http://medacreations.wordpress.com

http://bethwicker.ganoksin.com/blogs

Here it is finished:

http://bethwicker.ganoksin.com/blogs

Beads Baubles & Jewels
Parts 1-13
……………………………………………..

01 – Bench Setup
http://www.ganoksin.com/benchtube/video/397
……………………………………………..

02 – Riviting
http://www.ganoksin.com/benchtube/video/398
……………………………………………..

03 – Hammers
http://www.ganoksin.com/benchtube/video/399
……………………………………………..

04 – Glass Casting
http://www.ganoksin.com/benchtube/video/400
……………………………………………..

05 – Pliers and Cutters
http://www.ganoksin.com/benchtube/video/401
……………………………………………..

06 – Flexshafts
http://www.ganoksin.com/benchtube/video/402
……………………………………………..

07 – Torches
http://www.ganoksin.com/benchtube/video/403
……………………………………………..

08 – Patination
http://www.ganoksin.com/benchtube/video/404
……………………………………………..

09 – Jump Rings
http://www.ganoksin.com/benchtube/video/405
……………………………………………..

10 – Finishing Techniques
http://www.ganoksin.com/benchtube/video/406
……………………………………………..

11 – Copper clay Techniques
http://www.ganoksin.com/benchtube/video/407
……………………………………………..

12 – Soldering
http://www.ganoksin.com/benchtube/video/408
……………………………………………..

13 – Forging Metal
http://www.ganoksin.com/benchtube/video/409

Paper Quilling from Ann Martin on Vimeo.

Have you ever wanted to try quilling with metal clay paper type? Here’s a video on how to quill with paper. Here’s a link to the artist’s supply list and instructions at her blog, All Things Paper: http://allthingspaper-annmartin.blogspot.com.

Here’s a how-to video on CopprClay from RioGrande.

Once you’ve tried it out and have some pictures to share, add them to the CopprClay group on Flickr.

Thanks for Patrick Kusek for the video, seen on his site – www.patriksstudio.com.

From Hadar’s Clays (powdered), here’s a how to torch fire video:

http://www.youtube.com/artinsilver

From Sabine, here’s a tutorial (in French) on Aida’s Copper Clay, torch fired:

http://www.sabinealienor.com

Find Aida’s clay at Art Clay World or your favorite supplier.

http://www.artclayworld.com/Tips-TechSheets/ArtClayCopperBooklet.pdf

A friend wants to try a little wax carving, naturally I said I’d find some good resources online. And, naturally, I’ll post them here.

If you enjoy online video, here’s one, part of a series by Courtney Gray at Expert Village.

Here are a number of articles on ganoksin.com:

Cut Loose – Wax Carving Basics: Part 1 by Kate Wolf

A photo essay by Mark Mann showing the carving process of jeweler Bill Holman: Custom Designed Drusy Pendant.

A more technical article called Finding Flaws, by J. Tyler Teague.

Background info. on ring sizing, if your project is a ring: Determination of Ring Sizes from Brynmorgen Press.

A number of articles and tutorials at Kate Wolf’s site.

What wax and tools do I recommend?

I really like the Kate Wolf line of tools and waxes. See the wax products here: http://www.kindt-collins.com/wolfwax. Her gold and silver colored waxes are extremely helpful if you, or your clients, have trouble visualizing purple or green wax as a finished piece of jewelry.

Micro set shown.

Tools here: http://www.wolftools.biz/tools.htm (these are way too sharp for use with metal clay, in case you were curious!) and they’re sold by many of the major jewelry supply houses.

Kate’s teaching schedule is here: http://www.katewolfdesigns.com.

Now, whenever I want to break into a new skill area, I like to read the catalogs and study their kits. What’s their opinion on “everything I need to get started?” Here’s a link to the Otto Frei Professional Wax Carving Kit.

It is true that you need special saw blades for wax (regular ones get clogged), special wax files, and you’ll probably want a way to work with wax and heat. You can use a classic alcohol lamp, heating your steel tools and then working the wax, but if you get into wax carving at all, you’ll want an electric wax “pen.” Rio sells a mini, battery operated wax pen that would probably do for occasional use. Otherwise, you’ll want a plug in unit. Having the consistent heat is really nice to work with.

Recommended book:

Update: I tried my hand at some wax carving today and wow, are those Wolf Carving tools nice. They’re so very well designed for the purpose. You can tell they were designed by someone who’d been carving wax for 25 years. They come with a handy booklet that explains how to use them and what the various shapes are for.

Related posts:

Why Not Wax?

Lost Wax Casting for Metal Clay

Get your copy here: http://www.cindysilas.com

Thanks Cindy!