Just a wee bit excited!

I have just ordered two books and cannot wait to get my hands on them.

The first is 

The Jeweler's Studio Handbook

and the second is

Soldering Made Simple

After my last post I decided that the craft I really want to do the most is metal/silversmithing.

This is something I have wanted to do for around 5 years now but I have always had a passion for silver and gemstones.

I remember my Geography teacher calling me a "gypsy" back when I was about 14 years old... because of all the silver rings I was wearing. 

I had a ring on nearly every finger, some fingers adorned two rings, and the stones included turquoise, amethyst, lapis, citrine and onyx.

I then developed a passion for gemstones not only for their beauty but their healing qualities.

I am looking forward to incorporating my own glass fused cabochons into the pieces to create unique, one of a kind pieces.

Today I started cleaning out our garage to make way for my work area. 

I already have a corner set up for my glass fusing so the metal/silver area will be a continuation of my existing space.

In the mean time I am keeping myself busy researching tools, checking out Ebay and comparing the prices of everything I need... not to mention admiring all of the beautiful gemstones available.

I am excited...to say the least!

♥

Patience is a virtue... or so they say...

There are so many techniques I have been itching to try for such a long time.

But sadly every new technique takes money to set up and time to learn and I just don't have enough hours in my day to be learning all these new techniques in addition to doing the things I should be doing like keeping my house clean and sleeping which is apparently a necessity!

Oh how I wish there were more hours in the day!

A few years ago I did an evening class in making lampwork beads.

It was so much fun, although I did find that flame a bit scary at times.

I still have the beads I made. I don't show them to many people.

As bad as they were I figure they were still made by me which has always inspired me to give it another go.

I treated myself to a PMC (Precious Metal Clay) Hot Pot a few years back.

Would you believe I am still yet to use it?

Why?

Because I am too scared to use the clay in fear that my piece will turn out a disaster and that I will waste the precious clay.

Silly I know... how is one to learn if they don't have a go?

I love the look of wire, particularly antique copper.

During the Bead Soup Party I saw so many incredibly beautiful pieces created with copper wire.

I love the look of wire and seed beads which is something I would love to start incorporating into my seed bead pieces.

Only one problem.

Wire and me don't get along!

I am so uncoordinated when it comes to working with wire and tools.

I just find the whole process very fiddly and messy but a process I would like to master and soon!

A friend just told me "don't be too timid...the wire knows".

I think she's right!!

I'd love to start making my own sterling silver rings incorporating my own glass fused cabochons.

I have been admiring the work of Belinda who has just started out in this type of art.

She has taken to it like a fish to water and I am hoping I do too!

~~~~

Are there any new techniques you are just busting at the seams to try but have to put on the back burner for just a wee bit longer, because of time or perhaps money?

They tell me patience is a virtue but I don't know about that!

♥

Ooops... I better get a mosy on!

Yesterday I posted about having a giveaway very soon to celebrate when my blog reaches 230 Followers.

At the time of that post I was sitting at 229...today I have 231 Followers!

I honestly wasn't expecting that number to rise so quickly so was thinking I'd have a good week or so to get some new cabochons made.

Sooooo I better get a mosy on and get those cabs made!

I promise the giveaway will be up and running after this weekend which is when my microwave kiln will be getting a serious workout!

Stay tuned...

♥