Silver Bee

Silver Bee is back!!

Wow! It has been quite the year! I've been recovering from a frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) and it has kept me away from metal smithing and the teaching game for over a year. For the better part of that year I was unable to move my arm from my side. Good news is that I have 50 percent of my range of motion back which is just enough to get into trouble start teaching again. It's so exciting to get back to something I love doing.

I've created a schedule of classes that I will be teaching in the next couple of months at Spirit Glass Design in North Vancouver. To register for any of the classes contact Paige either by email or phone. I'll include the contact information at the end of the post.

If you have any questions regarding the classes you can contact me at [email protected] or Paige

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 Epiphany Bracelet and Charm

It’s the ‘aha!’ moment when you realize the possibilities open to you when you get that solder to flow for the first time! So imagine the possibilities after this one-day class where you will learn the basics of metal smithing, and how to set a faceted stone into a bezel. You will learn what it takes to successfully solder by creating a chain and beautiful toggle to hold it all together. You’ll take it one step further by learning to set a faceted stone using fine silver bezel wire. Throw in learning many different techniques of hand texturing for the sterling silver base and the skill of antiquing to give your piece that old world charm and this could be your Epiphany class!

9:30am - 4:30pm (with a half hour lunch break)
Cost: $195.00 (+GST) per person
Upcoming classes
Saturday, May 3rd
Friday, June 20th

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Spinning Ring*

Learn how to make this elegant and popular ring with its three interlocking bands. Traditionally made with three different types of gold, we will use half-round sterling silver wire. In this class you will learn to make a ring band with includes sizing and understanding how different guages of wire affect it. In addition you will have the opportunity to learn a few time saving metalsmithing techniques using a flexshaft (Foredom drill).

9:30am to 4:30pm (with a half hour lunch break)
Cost: $170.00 (+ GST) per person
Upcoming classes:
Friday, May 9th
Saturday, June 7th

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Flared Spinning Ring*

Learn how to make a ring that has flare and a little spin too! First make a ring with sterling silver sheet and then give it a spin with textured sterling, gold fill or copper wire. Flare the ends to keep the spinner in place. What could be more fun to wear!

 

9:30am to 4:30pm (with a half hour lunch break)
Cost: $170.00 (+ GST) per person
Upcoming classes:
Saturday, May 17
Saturday, June 28th

* This class is not meant for beginners and requires some soldering experience. It just means we will be able to jump right into learning how to make the rings.

So, as promised this is the contact information for Spirit Glass Design. Please check out their Fused Glass and Stained Glass classes. I promise I won't ask you to say that five times in a row. 

Spirit Glass Design
855 West 3rd Street
North Vancouver, BC

Telephone: 604.987.5494
Email: [email protected]

Next post: All about the Blog Soup Bead Party Reveal! If you don't know what I'm talking about you'll have to wait until I reveal all! ;)

Until next time...stay safe.

Silver Bee announces Spring 2012 Classes!

The sun is shining more, the days are longer and it's the last opportunity before the summer to take some classes. I love this time of year! It's a time of renewal, new ideas, new possibilities and inspiration. The classes this term are all about that. Learn a new skill, brush up on an old one and have a lot of fun while you are doing it.

All Classes will be held at:
New Westminster Secondary School ~ 835 - Eighth Street, New Westminster

Not Your Momma’s Rivets - A Copper & Brass Pendant
Suitable for all skill levels

Thursday, April 19th & 26th
6:30pm-9:30pm

Join me in a 3D adventure in cold connections (no soldering) and metal etching. Learn how easy and fun it is to use micro-fasteners to create this delightful multi-layered pendant. You will be introduced to creating fun etched designs in copper and brass and learn how to make a simple tab setting. Put it all together, hang it on a chain, and be amazed what an awesome designer you are. Supplies fee of $40.00 payable in cash at the time of the class. I will provide all necessary tools but please bring an apron.

 

A Simply Elegant Chain Bracelet - Basic Silver Smithing
Suitable for Beginners to Silver Smithing

Thursday, May 3rd - 6:30pm-9:30pm

Want to take your design skills to the next level? Or just learn something new? Imagine the possibilities after this 3-hour class where you will discover the basics of silver smithing. Learn what it takes to successfully solder through wcreating a beautiful chain bracelet. We’ll discuss different techniques for texturing and antiquing. You’ll leave the classroom with curiousity to learn more, and illustrated instructions to help you along the way. Supplies fee of $50.00 payable in cash at the time of the class. Please bring a micro torch and butane if you have them. If you don't, contact me if you would like to reserve one ([email protected]).

 

Animal Instincts – Faux Bone and Etched Metal Bracelet
Suitable for all skill levels

Saturday, May 12th – 9:00am – 3:30pm

Take a walk on the wild side with me as we explore the versatility of Faux Bone. It’s an amazing design material which can be filed, hammered, drilled, formed and patinated! You’ll learn about etching a design into copper or brass. Then move on to cold connections using micro-fasteners – a great way to connect your pieces and add some cool design elements. Add some heat to create the bracelet and then a little more heat to give it flare. Now you have a one-of-a-kind bracelet that you brought back from the wild side. Supplies fee of $55.00 payable in cash at the time of the class. I will provide all necessary tools but you can bring a coarse metal file if you already have one. You’ll want to bring an apron as well.

 

Stacking Rings- Silver Smithing for Beginners
Suitable for all skill levels

Thursday, May 17th - 6:30pm-9:30pm

If rings are your thing and you like to wear more than one at a time then you won’t want to miss this class. As you learn about the process of soldering you’ll be making lovely, stylish, stackable rings. You’ll learn all the ring things, like sizing, shaping, texturing, and filing. Add a couple of decorative elements, maybe a little antiquing, and you will have a stack of rings that is fun to wear. You will be able to take what you learn from this class and translate it into bigger rings for the future. Supplies fee of $45.00 payable in cash at the time of the class. Please bring a micro torch and butane if you have them. If you don't, contact me if you would like to reserve one ([email protected]).

 

Copper Enamelling using a
Micro Torch
Suitable for all skill levels 

Thursday, May 24th - 6:30pm-9:30pm

Learn how to enamel on copper! Discover
how to use a micro torch to hand fire enamel onto copper discs. Learn some basics of enameling with a few design techniques and soon you will be creating a variety of fun, colourful pieces you can use to make charms, earrings, or pendants. After an introduction to this brand of enameling you’ll have time to experiment with what you have learned and take home several pieces you can wear. You should have enough left over in your kit to continue the fun at home. Supplies fee $65.00 payable in cash at the time of class. Micro torch and butane required. I have some torches but you must contact me to reserve one ([email protected]).

 

Sometimes there's a bit of confusion as to what a micro torch is and this is a photo of a one kind that is available. It's basically a creme brulee torch only we won't be having dessert in class, unless you bring it. :-)

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've also suggested for the Animal Instincts Bracelet you bring a coarse file if you have one. I do have several but if you would like to have your own for working on this project later (there will be enough for a second bracelet) these are some examples of what I'm referring to.

Silver Bee Classes for Winter 2012

Did I hear someone say something about learning a new skill?  This term I've come up with a group of classes I think has something for everyone. I'm really excited about them!

To register for these class just click on the following links:

New Westminster Continuing Education website or
Call 604-517-6345

Burnaby Continuing Education website
(After you click the Register Now button, type jewel into the keyword box to get to the classes) or
Call 604-664-8888

Stacking Rings

  

Thursday: January 19th & 26th (2 sessions)
6:30pm - 9:30pm
Location: New Westminster Secondary School
835 Eighth Street, New Westminster

This class is not meant for beginners and requires someone with soldering experience.

Do you remember those colourful stacking rings that graduated in size and taught little ones about hand, eye co-ordination? Imagine instead a grown-up version that you stack on your fingers and that’s what you will be learning to make in this class. We start by learning to properly measure, saw and file the silver for well-fitting rings; then we add a bezel-set cubic zirconia onto one of the bands. Lastly we learn to add the personal touch to the other rings to complete the set. In addition you will have the opportunity to learn a few time saving techniques for metal smithing using a Foredom Drill (Flexshaft). It is recommended that you consider bringing some of the following tools as there are a limited amount to share, torch and butane, digital calipers, round ring mandrel, rawhide or plastic mallet, ring bending pliers, ring clamp and #2-cut Flat hand file.

Walk in the Park Bracelet
(Copper Foldforming and Faux Bone Bracelet)

Thursday: February 9th & 16th (2 Sessions)
6:30pm - 9:30pm
Location: New Westminster Secondary School
835 Eighth Street, New Westminster

All skill levels welcome!

Nature is the inspiration for this project. Create a unique bracelet that will be the talk of the town while discovering several wonderful techniques! You start by learning the basics of fold forming metal. Then move on to cold connecting with microfasteners - a great way to connect your pieces and add some cool design elements. Finally, you get to discover the versatility of Faux Bone, a great design material, that can be filed, hammered, drilled bent and patinated! I have a feeling you'll be designing the next project before this one is even completed! It is recommended that you bring the following, apron (plan on getting messy), #0 or #00-cut (course) metal file and metal shears.

Epiphany Bracelet and Charm

Saturday: February 11th
9:30am - 4:00pm
Please bring a lunch (1/2 hour break)
Location: Byrne Creek School, Burnaby
7777 18th Street,  Burnaby, BC

Skill level: Beginner

It’s the ‘aha!’ moment when you realize the possibilities open to you when you get that solder to flow for the first time! So imagine the possibilities after this one-day class where you will learn the basics of silver smithing, and how to set a faceted stone into a bezel. You will learn what it takes to successfully solder by creating a chain and beautiful toggle to hold it all together. You’ll take it one step further by learning to set a faceted stone using fine silver bezel wire. Throw in learning many different techniques of hand texturing for the sterling silver base and the skill of antiquing to give your piece that old world charm and this could be your Epiphany class! Please bring the following if you already have them: torch & butane, 1 or 2 hole punch, prong pusher, burnishing tool.

Trinity Rings

Saturday: February 25th
9:00am - 3:30pm
Please bring a lunch (1/2 hour break)
Location: New Westminster Secondary School
835 Eighth Street, New Westminster

This class is not meant for beginners and requires someone with soldering experience.

Learn how to make this elegant and popular ring with its interlocking bands. In this class you will learn about making a ring band which includes sizing and understanding how different gauges of wire affect this. Traditionally made with three different types of gold, we will use half round sterling silver wire and you will have the option of making the ring with three bands of the same gauge half round wire or mixing it up by making multiple bands using smaller gauges of half round. In addition you will have the opportunity to learn a few time saving techniques for metal smithing using a Foredom Drill (Flexshaft). It is recommended that you consider bringing some of the the following tools as there are a limited amount to share, torch and butane, digital calipers, round ring mandrel, rawhide or plastic mallet, ring bending pliers.

 

Embellished Viking Knit Bracelet

Thursday: March 8th
6:30pm - 9:30pm
Location: New Westminster Secondary School
835 Eighth Street, New Westminster

All skill levels welcome

Learn the ancient skill of the Viking Knit to craft your own beautiful embellished bracelet. As well as silver, you will use lampwork from local artisans and Czech glass beads. A technique used by the Vikings it dates back to as early as 850 A.D. It is speculated to have been used to make armour, clothing and/or jewellery. Whatever the use it is a wonderful technique of wire weaving and will soon have you under its spell wanting to create more. Your kit includes a dowel and drawplate for you to take home so you can do just that!

Hope to see you there!

Silver Bee Talks Tools

I decided that this year it would be nice if everyone could see exactly what those tools are that I keep suggesting you might bring with you to class.

I do have tools to share in the classroom but if you would like to have your own these are what I suggest. Please mark your tools clearly.

If you are planning on purchasing the tools, ask first if the store will give a discount to those taking classes. You will usually require your receipt for this but it never hurts to ask. I work at Capilano Rock and Gem and if you find yourself there purchasing tools they offer a 10% discount on hand tools if you are taking a class.

A few items I strongly suggest you consider bringing:

Good magnification for your eyes. I have a few pairs of "cheaters glasses" on hand but it's always better if you have ones that you know will work for you.

Safety glasses

An apron - for obvious reasons. :-)

Ear plugs if you are particularly sensitive to a lot of loud noise.

The following are the lists of suggested tools for each class:

Stacking Rings

• torch and butane,
• digital calipers,
• round ring mandrel,
• rawhide or plastic mallet,
• ring bending pliers,
• ring clamp and
• #2-cut Flat hand file.

Walk in the Park Bracelet

• apron (plan on getting messy),
• #0 or #00-cut (course) metal file
• metal shears.

Epiphany Bracelet and Charm

• torch & butane,
• 1 or 2 hole punch,
• prong pusher,
• burnishing tool

Trinity Rings

• torch and butane,
• digital calipers,
• round ring mandrel,
• rawhide or plastic mallet,
• ring bending pliers.

Now it's time for the tool parade!

 

Torch and Butane

This is only one of many different types of butane microtorches available. If you are considering purchasing one but are unsure if it right, send me an email.

I have a limited number of these to share and if you would like to reserve one please contact me by email.

 

Digital Calipers

These are especially necessary if you plan on making rings after the class. There are different lengths available, 4" (pictured above) and 6". Both are good and sometimes you can find them on sale in hard ware stores.

 

Rawhide/Plastic Mallets

As you can see they come in many shapes and sizes. The white one at the top of the photo is a weighted plastic hammer, the middle one is plastic and the last one is made of rawhide. All will work although my personal favourite is still the rawhide hammer.

   
Ring Bending Pliers

I took the upright photo of the pliers because it shows clearly that one side of the pliers are half round and the other is flat.

Ring Clamp

This is a tool that might sit in your toolbox for some time but when an occassion arises for it's use you will be glad you had it squirreled away.

#2-Cut 6" Flat Hand File  

The #2-Cut refers to how coarse the file is. You find in class that I primarily use the #2-Cut and #4-Cut (which is finer). Both files are invaluble but if you are only going to purchase one file then let it be a #2-Cut. Files are an expensive purchase but will last you a very long time if looked after properly. Protect them while they are in your tool kit by wrapping them in a cloth and keeping them separate from each other. Files file files. :-) Figure that one out!

Odd Assortment of Files

These files are specifically meant for the Walk in the Park bracelet. If you have a courser file such as a #00 in your tool kit that is great but any file that has a bit of tooth to it will work fine. I have collected odds and sodds of files over the years so please don't go out and purchase one especially for this class.

Sheers

The purpose of these sheers is to cut metal and any one of these styles will do although the larger ones will make it much easier. If you already have a smaller pair of tin snips that will work as well.

 

 

One and Two Hole-Punches

These are for punching holes in the disks you will be using for the bracelet and charm. My favourite and easiet to use is the 1.8mm one-hole punch but the other punch gives you the option of two sizes and is excellent as well.

Prong Pusher

This is one of two tools that you will be using to set the stone on the charm.

 

  
Burnishers

This is the other tool used for setting the stone on the charm. There are many different sizes and shapes of this particular tool. I recommend one where the burnishing part of the tool is short and slightly curved.

I know the description of the tools is not lengthy but that's why you are taking the class, to learn about them! If you do have questions about them please don't hesitate to send me an email, leave a comment, or go to my facebook page for "Silver Bee" and leave a message there. You have to like me first though. :-) 

I look forward to seeing you in class!

Silver Bee has an update and a few thoughts on teaching.

The Fraser Valley Bead Show is next weekend - March 25th, 26th and 27th. 

The update is the Exploring Enamel on Copper class is sold out!  If you wanted to sign up for it but didn't get a chance there is another opportunity. I'll be teaching it in New Westminster, May 19th which is a Thursday evening. The information is not on their website yet but as soon as it is I'll do another update post on that.

I'm being a busy bee (pun intended) getting the classes all prepared. Everything I'm teaching at the bead show is new material so I'm busy writing instructions and taking photos for them. Each time I have to do this I underestimate the time it takes to prepare. Truth is I suspect that I'm procrastinating because I'm such a perfectionist about the instructions. I know how much work and worry I'll put myself through to make sure they are...well perfect, at least in my estimation.I also suspect that because writing instructions is a skill I'm still learning, (I hope I never stop) so I question everything as I go through the process.

"Teaching makes you aware of the blind spots in your own learning – you have to go back and fill in those gaps before you can explain the subject to students and answer their questions properly." - Mark McGuiness

This is so true! When I think of projects to teach I usually have to go through the process of making it and as each step progresses I figure out whether or not I will be able to translate my movements into a teaching format. If not, I back up and think about how I can convey this information in a way that makes sense to those hearing it. For anyone who has done creative work I'm sure you understand. How many times have you skipped a step or fudged one because you knew you could or didn't entirely get w hat you were supposed to do. When you are teaching you can't encourage breaking the rules until they are well known. Which is why I have to think and learn my way through each step. 

 Which brings me to the other two classes that still have space available! They are both billed as intermediate but I'm hoping that isn't scaring off anyone looking at the class. It really means that I would like to know you can do basic soldering. I'll teach the rest!

Stacking Rings  (The Next Step)
Saturday 9:30am - 4:30pm (1 hour lunch break) 

Imagine this sparkly set adorning your finger knowing you made it with your own two hands!

 

 

 

Double Domed Earrings
Friday 3:00pm - 6:00pm

Wouldn't you love to wear a fun pair of these earrings like these out of the class! Time permitting I hope to be able to add a pendant to the schedule but if it doesn't you will have the materials and the skills to finish it at home.

 

 

There are also many other great classes available taught by some awesome instructors! Check them out.

Back to writing instructions. :-)

Silver Bee has a few classes to tell you about!

I know it's been awhile since my last post when my dad asks when I'm going to write a new one. Has it really been that long dad? I felt like a child for a moment trying to explain why it's been so much time has passed when I realized there are no excuses (that was the adult). Just sit and write! Even a little note just to stay in touch with those who do read my blog (thank you). I have a long list of classes to tell you about but don't worry about having to remember them all I'll post again to remind you. So here they are:

Fraser Valley Bead Show is just three weeks away and I am thrilled at the classes Barrie has lined up for everyone to chose from, three of which I'll be teaching. They are brand new classes and I'm so excited about them. If you have a sudden urge to jump right in and sign up, there is on-line registration. How easy is that!

First don't be scared off if they are listed as an intermediate class. It just means this class is meant for those with a little experience soldering. That way I'll be able to jump right into the project rather than starting from scratch with how to solder. Of course you'll get my usual safety lecture and here is a head start.

Wear natural fibers when you are working with flame and hot metal. Consider bringing an apron to protect your clothing. I also recommend you wear shoes to protect your feet if anything falls, tools or otherwise. No scarves, please, and tie long hair back. I will be providing dust masks to use. If you need corrective lenses for close-up work please bring yours. Safety glasses are another important item. I have a few pairs to lend. See that wasn't difficult.

DOUBLE DOMED STERLING EARRINGS

Friday, March 25
3:00pm - 6:00pm

The name is a tongue twister but you’ll soon find out the technique isn’t. In fact you’ll be making the sterling silver double domed bead twice. You’ll also be making your own headpins and earring wires for a totally made from scratch project. Combine that with some texturing, a little old world charm antiquing, and something sparkly to make a unique pair of earrings you can proudly leave the class with.

P.S. I had a little fun using colours for the patina and different patterns each earring. Mostly just to show you the possibilities! You can make yours matching and create a black patina.

 
STACKING RINGS (The Next Step)

Saturday, March 26, 2011
9:30am - 4:30pm
(includes 1 hour break for lunch)

Do you remember those colourful stacking rings that graduated in size and taught little ones about hand, eye co-ordination? Imagine instead a grown-up version that you stack on your fingers and that’s what you will be learning to make in this class. We start by learning to properly measure, saw and file the silver for well-fitting rings; then we add a bezel-set cubic zirconia onto one of the bands. Lastly we learn to add the personal touch to the other rings to complete the set.  

EXPLORE ENAMEL ON COPPER

Sunday, March 27, 2011
1:30pm - 4:30pm

Discover how to use a micro torch to hand fire enamel onto copper discs. Learn some basics of enamelling with a few design techniques and soon you will be creating a variety of fun, colourful pieces you can use to make charms, earrings, or pendants. After an introduction to this brand of enamelling you’ll have time to experiment with what you have learned and take home several pieces you can wear.

But wait there's more!!

For those of you that haven't had the chance to take the Spinning Ring Class at the Fraser Valley Bead Show I am teaching it for the Burnaby Continuing Ed program. Here's all the information:

FLARED SPINNING RING

Saturday, April 9th, 2011
1:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Byrne Creek School

 
Learn how to make a ring that has flare and a little spin too! First make a ring with sterling silver sheet and then give it a spin with textured sterling, gold fill or copper wire. Flare the ends to keep the spinner in place. What could be more fun to wear!

 

New Westminster Continuing Education Program has also asked me to teach. They are not listed online yet but as soon as they are I'll post the links.

So that's all folks!

This one's for you dad...am I still grounded?

 

 

Silver Bee has a little to say about everything.

A quick note first.

My blog and gmail have been compromised. I'm not too sure how the spam got past the safeguards for Typepad but there have been a few comments that were inappropriate and a blog post that apparently I wrote about a great site I found. If you have received any emails from me regarding that please don't click on the link. I don't know what happens but my suggestion is to change your password on your email account.

Now back to our regularly scheduled blog post!

It's been quite a time since early August and I haven't been able to keep up to my promise of launching my new website. The truth is I hurt my left shoulder about a month prior to that but I kept thinking whatever it was would go away. I had so much to do and so little time to do it in. Or so I thought.

So the long and winding road of learning to launch a website turned out to have a Yield sign along the way. Ignoring it I was still trying to get everything finished. My shoulder kept getting sorer and more difficult to use. After an ultrasound I found out that I had some major issues going on and could no longer pretend I was super human. We all go through it, admit it, I'm not the only one. So you can guess what I saw next on the road, a big red STOP sign. 

  
So I've been grounded since then, well almost since then. I had to try to keep working on things. I asked the physio what else I should do after she gave me instructions on how to do one exercise. Her answer, "nothing". Busy Silver Bees don't like to slow down but I did. I would occasionally try to get back up to speed but I have family and friends who would gently remind me about  the big red STOP sign.

So fast forward to now and I'm still grounded although my arm has improved. I have to get used to the idea that it will take some time to heal. I keep thinking if I'm good that I'll get paroled sooner. Funny how our minds work.

Despite all that there is the Fraser Valley Bead Show coming up and I haven't done my usual shout out about what I'm teaching or about the show in general. The bead show is this coming weekend, October 22nd - 24th and I have three classes on the roster. I've always had wonderful friends that have stepped forward to help out and this year is no exception. Nadine Mageau is helping me for the entire weekend! I am so fortunate to have friends such as her.

So here's the schedule for this show, a little late as I said but I couldn't not tell you about it. For more information on the Fraser Valley Bead Show, check out the site.

*MASTER CLASS*

DELUXE SILVERSMITHING
EPIPHANY BRACELET AND CHARM

Friday, October 22
11:30am - 6:30pm
(includes 1 hour lunch break)

It’s the ‘aha!’ moment when you realize the possibilities open to you when you get that solder to flow for the first time! So imagine the possibilities after this one-day class where you will learn the basics of silver smithing, and how to set a faceted stone into a bezel. You will learn what it takes to successfully solder by creating a chain and beautiful toggle to hold it all together. You’ll take it one step further by learning to set a faceted stone using fine silver bezel wire. Throw in learning many different techniques of hand texturing for the sterling silver base and the skill of antiquing to give your piece that old world charm and this could be your Epiphany class!

SPINNING RING   

Saturday, October 23
1:30pm - 4:30pm 

SOLD OUT

This is the second year in a row this class has sold out! Thank you everyone who signed up for it!

 

PRONG SET PENDANT

Sunday, October 24
1:30pm - 4:30pm

Prong settings are one of those skills that seem elusive when you are just starting out but it doesn’t have to be. In this class you will learn a basic prong setting using a round cabochon. Learn how easy it is to use that geometry you learned in school to make the perfect size every time - and if you weren't a math whiz, don't worry!! Brendalee will show you how fun and easy it is to figure out! 

So there you have it, my first blog post in two months and it's a long one. I'm still going slow but I'm going to try to get back to what I love doing best. Letting others know all about the wonderful world of silver smithing. Oh yes and tools!

 

Silver Bee practices what she preaches!

Last Friday evening I took a class on the basics of tension settings. It is one of those techniques whose mystery I had yet to solve. As you can imagine I was very excited about taking another class. It turns out it was just what I needed to sit back down at my bench and create for the sheer joy of creating. Well almost. What I should have said was it was an opportunity to sit at my bench and practice what I learned. As with most new things I often end up with a few "fails". I prefer to think of them as opportunities to swear learn.

After the silver is shaped and work hardened you need a bur to create a seat for the stone. Sounds easy and it may be for some. However, I found this the biggest challenge. I had difficulty aiming the drill to the exact spot I had marked, and preventing the bur from running away on me. To be fair to myself I had forgotten my Optivisor and so my eyesight was challenged by such precise work. After many attempts and filing away the mistakes Kelly Allanson, our instructor, came to my rescue and helped me finish the ring. I managed to create the seat on one side of the ring and then Kelly matched it on the other side. I was tickled with the result and couldn't wait to try it in the comfort of my home at my bench with my tools and of course my Optivisor.

As already mentioned there were some fails during the first few attempts. Not one to be discouraged by that I kept on trying. I eventually made a small ring of which I was proud but I knew I wanted to make more. I needed to practice maintaining control of the bur on the silver. So using a piece of 14 gauge copper (what I had available) I practiced with the hart bur again and again until I felt like I understood what I was doing wrong. But that bit of insight didn't happen while practicing with the bur. 

I was supposed to be teaching the gypsy setting to someone yesterday but due to a mix up in communication it didn't happen. Instead of being upset thinking my time was wasted setting everything up I admitted to myself that I was actually pleased it didn't take place. I'm always anxious when I agree to teach this technique because I'm not entirely confident that I could translate the knowledge in my head into good instructions for the student. So there I was sitting with all the tools I needed to just sit and figure that out. So I practiced and 16 settings later I finally figured out what I had been doing wrong with the bur for the tension setting. I love how that works. I also figured out how I would teach the gypsy setting as well. I felt more confident in passing on the information. It's not even something that I've perfected but I feel that I know enough to teach the skills I do have so that someone can practice until they find their grove with the technique. Of course I always disclose that I'm not the expert.

The whole point of this post, the moral of the story, is that practice doesn't always make perfect but it does teach you many ways of how not to do something. Which eventually leads the path to perfect...or so I've heard. 

P.S. I'm taking another class this weekend to learn more about "Surface Techniques". Same wonderful instructor!

Silver Bee says thank you!

What I know for sure is the gratitude I feel at the opportunity to teach something I feel so passionate about. I’m talking about silver smithing of course.  The opportunity was the Fraser Valley Bead Show, March 12-14^th. I have some wonderful friends who assisted me with the classes. Heartfelt thanks to Elizabeth, Nicole and Suzanne! They helped the classes flow on schedule, got the room ready for the next day, for Sunday’s class helped pack up everything.  That work was made so much easier with extra pairs of hands.

Getting ready for the show was, as always, a panic. No matter how much time I have I a lways work to the last minute to get ready.  This year I had everything packed into one large box thinking it would be efficient, and then I tried to pick it up. I had purchased a hand-truck for moving the box to and from my car but it couldn’t manage it either. The box was too large and way too heavy.  So I went back to the hardware store and exchanged it for a cart. I picked up smaller plastic bins so I could at least lift them one at a time.

The Deluxe Silversmithing class was the first time I had taught a full day and it worked out better than I imagined. The Spinner Ring was a challenging project for first time students but everyone rose to the challenge and walked out with a ring on their finger!  Bezel setting a Cabochon was a big success with all the women walking out sporting a necklace with a beautiful pendant.

I’m looking forward to the Fall show and I’m also working on some new classes. Thank you Barrie for a wonderful Spring Fraser Valley Bead Show. I’ll see you in October.  

Silver Bee is teaching at the Spring Fraser Valley Bead Show

It's difficult to believe that the Spring session of the Fraser Valley Bead Show is only two weeks away. I haven't even mentioned that I will be teaching 3 classes and one of them is already sold out! Barrie Edwards, the show's founder, has done it again with a great line-up of classes and merchants. There will be so much to feast your eyes on and you'll find that all sorts of treasures are just begging to go home with you. 

I'm teaching the following but make sure to also check out the other wonderful classes available.

Deluxe Silversmithing
Friday, March 12
11:30 am - 6:30 pm which includes a 1 hour lunch

During this one day class you will not only learn the basics of silver smithing but you will also learn how to set a gemstone for the centerpiece of this beautiful bracelet. The morning will be focused on learning about what it takes to successfully solder. You will create the links of your bracelet using round and patterned sterling silver wire. In the afternoon you will learn to create the setting for your gemstone centerpiece as well as several different methods to personalize your centerpiece using hand-texturing techniques. There will also be an opportunity to learn some different techniques for antiquing your work. The techniques you learn in this class will be easily applied to your future designs. 

Spinning Ring
Saturday, March 13
9:30-12:30

Unfortunately this one is already sold out but both the Deluxe Silversmithing and the Bezel Set Pendant have some room left. 

Bezel Set Pendant
Sunday, March 14
9:30-12:30

Learn how to set a stone into a bezel and make a beautiful pendant you will be proud to wear. In this class you will create a setting for a gemstone using fine silver bezel wire and a textured sterling silver base. You will learn how to use different hammers, wire and metal stamps to create a wonderful textured background for your stone. We will also be using a couple of techniques for antiquing your pendant. You can take this new skill of bezel making and apply it to many other projects for the future.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the show!