringing it so that the wire goes through the hole instead. :)

[MuranoSilver]

That would make the gorgeous clasp even more of a feature! :Y:
Nic xx

[Gemma]

LOVE that clasp (but definately no dangly! ;) )


I did have a play with silver clay (my designated new technique) but it all went horribly wrong. I'm going to need some more before I try again.

[elliboo]

LOL! Thank you - I'm guessing the message is - trust my instinct! I love the constant learning in jewellery making :)

[caroleallen]

Well impressed but also no danglies!

[Ominicci]

Wow love the piercing too (I love piercing)! Amazing control to get it so even for a first time !

[elliboo]

sshhh! don't tell anyone there was lots of filing round the edges! sshhh!

[Ominicci]

Hey its the 15th! Don't we need a new challenge theme?

[MuranoSilver]

Oooh yes - how about using one of the other votes like colour?
nic x

[HannahJewelleryDesigns]

Hi!
I just want to get one more in before we change to a new challenge :)
I know I said I was doing reticulation and fusing, and TBH im still trying to get that right, but in the mean time I tried to make a setting which allowed a sphere (in this case a steel bearing) to roll freely within the setting in all directions. I like the final necklace so much Im going to create a whole range out of this design!
Got a few issues with the final finish to work out (it looks more 'tarnished' than 'brushed' at the mo, and the steel turns my skin black- or could that just be me?) But overall im pretty pleased with how its turned out!
All opinions welcome! :Y: OR :N:
:confused:

[Ominicci]

Hannah you can still add to the challenges any time from when they start - I've got some more for this thread when I download the pics from my camera too!

[Ominicci]

Forgot to comment on your pic #-o -- I love the idea and the elements are real fun! You should definitely do a range. This whole piece is a bit on the large size for me (unless a pic of it worn would change my mind). The linkage is fabulous.

[Gemma]

Love that Hannah! I really like jewellery with 'play' value. I can imagine sitting here with it on and rotating the steel in their settings

[Lucy]

Hannah! totally love the necklace. There's some really cool stuff flying around in this thread thats for sure.

I wish I was back home to take part in this but I'm still here in England.

Anyways, not wanting to be left out ;) - This was my first of everything (soldering, piercing, setting etc) which I made about 18 months ago now, I was so thrilled with pulling it off at the time (made during my first (and shittiest) metalsmithing class) - but clearly I had no polishing skills :)

First metalsmithing attempt! on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28855176@N04/2692100129/in/set-72157606375000673/)

I promise to take part properly in next months challange!

[HannahJewelleryDesigns]

Nicci- thanks, I dont get on here as often as I would like and sometimes read through things so fast I miss the details #-o I will keep trying my fusing and maybe add to this thread again soon! Heres a pic of it on- it is quite big, I tend to do really big stuff or stupidly fidddly! But i think the middle three rings with the dangly bearing would look good as a smaller pendant?


And thanks for the comments- all input gladly recieved! [[]]

[MuranoSilver]

Hannah that is truly gorgeous!!!
Love the scale and the kinetic elements

Lucy ~ an amazing first piece, just shows that talent was there from the very start =D>
nic xx

[Lucy]

Ahh thanks nic! its awful to wear though - its too pointy!

[elliboo]

Hannah - I love the movement in your necklace - beautiful. I like bold pieces (I wore a lot of dainty jewellery when I was in my 20s - my 30s are for statement pieces!)

Lucy - gorgeous leaf. I wish my first soldering was so successful :'(

[Ominicci]

Hannah - that IS big! I also really like the combination of the first 4 circles (in a Y or triangular shape) on the left of the pic - that could be a smaller pendant option in a range?

[HannahJewelleryDesigns]

HAHA! yeh its rather bold I guess! Im quite a big person though- 5 foot 10 in my socks!- so small things tend to get lost on me, hence my slightly dramatic style of work!

Thanks for the comments, I love to jewellery that you can move and play with too.
Also I hadnt looked at the first four rings as a possible pendant- only the middle ones- but I like that a lot!

Watch this space because "Orbit" will be coming to a screen near you soon!!!

;)

[ps_bond]

Rather like that - it looks like a molecule to me.
The downside is I'd want to play with it, which could cause problems...!

There are chromed bearings around - that might get around them turning your skin black?

[jille]

I was hoping to get a picture up here before the challenge ended.
Basically because i'm new to working with silver everything is a challenge to me.
I have made a small bezel before but i have never made a bangle with a bezel.
If you can think of anything i could have done to get a more professional look shout up.
Sorry the picture is a bit blurred
I have found the weight of the cab mains the bangle doesn't sit with the cab at the front, is there anything I can do about that?
thanks
Jille

[Ominicci]

You did it! Well done it looks good!

From the picture it looks like a round bangle? If you made it more oval it would not slip around the wrist. If you have a bangle mandrel you can use the very top to form just the sides of the bangle to more of an oval shape. If the top of the mandrel is too big for that try and find something else you can form it around.

P.S. The challenge hasn't ended you can still add items to the thread, it's just we are starting another theme this week to keep our minds ticking :Y:

[MuranoSilver]

Jille - That bangles fabulous, love the cabouchon
Like Nicci said if you made it more oval it might slip round less :)
Nic xx

[jille]

thanks for your comments and suggestions, the bangle is oval but I have probably squeezed it in to fit tighten on my wrist so it probably is not as oval as it first started out. I'm wondering did i make it too long? I started out with 2 18cm strips
jille

[Gemma]

Love that Jille! What is the cabochon?

[Sunnybank]

That is one lovely bangle, Jille

[jille]

It's dichroic glass, i work mainly with glass, making dishes coasters etc, as well as overglaze painting but I thought I'd like to learn silver techniques so i can make something a bit more exciting than just a cab with a glued on bail. Not that there is anything wrong with that I just need new challenges
jille

[HannahJewelleryDesigns]

Lucy- thats a fab first piece, really nice- well done!

Jille- your bangle is lovely, really well finished and a gorgeous cab.

Peter- I actually used Chrome plated bearings but the plating burned off when I soldered. Ive been trying to source ceramic or synthetic corundum bearings as they hold their colour but cant get them as they are either too expensive from british suppliers or I have to order hundreds from overseas suppliers to offset the shipping costs. But ill keep looking!

:snow: (im really pleased Cookies kept this one!)

[ps_bond]

Ah, I see - I'd assumed they were set last. I wonder if MSC Direct do suitable bearings?

[Ominicci]

Finally taken pictures of my original intended 'new technique' which was Viking Knit Weave. So that I could practice before teaching it to my class lol.

1. Copper bracelet - drawn down to 6mm only, as at the time I was using an old plastic template to practice with.
2. Copper bracelet and silver plated craft wire piece as example for class - drawn down to 4mm, now I have a wooden draw plate.

3. Copper fold formed pieces from my class with Robert Dancik at the Mid Cornwall School of Jewellery last weekend. This could have gone in the new challenge thread - plastic deformation, but I did them before the 15th. I hope to make some silver pieces for that thread.

[jille]

Onninicci I love your pieces, i was looking at how to do viking knit last week, i'm just a beginner. i love those copper pieces, I have a leaf somewhere that i did on a course with Dilys Fisher, i crimped it with a paper crimper then enamelled it, it looks cool, just like a beech leaf.
I must do some more, as soon as i move i going to have one day a week to do something new or push the boat out.

[Petal]

Nicci your Viking weave is lovely, but your copper pieces are just beautiful. Absoluvely stunning and I love the way they look just like folds of fabric - phoarr misses :Y:

[Sunnybank]

Nicci, I think Petal has said it all, they are beautiful. I love the shapes and the colours of the copper.

[Ominicci]

Thanks guys. It was great fun, and very easy once you know what to do. We also dressed our own hammers from a Slag Chipper - which is a welder's hammer. And got tips on heat patina for copper - although as with copper, the patina will not last forever - plus, the best way to hammer without hammering your fingers lol!

[MuranoSilver]

Loving the Viking Weave (something I'm yet to try)
but the fold forming is AMAZING!!!

[ps_bond]

We also dressed our own hammers from a Slag Chipper - which is a welder's hammer.

Pics? They're a very versatile start point for reworking, aren't they?

[vsilvered]

Nicci, those copper pieces are gorgeous!

I've just recently bought the 'Form Folding' book by CLB with a view to having a 'bash' at this.

[Di Sandland]

Nicci, those copper pieces are gorgeous!

I've just recently bought the 'Form Folding' book by CLB with a view to having a 'bash' at this.

LOL - likewise ;)

[Petal]

I've just tried looking the Form Folding book up on Amazon, but it doesn't come up. Can anyone elaborate on who CLB is pls?

thanks.

[ps_bond]

Charles Lewton-Brain.
Foldforming (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Foldforming-Charles-Lewton-Brain/dp/1929565267/)

[Petal]

Thanks P ;)

x

[Petal]

Bloody hell. I've just had a look inside the book and its absolutely awe inspiring! WOW

[ps_bond]

There's a couple of tutorials on Ganoksin about it - Tips from the Jeweler's Bench Article Archive - Ganoksin (http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/directory/library/subject/52/1)

[Sunnybank]

Charles Lewton-Brain.
Foldforming (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Foldforming-Charles-Lewton-Brain/dp/1929565267/)

Thanks, but ouch, that one will have to go on the list!

[Ominicci]

A LOT of what is in the book is ALREADY on the net i.e. the Ganoksin article link that Peter posted below - there is some more on CLB's Brain Press page HERE (http://www.brainpress.com/Foldforming.html). CLB is credited with 'inventing' foldforming some 30 years ago - and only published the book a few years ago.

[Petal]

Thanks for that Nicci. :XI'd very much like to have a go at foldforming, once my wrists/arm get better. At the moment, all I can do is read and make lots of oooohhh ahhh sounds in utter amazement at what can be produced with a rolling mill, some hammers and some heat. Truly inspirational.

[MuranoSilver]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4754500404_e3681dbcba.jpg
This is what I made in my class with Hadar Jacobson at Craftworx ~
we mixed bronze and copper clays, copper and silver clays and tried her new steel clay too!
I learnt so, so much & have so many ideas :Y:
There are more pieces yet to be fired too, it was a very productive class :)

There are some pictures of Hadars Class Examples on my Flickr Stream (in my signature)
and I wrote a blog post about Mixed Metal Clays Class (http://pmctips.blogspot.com/2010/07/hadar-jacobson-class.html):)

The steel clay is really cool as it's magnetic (lots of inspiration there!)
nic x

[FVT]

Ooh this looks very exciting! I love those mixed clay results, I was just wondering recently if it is possible to 'mix and match' the clays. I presume you have to kiln fire? I've only tried silver and copper clay so far. The steel sounds very interesting...well done, looks like you had a very very fun day!