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Jewelry Discussion
421

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Making the base part of “Emergence”
by shelbyvision

This sculpture (see previous post) was a big project, so I’m
breaking up the process into several parts. The base was the first
part I made, and the first attempt was a failure. I did not realize
that the stem portion needed to be bent into its final
almost-upright position before closing up and silver-soldering the
form. One very large piece of bronze wasted. The material is 1/16"
silicon bronze, which is much more resistant to forming than the
16…

View full article…
http://shelbyvision.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/08/

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This Week’s Good Stuff from all over the web
by Elaine Luther

Here’s a round up of various good reading to get you thinking,
designing, or re-organizing…

View full article…
http://allthingsmetalclay.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/08/

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Inlayers’ Lathe Retrofit Kit For Sears Craftsman 22106 Wood Lathe is
Finished…
by aule

I know… it has been a while. My only real excuse for not posting
sooner is my obsession with getting my jeweler’s lathe retrofit
finished. You’ll also notice that I took down the initial pages of
my planning and execution of this retrofit. This is because once I
assembled my parts together, I realized that even though the unit
worked it deserved a complete do-over. And then, the do-over needed
some partial do-overs as well. That’s what took so long…

View full article…
http://aule.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/08/

422

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Art and Fear
by Elaine Luther

It seems that a lot of people are feeling stuck right about now,
it’s a topic that keeps coming up on blogs and forums. Here are some
links to blog posts that were shared on Metal Clay Gallery. From
Catherine Davies Paetz: Trusting the Process From Lateral Action:
Creative Block #5 – Being Disorganized And here, reprinted from a
previous post of mine, is my review of the book, Art and Fear: Art
and Fear: Observations on the Perils (and…

View full article…
http://allthingsmetalclay.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/10/
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Andamooka on the Brain
by Michael Johnson

I have a new batch of Andamooka in the kiln. I have been playing
around with temperature settings, and with running gem grade
Andamooka through it. Gem grade is much denser, and tends to explode
in heat, but I am trying to find that perfect time and temperature
for fully carbonizing the sugar, without burning out the carbon or
damaging the stones. For the record 400F for two hours doesn’t
carbonize the sugar. Last night’s batch was run at 500F…

View full article…
http://cosmicfolklore.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/10/\
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Book Review: “Anglo-Saxon Crafts” by Kevin Leahy
by Jamie Hall

I went to see the Staffordshire Hoard recently, and picked up this
excellent book at the museum. It covers a wide range of crafts of
the era, all of which are examined in considerable detail - I didn’t
expect to find something that went into detail with jewellery, let
alone something that covered complementary areas - for example,
pottery and blacksmithing are both covered. Having said all that,
the section on precious metals is only 13 pages long - it…

View full article…
http://primitive.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/05/
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My first spring loaded, clapper style resin bracelet
by lianabennett

This bracelet has been on my design list for a while now. I wanted a
resin bracelet that was easy on and off, comfortable to wear, and
oval shaped. The biggest hurdle was finding the spring loaded
jewelry hinges. The next problem was finding a heat-proof bracelet
mandrel for post curing the urethane resin (see previous post) Once
these design challenges were solved, I created the master and molds.
The final problem was finding the right glue that would bind…

View full article…
http://nsjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/09/

423

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Stone setting, sculptural wire knitting among Spring 2010 weekly
classes
by Metalwerx

Metalwerx in Waltham, Massachusetts offers the following weekly
jewelry-making classes starting the week of April 12. Enroll 30 days
in advance and save 5 percent with Early Bird registration…

View full article…
http://metalwerx.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/11/

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New Titanium and Gold Ring
by hansmeevis

I have made a similar titanium ring like this before. This one,
however, has an emerald cut diamond in the center with little
diamonds around it. And my client wanted it higher and broader than
the first one. This type of ring is quite tricky to make…

View full article…
http://meevis.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/11/

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MJSA Expo New York - Resources for Designers
by Robyn Hawk

Days for Designers! Designers coming to MJSA Expo New York can make
the most of their trip by taking advantage of all the design-related
events scheduled around the show. On Sunday, March 14, the MJSA Expo
will open its doors at 10 a.m… It will feature not only the latest
tools, supplies, and technologies that can easily take a design from
concept to creation, but also free seminars focusing on how to
navigate in this changing environment…

View full article…
http://dailyjewel.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/11/

424

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If you have been considering your own Blog, but haven’t yet, the

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J Mason Custom Jeweler
by larryseiger

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about my friend and fellow goldsmith,
Mason Cutchin and his store in Chapel Hill NC, J Mason Custom
Jeweler. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to post any pictures of his
shop or his bench. I went back to visit with him again on the 12th
of March. This time, I was able to take a couple of short videos at
his shop. I invited Larry Heyda, a sculptor and goldsmith, who lives
nearby, to join us for lunch and gave him a little tour of Mason’s
shop and specifically his amazing bench…

View full article…
http://larryseiger.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/13/

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Further South to Brazil
by richardcarew

Brazil has several areas where opal is mined. Some of it is just
fire opal, orange to reddish, to yellow. But this blog is about some
of the finest Crystal precious opal in the world which is found
around the town of Pedro Segundo named after the emperor Dom Pedro
II or Segundo. Opal here is found both as a primary deposit and as
alluvial deposits. Probably the most famous primary deposit is at
the Boi Morto mine where opal…

View full article…
http://richardcarew.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/13/

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The Centurion Show picks Emerging Designers!
by Robyn Hawk

If you asked twenty people in attendance at any of the venues of the
Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase (BTW - this is the city’s
official name for the shows) if they have been to the Centurion
Show…most will answer that they have never even heard of it.The
Centurion Show is an invitation only show that caters to the Retail
Jeweler - spotlighting the finest of the fine jewelry industry and
featuring the latest designs and trends from the…

View full article…
http://tucsongemshow.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/13/

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Mini-Lathe
by laynefreedline

One of the biggest problems facing bench jewelers and many folks who
work with their hands is hand fatigue. RSS or repetitive stress
syndrome is a more serious problem that happens as a result of
regular constant work that puts stresses one particular part of the
body. At my workbench I am constantly inventing tools or ways to use
my tools that reduce stress on my hands. The flexible shaft machine
is a common tool among different types of craftspeople,…

View full article…
http://laynedesigns.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/02/18/

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Craftopia: a sure deal!
by k.o’brien jewelry

It is true! I am going to be in Craftopia, run by Rhody Craft 100.
They are doing a wonderful job of introducing new artists to their
followers and spreading the good cheer of the upcoming sale. {uh
hem, did I mention that the sale is 11.april.2010 from 10am-5pm? And
I have been accepted?} Now that you are all excited and want to meet
the new artists here are a few places you can find Rhody Craft 100.
To follow…

View full article…
http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/12/

425

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What I learned from quilting
by Elaine Luther

Using Kirsten Skiles’ guideline for her own blog, that as long as
it’s to do with creativity, it’s okay, I’m going to tell you about
my non-jewelry making project…

View full article…
http://allthingsmetalclay.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/15/

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Studio Tour Part 3: Polishing
by laynefreedline

Polishing is integral to how I create jewelry. I like the look of a
polished piece, and it is sometimes difficult to achieve. Often,
items that are finished with a high polish are polished many times
during the building process. Each of the parts are often polished
before they are attached together. In this way, tiny spaces that are
made from the attachment are pre-polished underneath, yet every time
something is soldered to the piece, some of the shine is…

View full article…
http://laynedesigns.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/15/

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Tuyere and Bellows
by Jamie Hall

The evidence for most of this comes from De diversibus artibus by
Theophilus. A copy of the text, in English and Latin, is available
here. Most of it has alternating pages of Latin and English - with a
little ingenuity, I’ve managed to print the English portion of the
book. The pages suit A5, or two pages on a landscape A4 sheet. Only
the latter third relates to jewellery, so not all of the book needs
printing. In addition to…

View full article…
http://primitive.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/15/

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Day 2 of School
by valerieaheck

I’m loving the New Approach School. The philosophy there seems to be
to really learn serious skills so you can make anything. We worked
on drilling and sawing out this beautiful piece shown above. I’ve
learned a lot in the last two days! I love school!..

View full article…
http://valerieaheck.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/14/

426

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antique, vintage and salvage shopping in New Bedford
by k.o’brien jewelry

Husband and I found ourselves doing a little more than searching
through antiques for jewelry displays this Saturday. Upon
discovering New Bedford Antiques at the Cove, we also discovered
Circa {vintage clothing mecca} and New Bedford Demolition and
Salvage. It was quite the fun, picturesque day. {psst… little
secret between us, you aren’t supposed to take pictures of the
antiques or salvage so don’t go telling anyone important okay?} As
you can see, the Salvage floors of the refurbished warehouse was…

View full article…
http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/16/

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day
by dianegeisel

I’ve taken a bit of a hiatus from jewelry making since my dad’s
passing. I just haven’t been in a creative mood. During that time I
have been reading up on different techniques to use on copper and
other metals. Etching and cold connecting have caught my interest
and I will be experimenting with both of those very soon. I’m hoping
that I catch spring fever and that will translate to some “happy
projects”. I’ll share pictures shortly. Enjoy your…

View full article…
http://dianegeisel.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/16/

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On the Event Horizon
by Laurie Jane Kern

I has been over a week or two since I last posted - sorry about that

  • too all of you who follow my adventures. If you know what an
    ‘Event Horizon’ is - then I commend you; if you don’t, well most
    people don’t so you should not feel bad. In either case, a real
    event horizon is that point where… well you can read about it here
    But for me, it is a tipping point between too much…

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http://lauriejanekern.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/16/

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Men build things, and then we die…
by patpruitt

“Its in our f***ing DNA…thats what we do…and when it all
falls down…We build it right back up again…But this time
bigger! Better!” -The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day Some how
this this rings true, from the reconstruction of Chicago after the
fires, to the the traditional mud and rock home that Marla and I
will one day call our home…so what is going to be the impact of
our presence on this planet. I have been very fortunate…

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http://patpruitt.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/16/

427

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Patina Tips 'n Tricks (Blog Carnival)
by Elaine Luther

How to use liver of sulphur without dipping Liver of sulphur is
Potassium Sulfide. Buy it in lump form from a jeweler’s supply
company. You can buy it pre-mixed, but since it has a shelf life,
it’s much better to buy it in lump form and mix it as needed. Break
off a pea sized lump and add it to 1/2 a cup of warm water and
dissolve the liver of sulphur. To work, either the liver of sulphur
or…

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http://allthingsmetalclay.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/19/

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help the environment through your blog
by k.o’brien jewelry

Today I received a direct message from Ixpo through twitter. It was
a mere request to make my blog carbon positive. It is as easy as
adding this button below to a column on your blog,…

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http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/18/

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Sweet nothings and (more) presents on my doorstep
by Laurie Jane Kern

Two or Three weeks go, my husband came into the bedroom to wake me up
for work (he gets up earlier and makes the coffee). He then whispered
into my ear… “I bought you some chasing tools from Otto
Frei”… My reaction: Well I was instantly awake but then I
groaned: "Noooooooooooooo!, I have a set of tools from Mettleworks
and I am taking that tool class, you know - Metals Week in Idyllwild.
I don’t need any more tools…

View full article…
http://lauriejanekern.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/18/

428

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Anvils
by Jamie Hall

Anvils, flat, smooth and square. Also anvils even and horned. Also
anvils round at the top, like half an apple, one large, another
smaller, a third short, which are called knots. Also anvils long and
narrow on the top, like two horns proceeding from a spear, of which
one may be rounded and diminishing so that it be pointed at the end,
but the other broader and slightly turned round at the end with round
smoothness, like a thumb. These…

View full article…
http://primitive.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/22/anvils/

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Something Different - Vintage Black Lace Resin Bracelet
by lianabennett

I was rummaging through an old box of fabrics when I came across some
lace I had bought years ago. This beautiful old lace gave me an idea.
I started with 2 pieces of the vintage black Venetian lace, cut to 7
inches long and joined them with a row of jet black crystal beads.
Next I cut and bent sheet brass to cover the raw edges. The sheet
brass was too garish, so I covered it in black grosgrain…

View full article…
http://nsjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/21/

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Studio Tour Part 4: Metal Forming Tools
by laynefreedline

These are some of my favorite things: dapping blocks, anvils,
mandrels and chasing tools…and my pink countertop…It makes me
feel like a lady, even if I am wearing saftey gear while pounding out
some metal. The anvil on the left is a very classically Looney Toons
looking one, but I probably use it less than the much smaller one to
the right of it. The large wooden cutting board helps absorb some of
the reverberation from hammering, but it needs…

View full article…
http://laynedesigns.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/21/

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Inspirational Photo of the Week
by Elaine Luther

Even though it’s spring, it’s snowing this weekend in Chicago, so a
lovely snowy scene for this week…

View full article…
http://allthingsmetalclay.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/21/

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Sharing my experiences with the JWX-30 mill
by markmaxwell

I am am working goldsmith for the lat 25 years. In the last 5 years
my work has moved more and more from hand fabricated pieces to CAD
designed pieces. My choice of CAM is the milling process, and in
particular the Roland mill systems. I began with the JWX-10 and have
now moved to the JWX-30. I prefer the milling process because I can
use my wax working experience to get the most out of my designs. I
am…

View full article…
http://mmaxwell.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/21/

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Jewelry I’ve been working on…
by valerieaheck

This past week we learned how to bezel set an oval 8 by 10 mm stone.
We haven’t done the cleanup yet, so I’ll show another picture once
the bezel is clean. We also did a channel set ring. This one is
pretty good, my first one and it was my first one. Here are some more
of my projects we did a lot of stones setting this week and working
with gravers. I was having a lot of trouble…

View full article…
http://valerieaheck.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/21/

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Overused Hands
by jay whaley

Having been in the jewelry making business since the late 60’s, I’ve
developed a pretty strong set of hands. I’m pretty proud of what
they’ve accomplished over the years. I’ve never had any major
accidents with my fingers and hands, except for the bike accident I
had when I broke my right thumb back in 1989, along with breaks in
both forearms. Yeah, casts for 8 weeks, over both arms and thumbs.
Oh, and then while playing with my sister’s…

View full article…
http://jaywhaley.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/21/

429

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Spotlight: Marlene Richey, on “Starting a Craft Business”
by Metalwerx

Chances are that if you’re familiar with Marlene Richey’s name it’s
because of her monthly “Business Savvy” column in Art Jewelry
Magazine. But did you know she is also a SNAG board member and
prize-winning author? Richey has spent more than thirty years in the
jewelry business—as a creator, seller, and consultant to artists,
and now travels the world dispensing her worthwhile advice. She
recently conducted a weekend seminar at Metalwerx on starting a
craft business, and returns on April…

View full article…
http://metalwerx.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/23/

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Bead & Button Workshop
by rondacoryell

I am offering a workshop at the Bead & Button Show this June 6-8…
Fusing, Fabricating & Granulating with Argentium Silver. I think that
these projects are easier than soldering and perfect for those with
the most basic of jewelry skills. Basic torch skills needed. There
are still spaces available. Students will make earrings, ring and a
bead…

View full article…
http://rondacoryell.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/23/

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Variations on a Theme - Seahorse Clapper Resin Bracelet
by lianabennett

When creating a new mold, it makes economic sense if the mold can be
used for more than one design. The molds I make are expensive to
produce, because I use industrial strength silicones. But, they last
a long time and can be used over and over, without deterioration.
Here is an example of another bracelet made from my fan coral
bracelet mold. I combined this mold with an existing mold, to create
this new bracelet. I have had requests…

View full article…
http://nsjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/23/

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Hammers and Mallets
by Jamie Hall

Many hammers, large, middling and small, at one end flat, at the
other narrow. Also long and slender hammers round at the end, large
and small. Also hammers horned at the top, wide at the bottom. -
Theophilus, On Diverse Arts The first two types of hammer that
Theophilus mentions are fairly clear - they sound like cross-peens
and ball-peens. The third type is less clear; it says “horned at the
top”, which made me think initially of a “T”…

View full article…
http://primitive.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/23/

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Studio before and after
by Elaine Luther

I always enjoy seeing the peaks into other’s studios on blogs, and
over on Art Bead Scene blog, Heather Powers of Humble Beads just
revealed the terrific mess in her studio. I figured if she can show
that, I can show my studio mess. I took before and after shots of my
bench. Here’s my bench before, with wax dust everywhere. My studio is
so small that in order to have some storage, I have to sit with my
back…

View full article…
http://allthingsmetalclay.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/23/

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Featured Etsy Seller: Beadworks by Kerri
by Lava Jewelry

For a long time now, I’ve been wanting to feature an Etsy seller who
sold items made from supplies purchased from me. I’m always
fascinated to see what people make after I send them a set of beads.
I finally have my chance now with Etsy seller Beadworks by Kerri.
She recently contacted me to show me what she made with the light
blue flower-shaped beads she had purchased from me (see below). And
I’m so glad she did! Wedgewood…

View full article…
http://lavajewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/23/

430

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Dr Hubert Schuster
by stevenadler

As the sun rose over the mountains in Merano Italy on Sunday morning,
our friend and fellow speaker at the Santa Fe Symposium, Dr. Hubert
Schuster, smiled a peaceful smile and passed over to the other side
following a brief battle with lung cancer. Hubert was a mighty Viking
of a man with his thick red hair and huge hands yet able to make the
most delicate and beautiful jewelry. When you shook his hand the
first time, the visual…

View full article…
http://a3dm.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/23/dr-hubert-schuster/

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Hammers and Mallets
by Jamie Hall

Many hammers, large, middling and small, at one end flat, at the
other narrow. Also long and slender hammers round at the end, large
and small. Also hammers horned at the top, wide at the bottom. -
Theophilus, On Diverse Arts The first two types of hammer that
Theophilus mentions are fairly clear - they sound like cross-peens
and ball-peens. The third type is less clear; it says “horned at the
top”, which made me think initially of a “T”…

View full article…
http://primitive.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/23/hammers-and-mallets/

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Spinel - A Misunderstood Jewel
by Robyn Hawk

“Have you seen her all in gold
Like a queen in days of old
She shoots colors all around
Like a sunset going down
Have you seen the lady fairer…
She’s like a rainbow
Coming colors in the air Oh, everywhere
She comes in colors”

Jagger/Richards

A completely misunderstood gem…in ancient days Spinel was thought
to be Ruby…Boomers tend to remember it as a synthetic stone for
class rings…in today’s terms, we need to work on this stone’s
“brand”.Spinel is found in many locals worldwide - and in some…

View full article…
http://dailyjewel.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/24/

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Chain Repair
by valerieaheck

In class yesterday we worked on chain repair. I broke and fixed
these two chains and can barely see the repair, on each of them only
2 links were soldered together when I fixed them! It was a
success…

View full article…
http://valerieaheck.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/24/chain-repair/

431

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welcome spring!
by k.o’brien jewelry

This family of three welcomed spring with a new tradition. We found
a peaceful place in our city to eat our breakfast, take in the sun
and enjoy our surroundings. With all of the hustle and bustle
throughout the week, we don’t get to spend mornings together nor do
we get to enjoy our city. So, we will now spend our weekends
enjoying each other’s company in the heart of our city… Callie
girl enjoyed the river and was quite…

View full article…
http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/25/welcome-spring/

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Sakura Blossom Necklace
by Michael Johnson

I really wanted to make something similar to a Native American
Squash Blossom necklace, but I wanted to use my own goddess flowers.
I just happened to notice on the day I was setting the last stone
that they looked a lot like the cherry blossoms that had just opened
up that day. Sakura is the Japanese word for these flowers. They
have a special meaning in Japanese culture. The flowers as they
bloom and billow in mass are symbolic…

View full article…
http://cosmicfolklore.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/25/

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My Pilgrimage To Taig Tools!
by aule

This week is Spring Break for my wife’s teaching job… and so to
celebrate our entire family travelled today to Phoenix, Arizona to
fulfill our various desires for things to do in that city. My wife
was going for a teachers’ convention, the high point of which was
meeting an old idol of hers, Dr. Jean (a creator of educational
music for the preschool and elementary audiences). Little One and
Auntie were headed off to the Arrow Mills Mall for…

View full article…
http://aule.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/25/

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MJSA Expo New York - Resources for Designers
by Robyn Hawk

Days for Designers! Designers coming to MJSA Expo New York can make
the most of their trip by taking advantage of all the design-related
events scheduled around the show. On Sunday, March 14, the MJSA Expo
will open its doors at 10 a.m… It will feature not only the latest
tools, supplies, and technologies that can easily take a design from
concept to creation, but also free seminars focusing on how to
navigate in this changing environment…

View full article…
http://dailyjewel.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/11/

432

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If you have been considering your own Blog, but haven’t yet, the

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Book Signing: Renee Newman at Nevada Mineral and Books!
by Robyn Hawk

It was a gorgeous day in the OC on Saturday and driving down to
Orange for one of my favorite outings was a delight!Nevada Mineral
and Books is one of the few local venues where you can peruse a
variety of gems, minerals, vintage mining ephemera and jewelry…oh
and books did I mention the books? Room after room of books on
everything from Geology - Jewelry Making! If you are trying to
complete a magazine collection, Geologist and Owner Walt…

View full article…
http://flyviewsandreviews.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/30/

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Sprued up the Lace sphere wax
by markmaxwell

I took the two sides of the milled model, aligned them carefully,
and welded them together. I apparently deleted one of the lace
details on the front of the model without noticing it before
milling. I replaced the missing section with a soft blue wax wire.
It’s not the best option here, but this is an attempt to assess the
design for weight and manufacturing practicality I am not too
concerned. If I decide this will work for production I…

View full article…
http://mmaxwell.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/29/

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Retipping Prongs
by valerieaheck

Last week we set this synthetic ruby and made it look great. Then we
destroyed the prongs and had to fix them like they were new. I think
I did a decent job…

View full article…
http://valerieaheck.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/29/retipping-prongs/

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The work of Ian Henderson, Metalwerx instructor/studiomate
by Metalwerx

Upon entering the gallery, the black boxes suspended on the gallery
walls make no sense until you get near enough to see they resemble
old-fashioned kinetoscopes. Large magnifying lenses beckon you to
peek inside. And there you see the fantastic silver-cast sculptures
that look like nothing you’ve ever seen, yet appear strangely
familiar. Openings on the sides, framed by overlapping leather
strips that look like apertures, allow the viewer to reach in and
handle the object. Exquisite, yes, but what…

View full article…
http://metalwerx.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/29/

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Metal Oxides and Pickling Acids
by Jamie Hall

Something that has been preying on my mind while I’ve been doing
this research is the question of pickle. Fast and efficient work in
the modern context requires the use of strong acids to strip oxides
from precious metals - fine silver, fine gold and platinum don’t
have a problem with this, but most of the time, we are working with
materials that have been alloyed down with base metals, like copper.
It’s the presence of these base metals that…

View full article…
http://primitive.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/29/

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SNAG Lifetime Achievement Award 2010-The Process of Making It
by Cynthia Eid

The SNAG Lifetime Achievement Award is presented each year, at the
annual conference.Jurors Bernard Bernstein, Lane Coulter and Mary
Ann Scherr unanimously chose Cynthia Eid’s vessel as the winning
design in SNAG’s design competition for the award…

View full article…
http://ceid.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/25/

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Torch Love
by laynefreedline

This is my trusty little workhorse. We have a relationship. I mean,
you have to really. At first he was a little wishy-washy…afraid of
the commitment, you know. But now, we are so steady and happy
together. Ok, so all kidding aside, I had to wrangle this one. I
know it sounds funny, but setting up a torch is a big deal,
especially when your roomate is watching you hook up a propane tank
in the corner of your bedroom…

View full article…
http://laynedesigns.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/28/

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Setting Fancy-Cut Gems: MJSA - At the Bench Live
by Robyn Hawk

This particular presentation was a two day event based on an article
that Lee did for the MJSA Journal in which he looked at setting a
paisley shaped stone. In part one on the first day he did this using
traditional methods of building and carving a wax…then on day two
he took the same design and created his wax using a CAD/CAM
program…

View full article…
http://tucsongemshow.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/28/

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Skowood’s Found Object Jewelry Book - Teaser
by heatherskowood

My friend + photographer Jonathan Keenan just sent me the final
versions of the photos taken for my book on jewelry made with found
objects + alternative materials. Oooooooo I wish I could share all
of them with you right NOW because I LOVE them sooo much.!!!
Jonathan really knows how to capture the mood for my jewelry. I love
his work. It’s just brilliant!..

View full article…
http://heatherskowoodjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/26/

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The Story of Mr Spessartite the Big Cheese.
by hansmeevis

The other day as I was opening my workshop, I heard a tremendous
commotion inside, screaming and running and then a volley of
gunshots. Then complete and utter silence, I carefully looked around
the corner, but everything seemed normal, except that my rough gem
box was not in the same place that I had left it. Oh dear this was
not a good thing at all. I gingerly approached it and my worst fears
were confirmed. All the stones…

View full article…
http://meevis.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/31/

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MJSA - Vision Awards 2011
by Robyn Hawk

Every year, the MJSA Vision Awards celebrate outstanding talent in
the field of jewelry design. The winning designers represent the
future of the jewelry manufacturing industry, and the Vision Awards
competition showcases their creativity and boosts their careers. Some
of the industry’s finest designers—Todd Reed, Mark Schneider, Steve
Midgett, Lisa Krikawa, and many others—can point to a Vision Award
among their exemplary credits…

View full article…
http://businessofcraft.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/31/

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APRIL: Local Gem & Jewelry Shows
by Robyn Hawk

View full article…
http://gemshows.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/31/

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Cadmium Levels in Children’s Jewelry
by Elaine Luther

Here’s a post by Bruce Lund on the CPSIA regulations on cadmium in
children’s jewelry

View full article…
http://allthingsmetalclay.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/31/

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Quick Post
by Laurie Jane Kern

First - I have not set up the rolling mill - YET! Between work,
class on monday nights, a class at Farrin O’ last saturday and a
raising class this saturday with deb. Not much else gets done. Well
this is what happens. The rolling mill just sits there looking
rather forlorn, still in the plastic wrapper, in the hall way,
quietly cooing: “Ohh, I know you want to turn my gears!” Actually it
says: "Here I am are you going…

View full article…
http://lauriejanekern.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/31/

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March Roundup
by Jamie Hall

This month I’ve started to examine descriptions, depictions and
finds of tools from the seventh through to the 12th century. The
tools covered so far aRe: Crucibles, Bellows and Tuyere, Anvils,
Hammers and Mallets, Tongs and Tweezers, Pincers and Pliers, and,
last be not least, the Furnace. I’ll be continuing this process in
April, until I’ve at least covered everything mentioned by
Theophilus. By that point, I’ll have an understanding of basic
“toolkit” needed to recreate the techniques of the…

View full article…
http://primitive.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/31/

…

Long, Long Winters and Cooking Experiments
by lianabennett

My Family is getting bored being couped up all winter. Experimental
cooking has become the thing to do at our house. Last night we had
Stir-fry Hot Dogs, with vegetables and rice. A real taste treat for
sure. “Don’t worry honey” my Fiance says, “I’ll make it better next
time.” Next time !?! Before that, my daughter made fried eggs with
American cheese sandwiched between two blueberry waffles. There is
just something about blueberries and American cheese that do not…

View full article…
http://nsjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/31/

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Accessory #1 for the Inlayers’ Lathe: A Gem Holder
by aule

Moving right along… Last week when visiting Taig I had brought my
Craftsman mini lathe that I had started to retrofit as an inlayers’
lathe since the start of 2010. While showing it to Cliff I noticed
that the cross-slide still wobbled some as I turned the crank for
thank axis. I fixed the wobble after I returned from Phoenix by with
some slight changes to the saddle mount for the cross-slide, adding
a tension bar and a few tension…

View full article…
http://aule.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/31/

434

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Bathsheba’s Secrets
by stevenadler

Yesterday my friend Bathsheba Grossman presented a seminar on how
she is using a new software program T-Splines to enhance the
creativity of her designs. The conference webinar revealed to many
of us familiar with her work a new perspective on how CAD is being
used by the art community. For many years I have been showing
Bathsheba’s work at my trade show booths in New York and Las Vegas
and always get a “wow” from the crowds asking how…

View full article…
http://a3dm.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/01/bathshebas-secrets/

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Hello Creative Artist
by annaburgess

Hi Everyone, I just joined Ganoksins and loving the site already.
What talented people we have out there. You are all fantastic and
creative. My name is Anna and I’m from New York. I design and
handcraft my own jewelry. I love working with pearls, semi-precious
stones with silver and gold mixed together. I have a question for
anyone who can help. I’m looking to expand my business and I am in
search for a manufacture that can reproduce my…

View full article…
http://diamante.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/02/hello-creative-artist/

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H. Stern Takes a Trip Down The Rabbit Hole…
by Robyn Hawk

With all the hype surrounding the new Tim Burton version of the
Lewis Carroll classic Alice In Wonderland, I don’t think I ever
expected this partnership!The designers at H. Stern collaborated
with the folks at Disney and have launched a truly wonderful and
slightly bizarre line of jewelry based on the film.From the H. Stern
website:After a detailed study, H.Stern designers decided that the
underworld of Tim Burton’s film would be their source of
inspiration. Moving away from the obvious…

View full article…
http://dailyjewel.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/02/

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Call for jewellers who did transformable/metamorphic jewellery
by nadegecassar

I am a degree student from Malta, currently researching upon
transformable/metamorphic jewellery, and would like to invite
jewellers who have designed and manufactured transformable jewellery
to participate in a survey. This survey will help analyse how other
jewellers have tackled the issue of transformability…

View full article…
http://nadegerenee.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/02/

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Death Valley Camping Trip – Spring 2010
by Lava Jewelry

My brother and I camped in/around Death Valley last week, with
Cameron and Matthew Scott. The wildflowers were in bloom, which was
an incredible thing to see. I hope to write more about the trip in
my blog when I have time. In the meantime, enjoy my little slideshow
from Death Valley. View all Get your own…

View full article…
http://lavajewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/10/

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Artist/Mother; Mother/Artist
by Elaine Luther

If you’re a mom, you may need to read this post from Luann Udell: We
Can Always Use Another Hero…

View full article…
http://allthingsmetalclay.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/10/

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Creation of a wax ring
by leessilver

Turquoise will be inlaid in the side and top recessed section shown
on the wax the ring. The stones will be cut to fit the ring after it
is cast. Dots of coral and turquoise stones will be inlaid in the
holes on this side of the ring…

View full article…
http://leessilver.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/10/

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March Roundup
by Jamie Hall

This month I’ve started to examine descriptions, depictions and
finds of tools from the seventh through to the 12th century. The
tools covered so far are: Crucibles, Bellows and Tuyere, Anvils,
Hammers and Mallets, Tongs and Tweezers, Pincers and Pliers, and,
last be not least, the Furnace. I’ll be continuing this process in
April, until I’ve at least covered everything mentioned by
Theophilus. By that point, I’ll have an understanding of basic
“toolkit” needed to recreate the techniques of the…

View full article…
http://primitive.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/03/31/

…

3 Stone Ring from Scratch
by valerieaheck

Another view of the ring. It’s amazing that we could make this. We
made this ring at the New Approach School for Jewelers. You may ask
why not buy the heads and shank and save yourself the time. But in
some cases you’ll have a larger middle stone or a stone that is a
different shape and you’ll have to custom make a ring. It’s great to
know how to build this, it helps me look at jewelry and figure out
how to make it brick by brick…

View full article…
http://valerieaheck.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/08/

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Spessartite Finished and Experimental Cutting
by hansmeevis

This is my latest main piece, finished from the Mr Spessartite post.
18ct gold with a nice.20ct diamond. This piece of jewellery uses all
my skills as a gem cutter, goldsmith and setter…

View full article…
http://meevis.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/08/

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Untitled
by catherinecrowe

I wanted to use this blog to document some of the processes that I
deal with in enamelling. I have often set up the camera to take
shots of the pieces as they go along. The purpose of this is to let
people in to some of the mysteries of making. It is never easy to
communicate a complicated process like enamelling, but I hope I can
elucidate it a little. To many people processes are very mysterious.
This is…

View full article…
http://imagocorvi.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/08/31/

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More Spring 2010
by Sam Patania

I have been making many bracelets of late using turquoise which I
purchased at the Tucson Gem Show. I bought some turq from my friend
Ed Newman of Oro Valley Gems. Ed has increasingly had good turquoise
rough to choose from. I purchased Hatchita and Ithaca Peak rough
from Ed and his wife Linda this year. I have been cutting that stone
and…

View full article…
http://patania-jewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/08/

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Metalwerx Interivew about my Workshop for Earth Day!
by heatherskowood

Yleana Martinez is the blog master for Metalwerx new blog on
Ganoksin. This week Yleana interviewed me about my upcoming workshop
at Metalwerx for Earth Day. Be sure to check it out, comment and
sign up for the workshop. It will be great to see and hear from
you!..

View full article…
http://heatherskowoodjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/07/

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Change of Venue
by gingermeekallen

Change is not the only constant. Love is constant. Mohs hardness
scale is constant. And spring pollen in North Carolina is quite
reliable, year after year. But, it is true that change is indeed a
constant. Ironic as that clever statement is, I find myself thinking
about the flow of change as I am preparing to end my time in a
cooperative studio, gallery and retail venue to move to a new
location. As I was considering the move, I…

View full article…
http://gingermeekallen.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/07/

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welcome spring!
by k.o’brien jewelry

We resumed our celebration of spring this week. This time as a
family of four. We met up with my sister Amanda for brunch at the
Beehive Cafe in Bristol, RI. This place is so quaint and sweet. But
catching up with sister was too much fun so I didn’t take all that
many pictures {so click on their website to view their pictures, you
will be in love}. This one was taken while I was waiting outside
with Callie…

View full article…
http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/06/

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Social Media Marketing Webinar - Tip #1 Videos
by Beth Wicker

I attended an online Social Media Marketing Tips webinar today. This
was a run up to a big online Social Media Success Summit 2010 coming
up soon. It was led by Michael Stelzner, Mari Smith, Chris Garrett
and Denise Wakeman. Today’s webinar covered 8 top tips for social
media marketing, and had almost 3,800 people who had pre-registered
and were watching and listening online. A few statistics they
shared: There are 450 million Facebook users There are 40 million
Twitter…

View full article…
http://bethwicker.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/06/

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SPOTLIGHT: Heather Skowood, Reclaimed/Recycled Materials workshop,
by Metalwerx

Metalwerx gives a nod to Earth Day this year by offering a workshop
led by Heather Skowood on creating beautiful jewelry that decreases
our impact on the environment. The two-day course includes
instruction on how to use eco-friendly joining techniques such as
rivets and jump rings, and making mountings to frame unique found
objects. Emphasis will be placed on using reclaimed/recycled
materials, but using metal from your scrap collection is also
encouraged. Please see below for more …

View full article…
http://metalwerx.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/06/

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Wire-making tools
by Jamie Hall

When I started my apprenticeship, one of the first things I learnt
to do was make basic bullion products, usually small quantities of
sheet and wire for commissions, using a Durston rolling mill and a
range of drawplates. I can’t imagine doing my job without the
capability to make wire to order; no two orders are the same, so
only using off-the-peg wire from the bullion dealers can’t cover
every eventuality. Even if they can do short lengths to order,…

View full article…
http://primitive.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/12/wire-making-tools/

437

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new work, new market season
by k.o’brien jewelry

The first market of the season has come and gone. This has brought
along a sense of anxiety, as the market season will be a long one
this year, and a sense of relief. I put my new displays, work and
packaging out for the shoppers to see and I got myself many
compliments {especially on my teeny, square new business cards!}.
So, all of my hard work seemed to pay off, ahh… another sigh of
relief. As I mentioned…

View full article…
http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/15/

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Gravers and Burnishers, Scorpers and Scrapers
by Jamie Hall

…An instrument is made from pure steel, the length of the greatest
finger, and as thick as a straw, but thicker in the middle and
square. One end is placed in a handle, and at the other end one side
must be filed from the upper to the lower angle; but the lower,
which is filed slender towards the point, is longer; this being
heated, is tempered in water…- Theophilus, On Diverse Arts, Book
III, Chapter 11 Theophilus describes a…

View full article…
http://primitive.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/14/

438

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welcome spring!
by k.o’brien jewelry

Our family of three wasn’t able to welcome spring in our usual
fashion this weekend. We have been so spoiled with warm weather that
Saturday seemed too cold to be outside. So, husband and I went to
White Electric Coffee and ordered ourselves a fantastic breakfast to
eat inside the hip cafe. {I made a whole day of it and snuck a lunch
order in there too!}…

View full article…
http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/16/welcome-spring-3/

…

Aqua Pendant, Rings, Lathes and Moto GP.
by hansmeevis

Replacement piece. This is a really nice coloured aqua but it had
some rather contortionistic inclusions, if I might use that word. So
I had to carve and carve, all the time chasing the flaws. The
pendant is therefor was also made in a contortionistic manner.
Repouse’ with 18kt yellow and white gold and small diamonds. Just
finished this ring It came from these two rings. The left one was
her mom’s engagement ring and…

View full article…
http://meevis.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/16/

…

Gravers and Burnishers, Scorpers and Scrapers
by Jamie Hall

…An instrument is made from pure steel, the length of the greatest
finger, and as thick as a straw, but thicker in the middle and
square. One end is placed in a handle, and at the other end one side
must be filed from the upper to the lower angle; but the lower,
which is filed slender towards the point, is longer; this being
heated, is tempered in water…

View full article…
http://primitive.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/14/

…

Andesine - The Final Chapter
by Robyn Hawk

Probably the most significant presentation at the 2010 Tucson Gem
Show was from Robert James of the International School Of
Gemology.You may remember that Mr James claimed at the 2009 Tucson
Gem Show that the recent flood of Red Andesine was instead treated
Feldspar…his report started a rumble in the Industry that has
resulted in a trip to the “mine” - lawsuits - the discrediting of an
Olympic Games collectible gemstone (did you buy the Chinese Andesine
Olympic Gems from…

View full article…
http://tucsongemshow.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/16/

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Wax build up
by leessilver

The build up process is a technique where wax is layered upon layers
of wax. The design is slowly built up by this layering on of wax.
This paper will describe one of many methods used in the wax build
up process. With practice the artist will develop textures and
styles of their own. The advantage of making a model out of wax is
that you can get textures that can not be obtained in any other…

View full article…
http://leessilver.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/16/wax-build-up/

439

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If you have been considering your own Blog, but haven’t yet, the

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Cooperman and Damewood together!
by jay whaley

What a circus we’ve got going on this weekend! At our studios we
have both Andy Cooperman doing a 3 day workshop, and Loren Damewood
teaching a 2 day woven wire workshop. Loren has his group out on our
tree shaded balcony working with them right now making silver wire
bracelets on a custom built jig he has his students using. One end
of their bracelet wire is tied to the wrought-iron balcony railing,
the other end is attached to…

View full article…
http://jaywhaley.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/17/

…

Gravers and Burnishers, Scorpers and Scrapers
by Jamie Hall

…An instrument is made from pure steel, the length of the greatest
finger, and as thick as a straw, but thicker in the middle and
square. One end is placed in a handle, and at the other end one side
must be filed from the upper to the lower angle; but the lower,
which is filed slender towards the point, is longer; this being
heated, is tempered in water…- Theophilus, On Diverse Arts, Book
III, Chapter 11 Theophilus describes a…

View full article…
http://primitive.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/14/

440

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Metal Clay
by Laurie Jane Kern

I have a HATE - Love relationship with metal clay. Probably 18
months ago I took a class at Sha-Sha Bead Spa (in San Diego) to
learn about silver metal clay. At that time I was just starting to
work with chains, silver, and making jewelry and I thought the class
would add to my learning. After this first class I bought some basic
tools, a hand torch, a couple of books, some more clay and I went
home to…

View full article…
http://lauriejanekern.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/21/metal-clay/

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Understanding Goldsmithing Through Depictions of St. Eligius
by Jamie Hall

St. Eligius was born in 588AD, and spent some years as a goldsmith
before founding a few monastaries and converting various pagan
tribes on the north-west coast of Europe. He is sometimes also
referred to Eloi, Eloy or Loye. There are various images of St.
Eligius at work, drawn, painted or engraved throughout the middle
ages. Amongst other things, St. Eligius is the patron saint of
goldsmiths, metalworkers and coin collectors, and consequently, many
of the images depict him in…

View full article…
http://primitive.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/21/

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Accessory #2 for the Inlayers’ Lathe: A Circular Saw Mounted Between
Centers
by aule

I’m so glad that at least a couple people have commented last week
asking how close I am to finally slicing. In answer: with this
installment of my project, I am a LOT closer now. To slice opal at
the thickness that I want, I need an extremely thin diamond saw
blade that is mounted in an extremely steady manner. Perhaps only
real jewelers use flex-shafts for this purpose, but I’d rather make
my life easier. I’ve known all along…

View full article…
http://aule.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/21/

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Grand Re-Opening
by k.o’brien jewelry

I am currently taking a little break from the grand re-opening of my
etsy shop. It is so exciting, I am finally getting my new work out
on the internet. It has been done for a while and made it’s debut in
Craftopia this month but today most of my new items will be
available online. Hooray! So, here are some photographs but I would
LOVE for you to take a look at my shop too. Here are my bitty…

View full article…
http://kobrienjewelry.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/20/

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Review: Metal Clay Basics
by Elaine Luther

I was so glad when Linda Stiles Smith gave me a copy of her book,
Metal Clay Basics and Bench Reference. Years ago, it was my goal to
own every book and article published on metal clay. That has become
impossible. There are so many books out now on the subject, that I
consider it quite brave of Linda to dive into the fray and publish
her own book on the subject. I wondered what she would bring to the
topic that was new…

View full article…
http://allthingsmetalclay.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/20/

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How to Make a Decorative Stamp
by johndonivan

Due to popular demand on the Orchid Forum, I guess, here’s some pics
about how to make a stamp. This is the type of stamps American
Indians use, but it can be anything when you make your own. This is
just a demo - I used 1/2" (13mm) cold rolled (mild) steel because
it’s handy and cheap. I’m not going to use my tool steel because
this is going to be thrown away or given to some student to play…

View full article…
http://johndonivan.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/19/

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Call for Entries - Bench Jewelers Passion Award
by Robyn Hawk

The sixth annual Bench Jewelers Passion Award Design Competition
will be held in conjunction with the Bench Jewelers Conference June
17-19, 2010 in Atlanta GA.The entry deadline is fast approaching for
the fifth annual Bench Jewelers Passion Award Design Competition.The
Deadline for Entries is May 1, 2010.The competition is open to all
professional Bench Jewelry Artist and Designers actively involved in
the design and production of jewelry. The Passion Award Jewelry
Design Contest consists of four categories for finished jewelry…

View full article…
http://dailyjewel.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/19/

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Santa Fe Symposium 2010 Countdown
by stevenadler

This year the Santa Fe Symposium will provide a great lineup of
presentations beginning May 16th in Albuquerque, NM. Speakers from
seven countries will provide us with an up to date analysis
of…

View full article…
http://a3dm.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/17/

…

Cooperman and Damewood together!
by jay whaley

What a circus we’ve got going on this weekend! At our studios we
have both Andy Cooperman doing a 3 day workshop, and Loren Damewood
teaching a 2 day woven wire workshop. Loren has his group out on our
tree shaded balcony working with them right now making silver wire
bracelets on a custom built jig he has his students using. One end
of their bracelet wire is tied to the wrought-iron balcony railing,
the other end is attached to…

View full article…
http://jaywhaley.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/17/

…

Aqua Pendant, Rings, Lathes and Moto GP.
by hansmeevis

Replacement piece. This is a really nice coloured aqua but it had
some rather contortionistic inclusions, if I might use that word. So
I had to carve and carve, all the time chasing the flaws. The
pendant is therefor was also made in a contortionistic manner.
Repouse’ with 18kt yellow and white gold and small diamonds. Just
finished this ring It came from these two rings. The left one was
her mom’s engagement ring and…

View full article…
http://meevis.ganoksin.com/blogs/2010/04/16/