Tip of the Day

Is there any reason why my current method of keeping silver clean isn't a good one? I shop thrift shops, flea markets, etc. and purchase old silverware boxes lined with the non tarnish felt and store my silver and gold pieces in them. So far, no damage or tarnishing, but I wonder if the chemicals in the fabric would have a harmful effect on the pieces over a period of time or if it's the same as the non tarnish cloths we use?

This technique has worked for decades without any problem. There are new products on the market that allow you to place your jewelry in air-tight containers that significantly reduce oxidation on your silver. Gold should not be a problem with oxidation if it is 14kt or over and a sunshine cloth will bring a bright polish to your piece with very little effort.

Fat Daddys Sweets

I think today I will talk about a site on Etsy called Fat Daddys Sweets. WoW! Don't the pictures just look scrumptious. I could certainly take a bite out of that. If anyone out there has a sweet tooth check it out! Yes, he also sells sugar-free candy. Ladies fathers day is just around the corner and he has a fathers day gift box you might want to check out. Here is the link to his shop.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25216212

Giveaway Postponed for Second Time!

It looks like I won't be giving away these cute earrings this month to a lucky winner. I will try again on the 15th of June. Maybe eventually someone will take notice and enter for the giveaway. I just can't put my finger on what I am doing wrong. I need to get my blog noticed. Maybe it's because I don't put enough time into it. With a full-time job, family and making jewelry you really have to push yourself to get it all done. I will succeed is my motto! Never give up! I've been thinking of some new idea's and one of them is to feature other shops products on my blog that I think are unique. Who knows maybe they will feature mine one day. Anyone that did subscribe for the giveaway I will keep your entries until I reach enough for the giveaway. If I get 10 entries then the giveaway is on!

Thanks to all of you who are interested!

Jillie

Fellow Etsians are the Best!

I just have to say that since I have become a seller of Etsy I have met some of the most generous people. All of the Etsy sellers that I've met so far have gone out of their way to help in any situation. It makes you feel so good to know that there are such generous kind souls out there that want to help one another to succeed. It really feels like a community of friends that are there for one another. So today I wanted to post this and hope that someone does read this and understand that there are alot of nice people in this world that are there to help. Keep up the good work fellow Etsians your the best.

How do you flatten 18g silver wire?

There are some variables here - is it dead-soft, half-hard or hard? soft or half hard would be fairly easy to flatten with a planishing hammer or by running it thru a rolling mill. hard wire should probably be torch annealed first.

Another Answer:
If you don't happen to have a planishing hammer, rolling mill (!), or torch, which is totally OK if you don't, you can use other items in a pinch. Two plain old hammers work just fine. First find a level, steady and sturdy work surface. I recommend the ground, on concrete or pavement if you can kneel comfortably. Take the first hammer and lay it down on its side. Then lay your wire on the flat part. Hit the wire with short, firm strokes; its always best to start light. If you don't want to nick the wire, tightly wrap one or both hammers with tight woven cotton fabric- a cotton bandanna or old pillowcase. Hey, it won't be perfect but it does the job. If you plan to do more wireworking in the future, then maybe I'd recommend getting a small jeweler's anvil along with a chasing hammer or other hammers of choice. Unless you really want to get a rolling mill. Hope this info helps!