Author: Cindy Goldrick

I adore paste solder. Since I learned how to use it a couple of years ago, I use it almost exclusively. If you’ve never heard of or encountered paste solder, it is solder that is pre-mixed with flux and sold in syringes: it comes in hard, medium and easy, just like wire or sheet solder. You can also buy copper solder in paste format in a syringe. I prefer using silver solder on both copper and brass. Here’s what the tubes look like. They range, depending on size, shipping and retailer etc., from about $10 – $20. I was introduced …

I’ve been taking everyone on a virtual tour of the Metal Studio over the last couple of months and I’d like to finish the tour with Finishing! Since I don’t work with the kilns I won’t discuss them, but you should know there are several on the premises and you can pay for firing time. Call the store for more info.  What you will notice, when you walk in the room, is a series of work benches on the left. Each is complete with a Foredom Flex Shaft. What’s that, you ask? Well it’s an essential tool for any jeweller’s …

I’ve taught a class in the past that reviews the many ways you can colour metal: inks, paints, nail polish, pastes, flame and on and on. Recently I went back to enamelling and fell in love with it, and the possibilities this technique offers, all over again.  I’m looking forward to offering some new enamelling classes at BeadFX in the coming months that feature new ways to add texture and interest to your pieces using enamels. Watch for that info on the classes pages of Beadfx.com. This weekend, July 4, I’m teaching a beginner enamelling class. Learn the various methods …

Blog hops are great. They are a way to get more exposure to your blog and give you a chance to be part of an online event that really pulls together your community. I was invited to participate in a blog hop using the Tropical Punch components, which are lucite beads and matching pieces such as polyester pipe and flower petals, that conjure the colours and excitement of Brazilian style.  I had a dream and saw my finished piece in my mind’s eye, then couldn’t wait to create it. Sometimes the vision and completed project don’t match but this time …

I’m still decompressing from the amazing time I had at the Bead and Button Show. I saw lots of new tools, components and techniques but the booth and tool that stole the show for me was the Sizzix booth and the new Jill MacKay line of leather cutting dies. The dies require a set of magnetic plates that holds them in place, and the dies cut various sized cuff blanks, flower and other shapes in a variety of sizes, and delicate, lacy leather overlays. You will be cutting out leather cuff shapes and embellishments that will elevate your finished jewellery …

A week ago today I was enjoying a trolley ride to Milwaukee’s wonderful bead store called Eclectica. Based in a suburb of the city, the store is actually three connected storefronts that hold an amazing treasure trove of goodies.    I’ll blog about some of the interesting things I saw and classes I took over the next few weeks. If you were there too, please feel free to share your impressions/photos in the comments section.  I fell in love with this red dragon scale bustier that was an entry in the Bead Dreams competition. I know it would never fit …

As I continue the tour of the BeadFX Metal Studio, I just want to remind you that great classes take place in the studio all the time, and when the studio isn’t in use for classes, you can rent the space and play with all of these great tools on your own time. This is particularly wonderful if you live in an apartment or condo and can’t bang and pound on metal and wire. Costs are reasonable and you should call the store to determine availability. In the studio you will have everything you need at your fingertips. Now to …