Cuff - Sterling Silver and Copper

So, this was my second project in my class.  Also for a friend as a gift.  She has allergies to other metals, so I went with Sterling Silver.  Only the best for my girl!!

It was fun to make, and although they are not perfect' they are pretty good.

I made two.  First, so that I could practice on one before I did the second that would be my friends gift.  Second, and more importantly :D, so that I could have one too!!

 The cuff is made from a strip of sterling silver with pieces of copper soldered on top.  I was able to purchase the silver pre-measured and cut.  I only had to file and sand down the edges.  The copper came in sheets (two in a package).  I figured out what I wanted, what size, shape, etc.  Then used a jewelers saw to cut the pieces.  The edges need to be smoothed out & the pieces get textured with different hammers.  Then everything is soldered together.  Once the pieces are together, they get bent into shape... and TA DA!! 

I had problems with soldering.  I don't think that I had too much solder, but maybe.  I think that I had too much flux and it came out from in between the cooper and silver.  And the solder came with it.  I used a dremel to get rid of the excess solder.  If you look at the strips to the left, you can see when I could not get all of it off.  That one is mine, so it's ok.  And my first one.  The second one for my friend came out much nicer.

There are still some imperfections, but  that's what makes it special.  That's the beauty of hand made.  Of course, I will improve my skills, learn new ones.  But I will always be able to look back at these two cuffs (and the copper w/ nickle wrap cuff) as my first pieces.  Will I ever be as good as my instructor.  I can honestly say no.  I'm not being defeatist, just realistic.  She has been doing this a long time and makes incredible pieces.  Her skill doesn't negate mine.  I'll  improve and grow my skills, and make my own jewelry.  I'll give some as gifts and sell others.  And I'll have fun while I making them!!

I'm looking forward to my next projects!

Which really means, making enough jewelry to open my ESTY page!! 

Cuff - Copper w/ Nickel Wrap

This is the cuff that I made as gifts for some of my friends for the 2012 holiday season.  I couldn't post until now because we only just got together to exchange gifts.  Looks like we were running a bit behind this year!  It was kind of nice though; the holidays were long over, everyone was more relaxed instead of stressed out and exhausted (I at least know that I was) and it extended the special spirit of the holidays.  Anyway, here's what I did.

I have started taking a metal jewelry class with a local artisan (www.MicheleGrady.com).  With the exception of the first few weeks in which we learned the basic skills, the class is free form:  find a project and make it with the help of the instructor.  So this was my first project.  I'm pretty happy with it.  There were some difficulties along the way, but I learned from them.  Next time I make these, or something like it, I will do it better.  The most important thing is that my friends enjoyed their gift!!

Basically, it's nickel wire wrapped around a copper band.  The copper's edges and corners are filed smooth and rounded.  The wire gets soldered to the copper at each end.

As this was my first project, it took me a lot longer than it should have.  I had to try soldering the wire several times.  I just wasn't getting it right, but I know what I was doing wrong and how to do it correctly the next time.  As they say "You don't learn anything if you never make a mistake".

I have more of both the copper band and the nickel wire, so I can make more bracelets to sell.  Next, I'll make companion earrings!!

If you are interested in purchasing this bracelet, or something like it, message me below, on my Facebook page: Carrie Creates, or via carrie@FaCETJewelry.com .