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Thread: Firing and finishing

  1. #11
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    Aug 2009
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    I know how you feel (and so does the rest of my family). In my case full time work impacts on the amount of free time I have. It's catch 22, can't give up full time work until I've built up the business, can't build up the business and learn the craft quickly because of work. It is getting better though, I struggled the first few times then it started to click.

    The only thing I can suggest is to pick one type of craft i.e. pmc and stick with it until you fell reasonably comfortable then move onto another one. I tried to learn too many different things at once and it felt like I was getting nowhere. It also ment I had time to understand why I was making mistakes and how to put them right.
    Annie xXx

    All things are possible - if you look at them the right way!

  2. #12
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    I do that all the time! And have a made a new months resolution not to try to do everything - I'm just so curious about everything and I'm in the same position as you I only have time when I'm not working and everytime I go to start a project I realise I need something for it like a tool or some other material and then have to wait!

    I'm going to practice with PMC and learn how to make chains (starting with the stuff that doesn't need soldering first) otherwise I will do the same as you. I thought then if I dont feel like getting everything out I might just be able to relax and twist a bit of wire....

    Or I might be being completely naive!

    Can't help putting pressure on myself to learn piercing and soldering but am having a word with myself!!

  3. #13
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    I feel exactly the same way, I'm curious about everything and want to try everything at once. It's maybe lucky that everything costs so much - it paces me.
    SilverBlueberry.etsy.com

  4. #14
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    Jul 2009
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    Quote Originally Posted by shelliem View Post
    I'm going to practice with PMC and learn how to make chains (starting with the stuff that doesn't need soldering first) otherwise I will do the same as you. I thought then if I dont feel like getting everything out I might just be able to relax and twist a bit of wire....
    Or I might be being completely naive!
    It sounds right to me as it is more or less what I have done. I started wanting to work with pmc but couldn't really afford to buy it! I also didn't want to put my 'wonderful works of art' on sterling silver chains, so I shelved the pmc and taught myself to make fine silver chains. All I needed to start was a chef's torch a soldering block and a couple of pairs of cheap pliers - and a metre of fine silver wire which was about £4 (off ebay!!)then. That was about 2 years ago. After I started to get more proficient at it I was able to sell these chains to friends and family to make enough money to buy pmc to start playing with!! Then I was able to sell chains with a few pmc charms! I'm still pretty lousy with the pmc though! I really think it is hard to teach yourself but I'm giving it a good go! I might feel a bit more confident in a few years time!!

  5. #15
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    Oct 2009
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    Hi Barbara

    I'm glad you think its a good idea. I really like the idea of making the chain for some reason and I have the tools and am awaiting a book that I think you recommended from your list you quoted to me earlier last week.

    Its reassuring to think it wouldnt take forever to learn how to do it. How long did you practice for before you started making chains good enough to sell?

    I'm in the same predicament - no more spare money to buy goodies until probably after Christmas unless its very cheap - although I do have a soldering block and torch and could stretch to some wire (although I'm going to practice on copper wire first).

    I was also considering practicing with Fimo for a while because I can't afford to buy the PMC right now.

    I'm not wishing you no confidence with your PMC but its strangely reassuring to know that experienced people still have those issues! Although if you are anything like my artist friend nothing will ever be good enough despite his work being amazing!

    Michelle

  6. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by SilverBlueberry View Post
    I feel exactly the same way, I'm curious about everything and want to try everything at once. It's maybe lucky that everything costs so much - it paces me.

    I think your'e right I am finding that it is making me slow myself down which is probably a good thing and its good that there is so much to learn that its impossible to get bored.

    What did you start learning first?

  7. #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by shelliem View Post
    Hi Barbara
    Its reassuring to think it wouldnt take forever to learn how to do it. How long did you practice for before you started making chains good enough to sell?

    I was also considering practicing with Fimo for a while because I can't afford to buy the PMC right now.

    I'm not wishing you no confidence with your PMC but its strangely reassuring to know that experienced people still have those issues! Although if you are anything like my artist friend nothing will ever be good enough despite his work being amazing!

    Michelle
    It was a slowly developing process... To start with I was melting more wire than was making into the chain!! But I guess it was about 3 or 4 months before members of the family were interested enough to want to wear what I was making...and willing to part with a fiver to let me buy more wire!! Then as they showed their friends, people were asking them if they could buy one... So it was probably about 6 months before other people showed an interest.

    I'm not sure that Fimo would give you the feel of pmc. I think porcelain clay would probably be closer. It is a pretty unique substance - soft and quick drying - which is why it is a bit of a pig to get going with it!

    I am no expert...I make a lot of pmc bits that end up with the title of 'practice pieces' because I don't think they are saleable - and I guess I am learning from it! I'm sure I will commit to bigger pieces eventually!

  8. #18
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    Oct 2009
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    Thanks again Barbara

    I had a go at just straightening, cutting and twisting some copper wire yesterday and even used a jig and made a clasp - and thoroughly enjoyed myself! I made quite a sweet looking bracelet which will probably make my wrist go green soon.

    The finish is a bit rough as I wasnt sure whether to file the ends of the wire and probably needed some closing pliers but I'm happy with it - it's given me the feel of what its like to work with wire and a little more confidence.

    I will google the clay you mentioned and see if I can get hold of some, which will keep on top of my patience until I can afford to play with some more silver clay!!

    By the way I love the ring on the first page of your website - are the flowers made of pmc? Its very nice.
    Michelle x

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