New toys...and that dreaded Fireline

As I started typing this post I realised that I had not told you that my hubby had offered to buy me some metalsmithing tools for our wedding anniversary earlier this month!

He had originally offered to buy them for my birthday back in May but in the end I decided to hold off as I didn't have a work area set up.

Well I still haven't set up a work area but I certainly wasn't going to knock back the offer again!

Look at what arrived today from Fire Mountain Gems!

Rawhide mallet, ring mandrel, chasing hammer and jeweller's saw

Fire block, copper tongs, straight burnisher, bezel pusher and curved burnisher

925 stamp, rubber mallet, titanium picks, bezel roller, saw blades, stone setting pliers,
fibre grip tweezers and steel hole maker

~~~

Also in my order were two rolls of Fireline.

Now I have to admit I am a Nymo kind of gal...
I know a lot of you hate Nymo with a passion but I only ever use size 00 thread and it never frays or breaks and well I love it and it's the only thread I use in bead embroidery.

When I am beadweaving I tend to use KO Japanese beading thread as it is thicker, super silky and also doesn't fray...unless you have to unpick a piece several times and stab it with your needle...which has happened to me on lots of times one or two occasions

I tried Fireline a few years ago and I really detested hated it. It kept tangling and drove me bonkers. I later found out that perhaps 1lb strength isn't the best line to use due to how thin it is and after a lot of encouragement from a few of my beading buddies I ordered two rolls of Fireline - 6lb and 4lb in smoke and crystal with the anticipation that the stronger weights will be easier to use.

I only ordered a 50yard roll of each as I am not overly optimistic I am going to like it so there may be two rolls of the stuff up for grabs very soon...

but then again I might like it... hey stranger things have happened.

If I do choose to continue to use Fireline I refuse to pay any attention to any comments like "I told you so" as I will always love Nymo...
that's Nymo the thread not the fish variety but hey he is pretty darn cute but not quite as useful!

♥ 

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!

♥