In My Studio – Random Thoughts

 

Image via CrunchBase

 

Hello there,

I did not have anything specific in mind for today’s blog, thought about a couple of subjects, but they just didn’t seem to grab me.  So I’m just gonna ramble I think.  Gotta post something.

 

I had an excellent conversation with my good friend, and incredible sculptor, Ralph Cordero of RGC Studios, you can find his work on Etsy under Twisted Little Things.   I actually own a couple of those gruesome cuties!  We discusses the state of employment for artists, what’s available and what’s not, and what to do or how to re-create your offerings to appeal to the masses, or get that coveted job that was applied for.  The industry is full of kids just graduating from their respective colleges and looking for work that doesn’t exist.  Competition is tough in an industry job-market that is already overrun with want-to-bes.  So what does the established artist do when this happens?  That is a conundrum.

First of all you sit down on your tushie and git that hamster on the wheel, and start thinking about how to create interest and drive customers to your site, shop, table, display, store, or what have you.  Contemplate, evaluate, decide, rearrange, organize, and have a cup of coffee in the middle of all that, narrow your focus to laser-beam precision and begin the process of elimination or addition to make the items stand out, or to make it all happen.

After attending the Treasure Valley Flea Market this weekend, I sat down and did some serious thinking and reorganization as well as re-evaluating and deciding what to do about the lack-luster performance in sales.  Several things have come to mind and may be worth passing along.  

 

The economy is terrible right now,  Just awful, this is an obvious given, no one is blind to the fact that gas is now creeping up over $4.00 a gallon, again, and with that goods and services are also going up, which leaves little money for the aspirational (not necessary) things like art, and jewelry.

The Treasure Valley Flea Market occurs once a month, I have attended since 2005, I have been a regular vendor at Booth #28 for seven years.  I see the same vendors and the same customers every show, occasionally there will be something new to see, but for the most part it is the same stalls over and over again.   I have come to the conclusion that I have run the gamete at this particular venue.  

In the interest of keeping myself sane and my bank account in the black, I will be reducing the number of TVFMs I attend.  I will of course be attending October and November Markets, however during the 2013 Season, I will perhaps attend one Market, and one Market only.  Save those pennies, because The Alchemists Vessel will only be there once.

There will also be several changes coming to The Alchemists Vessel as well.  We will still provide quality off the rack jewelry, but the focus will be on high end One Of A Kind pieces, and not your average everyday manufactured comes-in-everything department store jewelry.

The website alchemistsvessel.net will also see some changes, as well as a complete and well stocked items page for your shopping pleasure.  The handmadeartists.com shop The Alchemists Vessel , will also be seeing some changes as we add to and remove some items listed on the site.  I know many people get lost on Etsy or e-Bay with the overwhelming amount of products there are to peruse.  We will also be closing the Cafe Press shop.  There isn’t any traffic and even though it is free, there is no sense in monitoring or putting energy into something that is not performing as one would have liked.

 

A quick reminder, Halloween is coming up and we have cool themed items in the Ravens Nook for your costume or just for fun.  Spiders, bats, skulls, black and orange gemstone beads, ooooo spooky!  Blog readers this is a special for you!  Starting October 01, 2012, there will be a coupon code for 20% off all themed items in the shop.  Bookmark your favorites now and come back and get them when they are on sale later! 

OK, I think I have run out of random stuff to discuss.  Tomorrow’s blog will feature a fellow Handmade Artists jewelry designer.

Thank you for stopping in and having a read.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

 

 

Monday Shop News

 

Good Morning,

Monday has arrived, and it is time to begin the work week once again!  This morning’s blog is short as I spent the weekend at the local Flea Market.

Because Art in the Park and several other events were all happening this weekend, people’s time and attention was divided, we enjoyed an intimate setting and a nice flow of customers.

Next months market is October 6th and 7th, we will have Halloween themed jewelry on sale for one show only and in the web stores through the month.

For those of you that shop with us on line, you may have noticed some changes to Etsy.  The activity feed will now look different.  As these changes are being rolled out slowly not every one may be able to see them immediately.

Shops and favorite items are grouped into boxes of four, Treasuries are also listed in this fashion now.  Single item photos are much larger.  The Feed has been divided in to two pages, Following and Your Shop.   The Following page allows you to see the people in your circles (now “Followers”) and their activity.  If you have a sellers account and want to see what’s going on with your shop items, you will find it under the “Your Shop” Tab, individual items will be listed with the ID of the person that clicked the item.

Now it’s back to the workbench to clean and polish and prepare and pack for next months market.

Thank you for stopping in and having a read.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

 

Friday Short Event List

Happy Friday!

Look at that, the weekend is here!

Fridays are usually devoted to links and promotions, and because this Friday I am busy with market set up, let’s take a quick look at what else is going on in Boise as the summer winds down and Autumn begins.

Presented by the Boise Art Museum

Art in the Park

Beginning today, Friday September 7, 2012.

Also this Friday is the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus

September 14th, Hyde Park Fair

That’s it for this weekend and next.  If your a music fan some really great bands are coming in December to The Knitting Factory, Neurolux and the Idaho Center.

Thank you for stopping by and having look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant weekend.

Bored?  Come on down to the Flea Market and entertain me!
5610 Chinden Blvd.
Expo Idaho, at the Fairgrounds.

Studio Switch – Market Season Begins

 

Good Morning!

Wednesday arrives bright and beautiful, some of the smoke from the northern and surrounding area wild fires has been blown out of the valley.  Clear and haze-free sunny skies is the order of the day.

There is not much happening in the studio this week, except there are beads and bits of metal everywhere, as we fill out the racks, take inventory, clean, pack, prepare, and check the list at least three times to be sure all is ready for the Season Opener of Treasure Valley Flea Market.  (No, I’m not going to post the commercial.)

Yes, indeed!  It’s that time again.  More than just a Flea Market, there are artisans from all over the Treasure Valley area, antiques, collectables, glass-works, wood-works, and of course, garage goodies of all kinds can be found.  Personally I wish they wouldn’t call it a “Flea Market”, there is so much more, I think the “Treasure Valley Market or Bazaar” would be a better descriptive title.

Now that I have your undivided attention.

Can’t attend this weekend?  That’s OK, you’ll miss out on free chocolate though.  The Market is open one weekend a month, the dates are below.  Put them on your calendar and come on down and say Hello!  Admission is $2.00 at the door.

Market Dates:
Sept 8-9, 2012 – This Weekend!
Oct 6-7, 2012 – Halloween Jewelry will be on sale!
Nov 10-11, 2012 – Christmas is coming!  Get that custom order in!
Jan 12-13, 2013 – I am not sure if T.A.V. will attend this market.
Feb 16-17, 2013 – We’ll be there to whip the winter blues away
Mar 23-24, 2013 – Spruce up for Easter
Apr 13-14, 2013 – The Tax Man cometh!  Spend it, before he gets it!

Happy shoppers check out the goodies at the booth next door.

Location:
Expo Idaho at the Fair Grounds
5610 Chinden Blvd.
Garden Cit, ID

The Alchemists Vessel, Booth #28, East (right) side of the building as you enter.

Booth Map

The Alchemists Vessel, Booth #28, a right and a left and you’re there.

Why yes we do take Credit Cards at the Shows, via SQUARE and my “Smart Phone”.

We accept Cash, Debit or Credit Cards and Personal Checks.  No need to spend that $3.00 for an ATM FEE!  We can have your goodies in a bag and you on your way with just a swipe.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

 

Things To Click and a Promotion or Two

 

Hello there!

Happy Friday one and all.  It’s a long weekend this time!  For some of us the weekend brings the last summer barbeque and a camping trip or two, live music or a relaxing day with friends.

This weekend – Three Days Only!  The Alchemists Vessel is having its first Labor Day Sale!  That’s right!   Saturday through Monday, enter the Coupon Code: LDAY10 and received 10% off your total purchase price.  Some special in-shop items include free shipping, like this pendant.

Sterling Silver and Black Onyx Genuine Gemstone Necklace

That’s right Monday is Labor Day!  Yes, it is a Federal Holiday.  Yes, it means that most of us have the day off from our jobs, whatever those may be.  For some it means sales and shopping, for others it is a day for the Honey Do list and household chores.

Labor Day: 11 Facts You Need To Know

After we have had a refreshing weekend, it’s time to head back to work or school.  It is also the beginning of Market Season!  Flea Markets, Holiday Gift Shows, Specialty Booths, they are all a great place to find that unique and must have item.

Treasure Valley Flea Market, September 8th and 9th, 2012.
5610 Chinden Blvd. Garden City, ID
Idaho Expo at The Fair Grounds
Saturday – 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Admission is $2.00

We hope to see you there.  Booth #28, The Alchemists Vessel.

New Classes in September at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores with your friendly instructor, me.  Jewelry Basics is always available,  and covers the basics from tools to findings and a completed project to take home.  Learn to make “Pretty in Pearl” earrings in two designs.  New project is an interesting Swaovski Crystal bracelet.   See your local store for details.  

Classes are taught at the Milwaukee location.
1085 Milwaukee
Boise, ID
(208) 323-5373
Call or Sign up for classes in store.  
*Open House Saturday Sept. 8th at this location.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant Labor Day Holiday.

 

Cuttlebone Casting Part III – Casting The Piece

 

Hello,

Please note, due to technical difficulties some of the photos for this tutorial are not shown (photo error), this post will be updated once the photo upload decides to cooperate.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and are working to rectify the situation.

This is the final stage in casting a piece of jewelry with a cuttlebone mold.  If you have not been following along or have just discovered this series, please refer to the previous posts for an overview.

 

Cuttlebone Casting – Part I Materials and Modeling

Cuttlebone Casting – Part II Model and Mold Preparation

PART III Casting the project.

TOOLS:

Tin Alloy Soldering Wire (4 tubes, 20 feet)

Stainless Steel Spoon

Mini-Torch

Prepared Cuttlebone Mold

Vice Grip or Prop

Safety Gear

Goggles / Glasses

Gloves, leather shoe strings (something to wrap the spoon handle) 

NOTE:  The sample casting shown used 2 to 2-1/2 tubes of Tin Alloy Solder, your project may require more or less depending on size of the model and depth of the impression.

SAFETY FIRST!  This lesson consists of playing with fire, and I mean literally.  Temperatures reach 400 degrees and possibly higher!  Be aware of your surroundings and your work area!  Remove any and all distractions and make sure you have an uninterrupted block of time in which to work.  Although this portion of the process is fairly quick, you must pay attention to what you are doing!  Turn off your cell-phone, send the kids outside to play, give the hubby a “Honey-Do” list and feed the dog; you must be and remain focused!

Last time we made a wax model and a mold from simple and easy to obtain materials.  Today we are going to complete the process and show the steps for actually casting the piece.  The step-by-step process for creating a mold may be read in CuttleboneCasting Part II – Model and Mold Preparation.

The cuttlebone mold is now ready for molten metal.  Cuttlebones are naturally heat resistant.  This means that they can withstand high heat without distorting in shape, and make wonderful molds for just that reason.  They are also a completely natural tool with no added chemicals and won’t harm the environment.  Eco-friendly jewelry creation, that’s a plus!

PRE-CASTING PREPARATIONS:

Prepare your work area.  Make sure it is free of anything flammable and fluttery that might catch fire or drift into the molten metal.  Place your mold in the Vice Grip or other object you have chosen to keep it steady and upright.  Get your spoon (or whatever you’re going to use to melt the metal in), torch, and tin alloy lined up, ready to go, and easily accessed! 

**TIP:  Trim the tin alloy coils into smaller pieces; this will make melting and adding it to the already melted material much easier.

(Photo error)

NOTE:  Unlike other casting processes that use high-speed centrifuges or kiln (oven) burn out cycles (Lost Wax Casting) to distribute the material to the mold, all that is working here is gravity!  Pouring the molten metal into the mold is like filling a glass with sand, the material will be layered as you pour it into the mold.

Here I have the cuttlebone mold in a prop to keep it upright and steady as material is poured.  Closed with Rubber bands and waiting for metal to be melted and poured.

MELT THE METAL / FILL THE MOLD:

*The Spoon will reach temperatures of up to 400 degrees (the melting point of the tin alloy is 374-degrees), USE PROTECTIVE MEASURES!  Leather gloves or wrap the end with leather shoestrings to keep the heat away form your hands and fingers.

Begin by adding a small amount of the Tin Alloy to the spoon.  Cut bits off the coil first to make this easier.  Let it sit in the bowl of the spoon.  Do not try to melt the whole coil all at once.   Using a mini-torch, hold the spoon just above the flame and melt the metal in the spoon, continue to add bits of metal until the spoon is full.

 

The flame has not been turned on for these pictures, that would be hazardous to my heath and the I’d burn the house down.  These are to show the spoon’s position it should be held up and away from the nozzle of your torch and the flame allowed to heat the bowl of the spoon from underneath.

Because the soldering material is a tin / rosin core alloy, you will see the rosin left behind in the spoon.  That is the brown discoloration you see.  Rosin comes from trees and is a brittle solid form of resin, it is used as a flux in some soldering materials to help the metal melt and flow at an even rate.  This discoloration will not appear on your piece, this is left behind after the melting process.

NOTE:  The molten metal will pool in the bowl of the spoon.  Adding pieces of material closer to the pool will help it to melt and incorporate into the ever growing puddle of metal.  It will slide around in the spoon hold the spoon steady while melting is in process. 

(Photo error)

Continue to add pieces of the Tin Alloy until the spoon is full.

Carefully pour the contents of the spoon into the Sprue Hole and down the Sprue Channel.

Repeat the melting and pouring process until your mold is full, you will have to look through the Sprue Hole and do a little guessing here to be sure that the material has filled the mold (impression) completely.  You DO NOT want to fill the Vent Gates or Sprue Channel, just enough metal to fill the mold of the Cross.

Instant Gratification…. Well almost.  After the mold is full, wait a full ten to fifteen minutes for the metal to solidify and harden.  The mold will also be cooling down during this time, making it a little easier to handle.

Here you can see the burn mark on the top of mold, where the spoon touched the surface of the cuttlebone.  Here the cuttlebone sits in its prop cooling down while the metal is solidifying.

Once time is up, carefully remove the binding from the outside of the mold, unwind the wire, slip off the rubber bands (whatever was used) gently, keeping the mold closed as you do this.  If you used Duct Tape (and I told you not to) you will have to cut it away with a razor-blade where the two halves of the mold meet and split the mold open like a book.

(Photo error)

Well looky there!  You have a metal pendant!  TAH-DAH!

(Photo error)

The tin alloy is soft enough that you can drill a hole in the top of the cross using a drill bit and your hand for a bail to be glued (soldered) into place.

FINAL FINISHING:

To complete my pendant, I will seat the simulated Garnet into the center hole of the Cross.  Using a brass rod that I have ground to a 45-deegree angle at one end, I will finish the pilot hole for the gem and seat it in to place.  Using a craft knife or razor blade, I will then create PRONGS by scraping some of the metal from the Cross up and over the gemstone in four evenly spaced places around the stone’s setting.

Although this will leave dents in the exterior of the Cross surface, it will help secure the stone into place.

After the gemstone setting is complete I will use a Polishing Cloth (these have chemicals embedded in the material) and gently rub the surface of the piece, polishing it and giving a little shine.

It is now ready to be displayed or worn on chain or lanyard.

Thank you so much for stopping by and having a look, and if you have followed the whole series, thank you for sticking with us.  We hope you have enjoyed this brief look in to one of the many casting processes available and used for jewelry-making.

The Alchemists Vessel would  like to wish you a pleasant day.

**Want something like this, but don’t want to do it yourself?  Custom work is available.  All custom molding projects begin at $50.00 this includes Design materials and Mock Up of your custom piece before casting in the material of your choice!  Precious Metals are available for this process. Please feel free to return for the updated post, once I get the photos to cooperate! 

 

Thursday Feature – Etsy Tips

 

Greetings,

 

This morning I find myself sans an artist to feature.  So instead of featuring a single artist, I thought it might be interesting to give some tips, tricks and things I have learned about Etsy, and how to use the site.

 

What is Etsy?

 

Many people have never heard of Etsy.  To quote a friend, “Etsy is the World’s garage sale“.  Actually it is kind of like the World’s garage sale, there are thousands of shops to peruse and all of it is handmade, unless you are searching for supplies for your handmade goodies.  Buyer accounts are free to sign up for.

 

Shop Presence, what is it, how do you do it?

 

Shop Presence is a buzz word for really nothing at all.  The idea behind it is that your shop stands out or is more present (accessible) than another.  What does this entail?  Building your store front, banner, shop items, and even your avatar count to draw people into your shop. Yes, the shop name may be important as well.

 

Shop Name:  “The Alchemists Vessel” doesn’t give you any idea about what I do, however the name does give some idea of what you might find at my shop.  Gemstones, crystals, pendulums, unique items of unknown origin.   Think about the name and what it says about your shop.  “Kay’s Jeweler‘s” leaves nothing to guess at, you know that Kay sells Jewelry.

As a seller / vendor you have about seven (7) seconds to grab and hold a shoppers attention before they click through to another shop or site.  How can you grab and hold on to that customer’s / shopper’s attention?  With your store front, of course. 

 

Make it interesting, colorful and informative.  The first thing a customer should notice is what you’re offering!  Jewelry, Paintings, Knitted items, whatever, make sure that the customer knows they are in the right place to find what they are looking for.

 

The Banner:  The banner is just that, a big Title Block image at the top of the page.  This is mine.

It reads:  “Decorating extraordinary people with extraordinary jewelry”. (A bit hard to read at this size, I know).

 

This banner tells you what I do, I offer “extraordinary jewelry”, and of course the person shopping certainly feels that they are extraordinary anyway.

 

Your Shop banner should give some indication of what you do, sell or what business you are venturing. (Photography, knitting, painting, sculpting, whatever).

This is the old banner.  Pictures of beads give you a “visual clue” as to what you may find at the shop, and “Extraordinary Ornamentation” is the confirmation.

 

Avatar:  Your avatar is the picture that represents you on the site.  Many people use a portion of their banner, an image or a picture of themselves.  I have found that a portrait (picture of the seller) works much better than an image or other graphic. People tend to trust a face more than an icon.  You all know what I look like, no sense in posting my own.

Store Front / Items:  There are several schools of thought on this, I will share a couple.

 

A “full store front”.  Some shops do not have enough merchandise to fill up the allotted 24 item boxes on the front page of the shop.  The more you add the more pages will automatically be created.  Apparently it is important to keep at least 24 items in the shop, there is no explanation as to why.  It does however look better to have a full front page.

 

Featured Items: These are items chosen from your shop that you wish to feature on your shops front or home page.  They are underneath the banner and on top of the 24 items on your front page.  These items should reflect the BEST you have to offer.  If possible be sure that the featured items are not also listed on the front page of the shop.

 

Variety:  I know it is within our nature to organize like things with like things.  However piling all your earrings on the front page when you also sell bracelets or necklaces isn’t going to get those other things noticed or sold!  Diversify the listings, try to look at the page as a catalog of all your merchandise.  A customer / shopper can see that you also carry bracelets and necklaces as well as earrings.   Try to group things vertically and horizontally, this goes with that which could be paired with the other thing.

 

Currently my front page does not reflect this and I need to do a little re-arranging.

 

Pictures:  Yes, they are so important.  Clear, focused photos are best.  

Try to take your photos in natural light.  

Do not clutter up the background with stuff, you want people to look at the item not what’s in the background.

Use a neutral background, like a gray color, that will not interfere or compete with your item.

Try to take a detail photo, a close up tight shot that shows the pattern, texture, stitch or accent up close.

 

Remember: Shopping is a tactile experience, people want to pick up the item, look at it, scrutinize it before spending their hard-earned pennies on something!  Try to take pictures that will give the on-line shopper the sense that they have viewed it from all possible angles and given it the full attention it deserves before buying.

 

I hope some of this has helped.  Good luck fellow vendors!

 

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

 

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant Thursday.

 

Cuttlebone Casting Part II – Model and Mold Preparation

Good Morning,

 

Wednesday’s are devoted to what’s happening in the studio here at The Alchemists Vessel, and this morning is Part II of the three part series, Cuttlebone Casting.

 

Monday we discussed materials and the very basics of beginning to model and mold the pendant.  Today we are going to continue the project with making the model and creating the mold itself.

 

If you would like to follow along, I recommend a quick review of Monday’s post, Cuttlebone Casting Part I – Materials and Model Making.

TOOLS:
Pencil

Paper

Pin or Sharp Pointy Object

Modeling (Jeweler’s) Wax
Flat File

Jeweler’s Saw

Lighter Fluid

Soft Cloth

Brass Rods

Unsharpened Pencil

Prepared Cuttlebone halves

Last time the design of the piece was decided upon, sketched and cut out.  The sample project shown throughout the instruction will be  simple Cross shape.

This is about 1-1/2″ tall x 1-1/4″ wide.  Sketched in pencil (then traced with ink for a clearer photo), cut out of the paper, this will be the Paper Template from which to trace or “scribe” the design on to the wax block.

PREPARE THE MODEL

Cut out and place your Paper Template on top of the modeling wax and with a pin or other sharp object draw or “scribe” your design into the wax.  Trace the template.  Below is a T-pin, which I use to scribe the design in to the wax.

Note: You can see that the template is a little too long for the wax, you may adjust your design to fit with in the wax area before your trace the design.

Next with a Jeweler’s Saw and a Spiral saw blade (these cut modeling wax best, and straight blades work just fine, too) cut out your model.

Here is the beginning of the wax model.  Using a straight saw blade the block has been cut along the scribed lines in the wax.  Once completely cut out the model will be ready for final preparations.

Once your model is cut out, use a wax file to smooth and true the edges up, keeping them straight and even.  They make specific files for wax, if one is not available a flat jewelers / craft file will work as well.

Using a tiny bit of lighter fluid and a soft cloth, smooth out the surface, corners, and sides of the model.  This will remove any imperfections, nicks and scratches, and smooth the surface for a better impression.  Remember every imperfection will transfer to the finished product.  Be careful, over working the wax will distort or destroy any detail you may have carved into the model.

I have drilled tiny pilot holes in my design, the center hole will house the gemstone, and the others are to keep the design consistent.

NOTE:  I failed to take a picture prior to completing the next steps.  What you see here, is the final model, after it has been pressed into the cuttlebone halves.  The white material is dust from the bone.   Also, I dropped it, as I mentioned the wax is very brittle and I managed to break the arm of the Cross on one side.  However this happened after creating the mold impression!

Whew!  Almost there!

MAKE THAT MOLD

Now the fun starts!  Using one side of your cuttlebone, press your model into the flat surface of the bone.  The bone is soft, use gentle even pressure.  Next place the other half of the cuttlebone on top of the wax model and other half of the bone-mold and press the two sides together.  GENTLY!  If you press too hard the cuttlebone will break and another one will have to be prepared before continuing.  The wax model is now embedded in the cuttlebone.  It does take some pressure, and you can hear the model sinking into the surface of the cuttlebone.  The halves do need to touch, but press the wax into them enough for a well-defined impression.

With a pencil, mark several places on the outside of the bone so you can align the halves later.  This is important, the sides of the mold must match up for the inside to cast properly.

Remove the model.  The impression will be left behind.  This model may be used again to make another mold.

 

Here you can see the impression the wax model has made in the bone, along with the natural striated patterns of the bone itself, they are distorted by the the impression of the cross.  (The other side of the cuttlebone looks just like this).

If desired, very, very carefully sand the impression for better definition.  Do not overwork the area or you can distort the impression.

ADD SPRUE CHANNELS AND VENT GATES

Choosing one side of the mold, lay it flat and using the end of a pencil (not sharpened) create a SPRUE CHANNEL by gently pressing the pencil into the bone, just above and at the edge of the impression.  What’s a sprue channel?  It is a channel that allows the material you’re pouring to enter the mold for casting.  Make sure that this just touches the edge or of your model impression, but not so much to distort your design.  (Simon didn’t say to remove the pencil).

Next using brass rods or something with a smaller diameter than the pencil create VENT GATES.  What’s a vent gate?  It is a channel that will allow air to escape the mold during the casting process.  Just like you did with the pencil, using two (2) Brass rods (or tool) lay them just at the end and edge of the arms of the Cross.  These should also just touch the edge of the impression.  With the pencil and then the rods in place, place the second half of your mold over the pencil and rods and press down, keeping in mind to align the pencil marks on the outside of the cuttlebone.  The channels must be created in both sides of the mold.  Take the halves apart, remove the pencil and rods.

Are you still with me?  Still want to make a piece of jewelry?   Alrighty then!  Here we go!

Now match up the halves with the lines you made on the outside.  Find the Sprue Channel. Very carefully mark the top of the mold (both sides), on either side of the Sprue Channel.  This is where you will cut the SPRUE HOLE.  What’s a sprue hole?  It is a larger opening in the mold, which allows you to pour material into the Sprue Channel and into the mold.  This makes it easier to pour the material from whatever you have melted your material in, into the mold itself.  If you try to aim for the Sprue Channel you will wind up with material on the outside of the mold and possibly severe burns.  Molten Metal is HOT HOT HOT!  This project only gets up to about 400 degrees, but that can still do some serious damage!  Be careful.

Here you can see the Vent Gates, Sprue Hole, Sprue Channel, and the pencil marks I made on the outside of the bone to align the pieces.

Now align the Mold again.  Using Mold Wire, Rubber bands, or other type of binding (I do not recommend Duct Tape or other adhesive strips or bindings), match up the halves and secure (close) the mold.

The photo above is the closed mold, with Rubber band binding.

You just made a mold.  COOL!

WHEW!

Set the mold aside, some place safe and dry.

The preparations are now done and the mold is ready to begin casting the piece.

Take a break, have a little sit down and enjoy some tea, coffee, a beverage, or snack of your choice!  You’ve earned it!

Next time.  Part III – Casting the piece. 

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant Wednesday.

Thursday Workbench Woes

 

Good Morning,

 

As I await the Blog Ring to begin again, I am left with empty space for posting.

 

Some of you are aware of the household incidents that have been plaguing me of late, leaks, floods, electrical wiring weirdness, wasp infestation…  In the midst of all that my poor workbench has become the catch-all for odds and ends bits and pieces.

 

I am usually a very organized craft-person, everything in its place, cubby-holes, bins, boxes, baskets, bags, nooks, crannies, shelves, drawers, the odd table corner even.  I am finding it most difficult to work under these conditions.

 

Destruction Productions presents – Alix’s Workbench, Portrait of Horror.

Yes, I used to sit in that chair, and work on that table, you can see some of the items I have discussed here including a color wheel, sandpaper, a set of craft knives, my mini-torch, light box, and various tools and other equipment.  

 

With the workbench in such a state, I have been delegated to the Dining table in the great room.

 

You guys are laughing now…

 

Since a good portion of my materials and supplies are small they require little space, or so one would think.  Right.  Due to the mentioned mishaps much of my shelf space has vanished, so I have managed to cram everything into the closet.  When I say I work out of my closet, I ain’t kidding.

The supply closet, whether you work in an office or at home, eventually you need someplace to put those things you use for work.  Cubby-holes, bins, boxes, baskets, bags, nooks, crannies, shelves, drawers and the file cabinet corners are full to the brim with beads, wire, string, clasps, buttons, clay, twine, charms, ribbon, just about every conceivable and imagined item can be found with in the depths of the Supply Closet…  Happy Hunting!

That’s all for today.  Now you have a little inside peak at the madness that is my method.

 

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

 

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant Thursday.

 

Thursday’s Featured Artist – The Alchemist

 

Good Morning,

 

Thursday has arrived and I am out of Featured Artists, again.  I was the last person in the Blog Ring to be listed for a post.  I can’t very well post about myself, well I could, but the blog features The Alchemist (that would be me) every day.  So what’s a girl to do?

 

Instead of talking about myself, because that could lead to questions about the state of my mental health, I think we’ll talk about what every artist uses as a tool, the hands.

Hands are amazing things, they are the first tools we learn to use.  Dexterity does not come naturally, your hands must be taught to move and cooperate in concert with each other, whether they are holding a pencil or strumming a guitar, they must be trained to do what you are asking of them.

 

Hand and wrist health (especially for Maillers) is very important, if I hurt or injure my hands I can not work, it is just that simple.  I require both the left and right to do things, pick up beads, hold pliers and other materials, to string, solder, bend pieces, etc… all steps in making a piece of jewelry require that I use my hands.

 

Before I begin any piece or long sit at the workbench, I exercise my hands, I stretch them, spread and flex my fingers wide; roll, twist, bend my wrist gently to loosen up those muscles.  Small repetitive movements can cause injury to the muscles and worse Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.  Here is a link to some exercises for your hands

Carpal Tunnel Exercises.  I highly recommend these for anyone that has to type, use tools or for jewelry makers.

 

Remember to work in a relaxed position.  Stop every half hour or so and check yourself.  Are you tense, are your shoulders up around your ears?  Are your hands hurting or achy.  Stop!  Stretch.  Relax.  Deep breath. 

You do not need to hold a Death Grip on any of the tools you use,  that tool is only going to do what your hands tell it to, a loose grasp will hold the tool, your hand movements do the rest.  

 

Treat your hands with kindness and they will serve you for a long long time.

 

Thank you for stopping in and having a read.

 

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.