Getting the hang of it!

Another soldered charm made with scrapbook papers, clip art, and a cloth flower.

Front and back:


I used the 1/2 inch foil tape. It gave better coverage. This time, the flux didn't leak under the glass, and I didn't burn the paper! The piece needs to be filed and buffed, then I'll put it on a chain or cord.

Yay for amazon.com!

I never thought I'd be so excited to get tape in the mail! 1/2 inch wide copper foil tape, for soldering projects. The 1/4 inch tape was a little too small. My projects will look so much better. I'm going to work on something tonight.

Also, my mom gave me an old pocketwatch of hers. I dismantled it, saving the gears, watch face and hands, and the casing. The watch case will make a nice locket for collage pieces!

Third attempt at soldering!

I'm just playing with ideas.



The bottom one is pretty good, but may need an extra coating of solder. It will become a pin to wear at Christmas! The paper in the top two pieces burned a bit. I still need to practice!

Soldering, attempt number two.

Still not perfect, but much better than my first attempt! I realized what I did wrong the first time- I had too much stuff under the glass. My piece was too thick to tape properly (copper foil tape is wrapped around the glass first). I may break it and save the watch pieces for a future project. I don't like to waste materials on unwearable pieces.

Here's the new piece, front and back:





The clip art and quotes came from the Simple Soldered book. I adapted one of the author's designs. I also used some "girly" scrapbooking papers for the background. All it needed for finishing was a silk ribbon! It's still not perfect. I got a little bit of the liquid flux under the glass. It discolored the paper a bit, but otherwise didn't damage the piece. I also burned myself with my soldering iron. *rolls eyes* Ouch.

I also made a necklace with the Paris charm I bought from Goody Beads:



I added an old French coin. I have several more coins drilled, but this one matched the charm and the chain best.

I love that book, and I love soldering! There are so many projects I want to do.

New goodies and a new technique!

I picked up two new pendants from Blue Moon this week, from their collections Sea Life and Bella Artiste.





The T.V. is so cute!

From Goody Beads, a soldered charm, two sides:





Finally, I'm learning to solder pieces of my own. My mom got me the book Simple Soldered Jewelry and Accessories. I had the materials and tools needed, and I've wanted to try it for a long time. This book gave me the inspiration to start! My first, somewhat sloppy attempt:





I made it with scrapbooking paper and stickers, and old watch parts. It has a bit of a "steampunk" look. I need to file the metal a bit, but I think this is pretty good for a first attempt!