Thursday, November 15, 2012

Artisan Whimsy Metal Prong Challange

A Mermaid's Cuff























I always post a new blog entry on Saturdays.
This week I'm early . I have a very good reason why.
I have discovered a wonderful new bead group, Artisan Whimsey.
Check it out ...lots going on over there  http://artisanwhimsy.ning.com/
This is my entry in the Metal Prong Challenge
http://artisanwhimsy.ning.com/page/metal-prong-challenge
Believe me, for moi this was a challenge!
For a long time I've been wanting to learn to solder .
It seemed like it would be a very useful skill.
But, I just never got "round tuit ''
Maybe because it involved flames.
My attempts at glass bead making were less than a success!
It seemed impossible for me to succeed if fire was involved.
However, when I read  Staci Louise Smith's  prong setting tutorial ,
I decided to take a risk . http://artisanwhimsy.ning.com/profiles/blogs/draft-prong-setting-francesca-and-staci

I always ways use beads in my creations...beads as defined as something with a hole through it.
If the object of my beading desire doesn't already have a hole,
my dremel and I can usually remedy that in short order.
But, there are bits and pieces that are too flat or too fragile to drill.
I love putting teeny memorabilia in resin . Most of my resin molds are impossible to drill sideways.
Therefore, objects that I can not make into beads get a front to back hole and become  charms or pendants. But ,if I could learn to make a prong setting ,those pieces could be set like cabochons!
I decided to borrow a torch and soldering supplies from an artist friend.But, I didn't want to ask for any  help. Instead I wanted to see if I could follow the tutorial instructions.
Congrats to Staci ! She made it easy !
My attempts need some fine turning . My prongs are a bit rough and primitive.But, I think that works fine with my bracelet.
I like to imagine it was lost by a mermaid .
Then washed up by tides to be discovered by me....
it is possible...
anything is possible.....
After all I final learned to solder !
this week make one of your impossible dreams come true
and
Bead Happy !
m.e.









                         visit these blogs to see more entry's
The Beading Yogini, http://www.thebeadingyogini.com
Carolyn Dewison, Blue Berri Beads, http://blueberribeads.co.uk/
Mary Harding, Mary Harding Jewelry, http://www.maryhardingjewelrybeadblog.blogspot.com
Dawn Horner, Northern Adornments, http://northernadornments.blogspot.com/
Gina Hockett, Freestyle Elements, http://freestyleelements.blogspot.com
Heidi Kingman, My Bead Therapy, http://mybeadtherapy.blogspot.com
Alicia Marinache, All the Pretty Things, http://www.allprettythings.ca/
Melissa Muir, Melissa Muir Jewelry, http://design.kcjewelbox.com/
Melinda Orr, Melinda Orr Designs, http://orrtec.blogspot.com/
Staci Louise Smith, Staci Louise Originals, http://www.stacilouiseoriginals.com/
Sherri Stokey, Knot Just Macrame, www.KnotJustMacrame.com
Jo Tinley, Daisy Chain Designs Jewellery, http://www.daisychaindesignsjewellery.blogspot.com
Francesca Watson, Francesca Watson Designs, http://www.francescawatson.com
Linda Younkman, Lindy’s Designs, http://lindysdesigns.blogspot.com/

14 comments:

  1. YOU TOOK THE PLUNGE! That's such a big deal - and it feels great, doesn't it?? I love that you made this technique your own - no one I've seen yet has done a bracelet for this challenge. And it turned out really beautiful - excellent job!!!

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  2. Delightful piece. I think it came out great. I think this challenge was such fun. I too have always wanted to be able to solder. And what a doable tut.

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  3. Good for you! and it is so beautifully done!!

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  4. A bracelet after my own sea glass lovin heart! VERY well done, and soldeirng that many to one piece is not easy. thanks for participating!

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  5. Love your unique approach to the challenge!

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  6. Nice work. Great idea to do a bracelet.

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  7. I think that the flame would stop me on this challenge. I have done soldering but only in a classroom setting and I don't have that sort of set up in my own studio. Too much flammable material in there and not enough ventilation. I am going to see if I can figure out a non torched method to doing this as I see a lot of potential here. I always enjoy seeing what you are up to next! Enjoy the day! Erin

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  8. Your bracelet is beautiful an it does look like it has been lost by a mermaid. I thoroughly enjoyed this challenge and some beautiful and thoughtfully creative work came from it. Great job!

    Jean

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  9. What a great way of doing this project. I really like the cuff and you executed the prongs very well.

    Nicely done.

    Melissa

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  10. WoWWW - I think you did the most prong settings I've seen so far. That is a great piece, especially on that yummy patina metal cuff! Better hope the mermaid who lost it doesn't come looking for it, ha ha!

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  11. I'm so proud of you! I was intimidated by soldering and anything having to do with flames for a long time, so I know what a big deal it is to finally dive in.

    Yay!!!

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  12. Very nice m.e.! I was afraid to try something not very flat, but you're inspiring me!

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  13. Very creative way to "hoard" those treasures. Awesome piece. Loved that there is more than one treasure to look at on the bracelet. Great job!

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