Friday, December 10, 2010

Aspiring Metalsmiths Project Blogroll - So many techniques so little time

Each month my Etsy team, The Aspiring Metalsmiths, does a blogging project where we choose a specific topic and then everyone writes a blog post addressing the chosen topic. This month's topic is  "The technique I want to learn next". Oh my goodness, I could probably write a novel on the is topic. Being completely self taught and having only recently began my adventures in metal work, there's an endless list of techniques that I desperately want to learn. So after alot of going back and forth I have decided that there are actually two techniques that are a tie for the technique that I would most like to learn next. I can't really put one higher on the list than the other so I'll just share some examples of each technique.

The techniques I want to learn next are known as flush setting and foldforming.  Flush setting involves taking a small faceted stone and setting it in metal in such a way that the top of the stone rests flush with the surrounding metal. For example notice how the stones in this ring by myheartmonster are set directly into the metal of the rings band.
 

In order to do this technique successfully, one must have a few special tools. I have asked Santa to bring me these tools for Christmas so perhaps I will get to try this technique in the new year. Keeping my fingers crossed.

The other technique that I would love to learn is known as foldforming. This is a technique in which sheet metal is folded, hammered and manipulated in various ways to give the resulting piece three dimensionality and shape. Here are just a few awesome examples of this technique.



 


This technique doesn't require any specialized tools. All that you really need is a hammer and a vise and a good pair of earplugs probably wouldn't be a bad thing. So I might tackle this one first. I will try to keep you all posted on my successes and failures as I embark on teaching myself yet another new way to manipulate metal and make pretty little trinkets. Wish me luck.


Now take a few minutes to see what my teammates want to learn in the new year. I'm sure it will be an interesting mix of techniques and you might just find a new favorite artist. Thanks.

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Tuesday, December 7, 2010

New Items Listed

Have you checked out www.mistyridge.etsy.com lately? If not stop by and take a quick look. I have added a few new items just in time for Christmas shopping and will be adding more all week. Here's just a quick sampling



















New items due to be added all week this week stop by and check us out.


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Thursday, December 2, 2010

All I Want For Christmas Is.....This and This and That oh and Maybe That Too

Dear Santa,
I have tried to be a very good girl this year and I have several things that I would love to have for Christmas. Please put the following things under my name on your list. Remember you should find me on the nice list by the way. Thanks Santa. Take care and fly safe. Can't wait to see what ends up under my tree.

Heather's List of Big Girl Toys

1.This lovely little rolling mill












2. This little PMC and Enameling Kiln



3. These stone setting Burs



4. This gravers set











5. This great little texture wheel









This is just the top 5 on a really large list of toys, oops I mean tools, yeah tools of course, that I would love to give a happy home to. Of course silver wire and sheet are always welcome as well. Please oh please oh please Santa don't forget me and don't skip my house.
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