Handmade carved silver chunky ring: A sale and some closure

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Though I began making jewelry in 2010, I didn't take any jewelry-making classes until Februrary, 2012. As a birthday present to myself, I signed up for a basic metalsmithing class. I figured that I could combine these skills with wire wrapping and could make some more interesting and complex pieces.

Unfortunately, I just did not get along with my instructor. I've written about her before in this blog -- and while she wasn't a bad person, we just didn't hit it off. If a student didn't understand something right away, she'd grow impatient, and I was one of those students who needed that extra practice. I suspect that she's a wonderful teacher when dealing with advanced students, but doesn't do so well with beginners. By the end of the semester, our class of 16 had dwindled down to just 3 women, myself included.

I stuck it out for a few reasons: 1) I paid a lot of money for this class and supplies. 2) I wanted to prove to myself that I could learn a new skill. 3) I wanted to show this teacher that she couldn't make me quit. Eventually, a fourth reason was added to this list when I was laid off in March and decided to work on writing and designing jewelry full-time.

Because I was trying to learn these skills for a job, the class stopped being even remotely fun (not that it was so much fun, anyway) and I put a ridiculous amount of pressure on myself. I'm ashamed to admit that I broke down in tears a few times simply because I couldn't properly solder metal or successfully fuse a piece together. Talk about being a big baby! I took these "failures" way too personally -- and having this particular teacher didn't help.

Anyway, I did manage to complete one project: this chunky, carved ring made from fine silver. Everyone made rings so we could learn how to use a jewelry saw and how to do some basic soldering. I liked how my ring turned out, but I measured it incorrectly and it didn't quite fit my finger. I put it up for sale online, but it's difficult to sell a one-of-a-kind piece that only comes in a specific size.

Well, last night, I FINALLY sold the ring! I'm so happy right now and feel a sense of closure. This ring reminds me of that transitional period and how I pushed myself to get through it. Business has been good, but the sale of this ring has special meaning for me.

Meanwhile, things worked out for me during the next semester. Because I was now working for myself, I was able to take the mid-day enameling class, which is where I met my current instructor. I adore enameling, as well as this teacher and will soon be returning for my 3rd year in her class. She's taught me so much and is also one of my biggest cheerleaders. She's someone whom I admire and consider to be a friend.

I'm not sure when I'll ever feel that I've truly "made it" in this business... but I love making jewelry and am grateful that I get to do something so creative. Please check out my pieces at Naomi's Designs and MayaGirl Creations. You can also check out my novel, REVENGE OF A BAND GEEK GONE BAD, on Amazon.

Photo Gallery: My Top 40 Wire Wrapped And Enamel Jewelry Pieces, Part IV

... And here are my very favorite 10 pieces from my Top 40 Birthday Collection! Be sure to check out Part 1, Part II and Part III, as well as my shops Naomi's Designs and MayaGirl Creations.

That silver ring with the cut-outs is the first thing I ever made in my metalsmithing class. Honestly, I didn't care for the class all that much, but I do like the ring. The metal necklaces -- the copper and silver squares, the copper heart and the copper squiggle with turquoise beads -- are important to me because I made them in my husband's office on the day that I was let go from my job at the magazine. I wasn't sure what the future held for me, but making these pieces calmed my nerves and made me feel a bit better about my life. Once I sold them, I felt as if my choice to go into jewelry making full time were validated.

The silver wire wrapped chandelier earrings with blue crystals are a favorite of mine because they remind me of the jewelry I saw when I was in Egypt many years ago. Meanwhile, I'm proud of the complex enamel pieces that I made: the cat (who's based on my cat, Maya), the hamsa pendant and the champleve fish necklace with turquoise beads. That hamsa pendant took forever to make, but was finally sold. The champleve necklace represents me learning a new enameling technique.

By far, my favorite piece of all is the copper wire wrapped necklace and earring set, Nefertitit's Kiss. This took me weeks to make, but it was worth it. It was a finalist in the 2012 Firemountain Gems And Beads Jewelry Making Competition and was featured on the poster for a local art fair last fall. I've also sold a few -- always a bonus!

Thank you for celebrating my 40th birthday with me! It's easy to feel younger when you have a passion -- and making jewelry is one of mine.

Enameled jewelry: Tales from enameling class

The 92nd Street Y's spring semester kicked off yesterday so, of course, I was there for my enameling class.

In some ways, it was the same as always because I'm taking it at the same time with the same teacher, and many of the same students have returned. But there's always an exciting energy in the air on the first day of school (which this essentially was) and there were several new students present.

What's weird and kind of cool is that I'm now considered to be one of the "advanced" enamelers. Compared to some of the others, I'd say I'm more intermediate than anything, but I'm still skilled enough that the newbies felt as if they could turn to me for questions. My teacher even singled me out as an example a few times, "Watch what Naomi's doing," or "Feel free to ask Naomi for help." A few of the students did have some questions for me about the enameling process and I was happy to answer them.

This is my fourth semester in enameling so I've been at it for not quite a year. I really do enjoy it, but it's still a newish skill for me so it's a novelty for me to even associate myself with it. I'd love to eventually do something with teaching it, though. At the end of this semester (in May) I'm going to ask my teacher if I have what it takes to be a teaching assistant. The Y uses TAs to cover bench (studio) time. I'm not sure what they get for the work -- maybe free bench time hours or a discount? -- but it would be a great way to work toward teaching jewelry. Several of the advanced students in my class have been doing this for a while. I wonder if I'd qualify to work during the summer semester, which is a shorter, quieter time at the Y. In other words, it would be the perfect time to do a trial run as a TA.

This beginning of the spring semester also marked my year anniversary at the Y. I remember how nervous I was when I began taking Jewelry I last february. It was the February 2, the day before my birthday, and I'd signed up for this basic metalsmithing class as a gift to myself. At that point, I was breaking into sweats over the idea of using a torch, drill or saw, so I've come a long way. I still suck at soldering, though. I really wish that I'd signed up for any teacher other than the one I'd had for that class because she and I just didn't mix. She wasn't a bad person by any means, but she was a little too no-nonsense and impatient with a clumsy newbie like me. The class was always so quiet and serious and somber, not at all like I envisioned an art class being.

Happily, the rest of my jewelry classes have been exactly what I thought they'd be like: informative, but fun. I work really hard in enameling, but everyone is friendly and we always have a lot of laughs. The teacher actually seems to enjoy being with us and teaching the class; we're not just a way for her to make money. I'm glad that I stuck it out after that first class and tried a different skill because that beginner class almost made me believe that I had no talent; it almost crushed my dreams.

I'm actually thinking of repeating Jewelry I during the summer semester, but this time with a different teacher. Yes, I've completed Jewelry I and II, but I still feel lost when it comes to soldering and working with fire. I've disliked my metalsmithing classes, but perhaps I'd like them more if I had those basic skills down and didn't feel as if everyone were so far ahead.

Meantime, I'm really glad that my teacher persuaded me to continue with enameling. I don't know why I even considered taking a break from it.

To purchase my jewellery, head to Naomi's Designs or MayaGirl Creations.

Fall Jewelry Classes!

It's only the middle of July, but it's already time to register for fall classes at the 92nd Street Y. Though I've enjoyed taking my enamel class at Fitzgerald Jewelers in Brooklyn, I miss going to the Y. I prefer being in Manhattan, plus it's a much more professional environment. The teachers at Fitzgerald have been wonderful and are so, so talented, but the equipment is lacking. We're basically taking the class in the store whereas the classrooms at the Y are specifically set up to be studios.

I definitely plan to take enameling and precious metal clay again. I really liked both and especially enjoy working with enamel. This time, the class will be 15 sessions long, so I'll really get to know the ins and outs of this art. I'll have a chance to do some more intricate cloisonne work, just in time for the holiday craft fair season.

PMC is more of a fun class for me. It's only seven sessions, but I love the teacher and managed to make a lot of pieces in her last class. This is a very relaxing thing to do, and I need that sometimes.

Now my big question is, do I take a third class? Fall is going to be busy with craft fairs and travel and whatnot, but so many classes look interesting! I DO NOT plan to take anything that involves metalsmithing; I need a break from that. But I am thinking of taking wax carving. When you carve in wax, you can get a mold cast and then make hundreds of the same piece. It's a step for mass production. Much as I like making every piece by hand, this method would open up some opportunities for me, especially if I'd like to sell to stores. Plus, it seems like it would be fun to carve little wax sculptures. So I have this class marked for consideration.

I have to say, my time at the Y has been very productive. Here's a look back at the pieces I've made there:

Chunky silver ring:

Mixed metal stacking rings in copper and fine silver with blue cabochons:

Enamel and cloisonne pendants:

Copper pendant and earrings:

Precious metal clay pendants and earrings:

To purchase my jewelry, head to Naomi's Designs. To purchase my children's jewelry, head to MayaGirl Creations.

Silver and copper bezel stacked rings

My last metalsmithing class was on Tuesday. I've never been so happy to have a "fun" experience end.

I know now after taking metalsmithing classes for the past five months that I just don't care that much for that art. I certainly respect it and now know what goes into making rings and chains, etc., and I defintely came away with some new skills. But I just couldn't get into it.

Part of this is because I don't seem to have any natural abilities when it comes to doing metalsmith work. I could never figure out how to properly solder items and was constantly over or underheating items. Most of my items weren't successfully soldered together or melted under my watch. The only times I "succeeded" was when I had help from my teachers -- and both seemed to realize how untalented I am at this. My last teacher was just plain frustrated with me. This last one was very kind and patient, but even she sort of gave up on me in the end and just did all of my work for me. I just didn't look forward to the class and always felt like an idiot.

I think another reason that I dislike metalsmithing is because it's a very technical art. Granted, making any type of jewelry requires certain skills. However, hen I work with wire, clay or enamel, I can get lost in a project. With metalsmithing, you constantly have to file and fire things and time things ... there's a lot of labor and work that requires you to be on your toes. I just couldn't lose myself and be creative with it.

I haven't fully given up on metalsmithing. One of my jewelry class friends suggested that I get a soldering gun and practice on my own. This way, I won't be under the pressure of getting a project done in time or have to worry about a teacher evaluating my skills. I also won't have any teachers jump in to finish projects for me.

Anyway, I managed to make these silver and gold stacking rings with bezel set stones in my class. I had *a lot* of help, but I did at least 80 percent of the work and they do look cool:

On a funny note, I made up a little song as I used the easy solder (which melts at a lower temperature than hard or medium solder) to attach the bezels. To the tune of Phil Collins "Easy Lover," I sang, "This is easy solder. It'll fuse your ring, believe it. It'll meld your jewelry. Your piece finally will be complete." Hey, I had to find some way to enjoy myself!

To purchase my jewelry, head to Naomi's Designs. To purchase my children's jewelry, head to MayaGirl Creations.

Metalsmithing Meltdown

My issues with soldering really got to me today in class. I ended up having a little meltdown.

It started yesterday when someone expressed some doubts about me taking this time to work on my jewelry business. That person wondered why I don't go back to a 9-5 job and just keep jewelry as my hobby. That person doesn't really understand my plans.

The thing is, I've always been an ambitious, but cautious, person. I never persued music as a career because there are a million talented flute players out there and it seemed like too big a risk. Instead, I became a journalist, which I LOVED. But this was my way of doing something creative -- writing -- only doing in a "safe" form.

And I succeeded. I was at the magazine for 14 years and had many other writing jobs prior to that. But there were a lot of things I didn't like about being in an office environment. Now that I have this time, I'd really like to see just how successful I can make my jewelry/freelance writing businesses. I'm fortuate that I'm able to do this and what's funny is that I'm working harder than I ever did at the office! I was at the mag from about 9:30-5:30, but now I usually start in the mornings and end late at night. But it's worth it if I can do well and be my own boss.

Anyway, this person's doubts made ME doubt myself and it affected my performance in class today. We were continuing work on our stacking rings and when I went to solder my silver ring, the ring just melted. It was awful. When I told the teacher, she just laughed and said, "Oops," but my mind went to a place, "You suck. You can't do this. You'll never succeed as a jewelry designer." I ran to the bathroom and began bawling. It was pretty humiliating.

Fortunately, I was able to collect myself and returned to class. I'm not sure if anyone knew how upset I was -- I hope not! But the teacher showed me what I was doing wrong and soldered my next ring with me. I then tried one on my own and I got it!!!!

I think I need to not put so much pressure on myself. I have a bad habit of wanting to get things right away, and that almost never happens. I need to just enjoy the process and stop letting others' opinions influence my work.

To purchase my jewelry, head to Naomi's Designs.

Intermediate Metalsmithing, Part I

Today kicked off my next semester of jewelry making classes, and the first was Jewelry II, a.k.a. intermediate metalsmithing. The good news is, I already love this instructor. My last teacher wasn't evil or anything -- she knew her stuff and I learned a lot from her. She taught me well and I'm grateful to her for that. But she was kind of icy and tended to get impatient and was also very OCD about things. Everything had to be precise and perfect from our projects to the clean up at the end of class. She came right when it was time to start and had us leave right when class ended. I almost felt as if I were getting graded for her subject when it was supposed to be a FUN art class.

My new teacher, on the other hand is funny, warm and Earth mother-y. She always has a smile and jokes and laughs as she teaches us. And though she acknowledges that things need to be measured out and ends need to be even, she's not OBSESSED with precision. She wears a smudged apron and seems to get that art is sometimes going to be messy, especially when you're dealing with goopy substances. I have her for my enameling class, too, and just really enjoyed my six hours of classes with her.

I'm the least advanced person in this particular class. Many students take Jewelry II over and over again so they can do different projects and work with the same instructors. So there were a lot of really skilled jewelry designers there. But everyone was friendly and no one judged me, including the teacher. The bad news is, I still suck at soldering, but I didn't feel like an idiot when I asked for help. She didn't glare at me or talk in a harried tone. She smiled and helped me, and promised that I'd get it with practice.

Right now, we're working on creating a series of little stacked rings. I'm going to do a series of four or five using different types of metal. Today, I made two small copper rings in which I twisted the wire using a vise. My first attempt went a little awry because I didn't flatten out the wire enough before cranking the handle. However, my teacher simply shrugged and showed me how to correct my problem. She then laughed and joked, "Oh well, you'll just put your own *twist* on it." This is what I mean about her not being obsessed with precision.

My next attempt went well and I got a nice, tightly-twisted wire. It looks really cool. I tried to solder both and failed, but my teacher quickly determined what I was doing wrong and gave me a little lesson to help out. She didn't seem put out by this at all. Once I get my rings all made, I'm going to add bezel set stones to a couple to finish off the series.

This teacher is very big on making everything from scratch so I learned a lot just by watching the more advanced students work on their projects. One melted gold into a ball and then put it through the roller so she could have a gold disc. Another crafted handmade wire. Meanwhile, the teacher said that she'd show us how to make bezel wire from scratch. I love the idea of starting from the beginning. I already try to make all of my jumprings and ear wires, and this is taking it to the next level.

I'm still nervous about soldering; part of me fears that I'll never master this basic skill. I need to relax and not worry about it so much, and then maybe I'll finally get it. Who knows -- with this instuctor in charge, I might end up actually learning to LIKE soldering!

To purchase my jewelry, head to Naomi's Designs.

Metalsmithing Class Part XI: What A Disaster

Well, my last Jewelry I class was last night and it didn't go well at all. I was hoping to finish my bezel pendant ... and didn't. I was hoping to finish my earrings ... and didn't And I completely SUCK at soldering. I attempted to make a jumpring to attach to my pendant. Usually, I don't bother to solder jumprings as they stay intact on their own. But my teacher insisted and I know I need the practice. I made the jumpring itself without any problems, but then the usual issues came up. The ends weren't filed flat enough to solder. I tried to file them correctly. I made them worse. I think that part of the problem is that I a) have fat fingers and b) have pretty unsteady hands. I just find it hard to hold an itty bitty jumpring still and file the ends completely flat without moving it or moving the file out of whack. My teacher has delicate, little hands so, of course, it's easy for her. I don't know what happened -- maybe because I haven't been sleeping well -- but I just SNAPPED. I seriously began to cry, but ran to the bathroom before anyone could see me. I was just so frustrated. I mean, soldering is a very basic skill and if I can't even use a file correctly, how in the hell am I supposed to make more intricate jewelry? I think the teacher could tell how upset I was getting because she told me that it was close and I should go ahead and solder it. Now I had to deal with placing itty bitty pieces of solder on the seam. Again, this is me dealing with little pieces and an unsteady hand ... and the task seemed impossible. I went to heat the piece and the solder wouldn't melt. I then put more heat on it ... and I melted the entire jumpring off. Sigh. I'm so sick of looking at this stupid, now burned pendant that I'm about ready to toss the entire thing into the fire and just start a new project. I really, really don't like soldering and it's makiing me question whether I want to continue as a metalsmith. I'm also wondering if I'd do better with another teacher. I guess I'll find out when I start my classes next week.

Metalsmithing Class, Part X

Last night was our next to last metalsmithing class at the 92nd Street Y. I can't believe how quickly the time has gone! I remember that when I first started this class in February, I was pretty anxious about using tools I'd never used before like a blow torch, jeweler's saw and drill. Now I feel like an old expert with them. Well, not quite, but I at least feel comfortable using them. I still haven't quite gotten the hang of soldering, but I think I'll get that with practice. My teacher noted that my bezel wasn't soldered 100 percent; there was still a small gap in the piece, so I attempted to solder that section. However, it just wasn't happening. The solder pieces kept moving or just weren't melting. Finally, the teacher had to help out and explained that I wasn't heating the entire piece as I was supposed to. She assisted me and I think we finally got this thing. My poor pendant was getting pretty burned, though. I mean, it went under the fire about five times. I didn't have time to thoroughly submerge it in the pickle solution (which cleans the metal) so it was still smoldering as I left the class and I could smell the burnt metal all the way home. Yuck. I'll submerge it first thing next week so it'll have time to be cleaned. Then I'll add the stone and hopefully, it'll be finished. I'd also planned to solder a jumpring but am not sure that I'll have the time. That's OK, because I can either do that in my more advanced class which begins on May 22 or just make a jumpring with a cold connection. Meantime, I've been working on a pair of funky copper abstract earrings in class. They're going to look really cool and I'm amazed by how skilled I've gotten at sawing and filing. They have an intricate design in the center which required me to saw out small, squiggly lines, but it wasn't so hard to do. I remember when I was first making my silver ring that it was SO hard for me to even saw a straight line. Next week we're supposed to do a "show and tell" of our projects. My last two probably won't be completely finished, but it seems like no one else's is either -- and that makes me feel a lot better. But I'm looking forward to making more things during the summer semester.

To purchase my jewelry, head to Naomi's Designs. To read about my travel adventures, head to Naomi The Traveler.

Metalsmthing Class, Part IX: Works In Progress

Big news! At my metalsmithing class last night, I managed to solder by myself with no assistance. Woo hoo! I finally got around to attaching my bezel (the border wire that surrounds a stone and holds it into place) to my copper pendant. It was NOT easy, let me tell you. Because of the way my pendant is styled -- it's a copper disc with a carved out radial triangle pattern, sort of like a sand dollar -- the bezel had to be centered exactly. I figured this wouldn't be so hard because there was so much space to work with. I was wrong. For one thing, my bezel ring is pretty big, so I needed a lot of solder for it. I put pieces of solder in each corner, but my teacher said to use more. That's when things started to go wrong. Every time, I added a piece of solder and tried to push it up against the wall of the bezel, the bezel would move out of place. Then when I tried to move the bezel back into the center, the solder would move out of place. It seemed like a no-win situation. I finally solved the problem by adding more flux paste. The solder pieces stuck, but now I had a huge blob of flux in the middle of the piece. This wasn't that big of a deal because it could eventually be removed, but I knew it would take more time to clean the pendant later on. Soldering this piece was odd because you had to fire it from below, but it was really cool to watch. The bezel needed so much heat, the flame turned turquoise and the copper began to cracke, bubble and turned black. It felt a little as if I were rosting a marshmallow. The teacher assured me that the black would wash away, though, and it did when I put it in the pickle solution (though I had to keep it in for about a half hour). After all of this, though, she suggested that I add more solder because the bezel wasn't secure enough. This was my cue to take what I'd learned and do it myself. And I did! I think I added a little too much solder because there are big solder blobs on the pendant, but the bezel is centered and attached, and the stone fits into it like a glove. Now all I have to do is sand away the excess solder and polish the copper to even out the color. By next week, it *should* be finished, so I'll post a photo. I had a lot of time leftover in this class, especially when the pendant was sitting in the pickle, so I started a new pair of copper earrings. I have so much leftover hammered copper that I figured I might as well use it, right? I was pleased to see how much easier sawing them was for me. All of that practice paid off! I'm almost finished with one earring and will work on the other at home. Then I can solder the jumprings at the studio. I don't usually solder my ear wires, but I want to get the practice and this is a good skill to have. I can't believe that there are only two more Jewelry I classes left! Then it's on to my next three. There were times when this class really frustrated me. I'm such a klutz and having to work with small, very precise things isn't the easiest task for me. But I'm doing it. I made a nice ring, am pleased with the way the pendant is turning out and think these earrings will be really cool. I also learned how to saw, drill, file, texture, roll and solder metal. Pretty sweet! I may be clumsy, but I'm getting more and more confident each time I do these things. While I'm proud of my work, I'm more proud that I stuck with this class, despite having some doubts at first. I was really out of comfort zone, but forced myself to learn some new things. I don't think that my teacher had a lot of faith in my abilities, but she now sees how handworking I am, even if I'm not the best or the most skilled. The class has dwindled; we only had TWO students there last night. I think it's because this isn't really a "fun" class. Every project you make requires a ton of work and patience. I think it's worth the time, though, because I'm leaving a better designer -- and a more enriched person.

To purchase my jewelry, head to Naomi's Designs. And to check out my travel blog, head to Naomi The Traveler.

Metalsmithing Class Part VIII: Comedy Of Errors

Yesterday was one of those days where just everything went wrong. I didn't get much sleep and then had to get a lot of blood drawn for an upcoming medical exam. And so I stumbled into my jewelry making class bleary-eyed and woozy. I didn't want to miss class because I'm almost done with that darn pendant that I've been working on.

What I didn't realize, though, was HOW out of it I was -- that is, until I began dropping stuff. First, I went to file the end of my bezel (the wire tht's wrapped around a stone in a piece of jewelry) and knocked it onto the floor. I then cut up tiny pieces of solder wire -- and knocked their container over three times! Three! I then went to solder the seam on my bezel and when I went to screw the cap back onto my flux paste, accidentally picked up the little cap in which I'd stored my solder pieces. So that's right, they were dropped again, only this time I dumped them into the paste.

And it doesn't end there. I cut more solder pieces, but they kept falling off of my bezel when I was trying to lay them out over the seam (they're supposed to stick to the paste and then you fire the piece before the flux dries out, but they weren't staying put). I finally got them to stay in place and torched my bezel ... and my teacher pointed out that the seam wasn't lined up. She had to pull the bezel apart to undo the soldering and somehow managed to salvage it. After some cursing and filing and shaping, I redid it and this time, managed to not drop anything before successfully soldering it together. But as soon as I returned to my work station, I went to sand down the edge of the ring -- and yep, dropped it right on the floor!

Bt now, everyone was pretty much laughing at me and my teacher just shrugged and said, "Look, we all have off days." I explained about having had my blood drawn. I mean, I know I'm a klutz, but this was rediculous, even for me.

Still, I managed to make my bezel and didn't accidentally burn down the studio in the process. The good news is, I'm much more comfortable working with fire. The first time I used the torch I was freaked out, but now it seems like much less of a big deal. And the fire turns all sorts of pretty colors....

In other news, I'm officially signed up for my three classes: Metalsmithing II, Enameling I and Precious Metal Clay. I'm really excited for them! My teacher says that the morning classes have a much different feel, that it's kind of like summer camp. I can live with that. I want my classes to be informative, but fun.

Meantime, I'm really glad I'm taking this class, even if I don't like every element of it. I've definitely picked up some interesting new skills and that will only serve me in the long run.

Hopefully, my bezel will be attached to my pendant by next week so I can show a pic of my final product.

Okay, bad joke time: When I attach the bezel, will I be committing emBEZELment? Haha.

To purchase my jewelry, head to Naomi's Designs on Etsy.

Metalsmithing Class: Part VII

Last night, I started working on my bezel set ring. I've realized something important about metalsmithing: I really don't like soldering. I know, this doesn't bode well for me if I plan to continue my studies in metalsmithing techniques. But I find the process time consuming and tedious. I think it would be different if I were doing it at home with a soldering iron because it is rather neat to watch the metal melt into the seam. Then *I* could determine when my pieces were ready to be put together and wouldn't have to get the teacher's approval. But this particular teacher is very exacting; she makes us file the ends until they're *exactly* lined up, which can be a pain. And she always makes me change the size of my soldering pieces. I know, I know, I need to learn how to do this and she's showing us the absolute best technique. I appreciate it. I just don't find it fun. Then again, when I took flute lessons I didn't like doing warmup drills. I guess every craft involves some process that's a little dull. I was really surprised when she showed us how to make jumprings and a chain... and expects us to solder each individual piece. I've been making chains for a while and always use a cold (non-soldered) connection. She did say that there are many ways to make chains and just wants us to practice soldering techniques. That makes sense. What's weird is that I enjoy a lot of the other processes. I find sawing really relaxing. I don't mind filing so much; it just gets a bit frustrated when I have to file the ends to be 150% even. A lot of times an end will look perfectly straight to me and my teacher will note that the planes are uneven -- and I just don't see it. I guess her eye is way more trained than mine. I feel like such a spaz using the files, too; she's able to do it in such a smooth motion and I'm always dropping the file. I think what this really comes down to is me being impatient! When I have a beautiful piece in mind, I want to see it completed! Call it the five year old in me, LOL. I am glad I'm learning these new techniques, though. The thing is, with my own jewelry, I don't *have* to solder my pieces. I can learn beading, how to work with metal clay or continue using cold connections with wire. I just figure it's good to learn different things in case I *want* to use these methods. By the way, I signed up for Jewelry II and enameling for the summer semester. I'm still deciding on a third class, but am stoked that I got into enameling. My teacher says that it's very popular and there are only 10 slots. But I signed up for the morning summer class, so there were openings. It's only six sessions (they abbreviate the summer classes), but this will put me on the priority registration list for fall if I like it and want to take the longer version. Sweet! To purchase my jewelry, head to Naomi's Designs on Etsy.

Metalsmithing Class: Decisions, Decisions

Now that my metalsmithing class is almost over (the last class is on May 17), it's time to start thinking about the next classes that I'd like to take. Since I now have more time on my hands, I intend to basically study jewelry design full-time. I love it and am starting to profit from it, so why not?

The only downside is that there are too many options!!! Once you complete Jewelry I, basic metalsmithing, you qualify for almost every other class in my program. So the world is my oyster -- or the pearl, in this case since it would make a nice accent on a jewelry piece, LOL.

Anyway, I do know that I will definitely take Jewelry II. My teacher explained that at this level, you learn how to make three-dimensional soldered objects, like cubes. This way, you can practice soldering seams at different angles. You also learn to make hollowed objects, like locket necklaces, which involves manipulating the metal into that hollow shape. Both sound very cool.

I'd like to also take some specialty classes, though. Some that sound interesting teach filigree work (making intricate looping designs and well, you all know how much I love those), enamel work, ancient-style goldsmithing (how awesome is that?). The list goes on and on. My plan is to take two longterm classes and one intensive workshop this summer. That will certainly keep me busy!

Registration is in two weeks so I have some time to decide, but I'm now very excited about the summer months. No more slaving away in an office for me. I'll be sawing and torching and melting, and creating beautiful things.

To purchase my jewelry, head to Naomi's Designs on Etsy.

Metalsmithing Class: My sterling silver ring with flower design

Here it is! Here is the mythical silver ring that I have been talking about all semester:

While I don't think it's my best piece, I'm proud of it. For a seemingly simple ring, a lot of work went into making it! First, I had to carve out the silver strip using a jeweler's saw, then I had to drill and saw out the flower design. Next, I had to file the entire piece. I then annealed the ring by torching it so that I could make the metal more flexible; next, I bent it into a ring shape.

Next, I soldered the ends together, then annealed it a second time. Finally, I sanded, polished and buffed it.

So there were a lot of steps in making it -- and it doesn't even fit me. It's about a half size too small (though it's sligtly big on my pinky). So if anyone reading is a size 8 1/2 ring wearer, you can buy it on Etsy.

To purchase more of my jewelry, head to Naomi's Designs.

Metalsmithing Class Part VI

Last Thursday was a weird day for me. That morning, I was laid off from my job. Also, it was about 80 degrees out in March in New York City. Still, instead of just going home and enjoying this freakishly beautiful weather, I stayed in the city and went to my metalsmithing class that night.

During the day, I stayed in my husband's office and turned his conference room into a studio. I had all of my jewelry making equipment with me so I spent the afternoon carving shapes out of 20 gauge copper sheet metal. This gave me a chance to practice my sawing techniques.

I'm getting better at sawing metal, though it's still time-consuming. The diamond I made took me about an hour to cut, but sawing out a heart was much more of a challenge. I had to get that inner curve and the dip at the top of the shape, and that took a lot of work -- but I got it!

Since I didn't have a drill on hand, I improvised and used my center punch tool to create a little hole at the top of each shape (to string a chain or jumpring). The metal warped a bit from this, but I plan to hammer the cut-outs, anyway. I think I'll then wrap some silver wire aound them.

That night at class I did .... more sawing. This time, I sawed my cicular pendant. I sawed and sawed and I'm still only about 3/4 of the way done! And I still have to saw the inside. I guess I have the time to do some work at home now.

Our teacher showed us how to put a stone into a bezel setting and how to use a buffing machine. Working with the bezel seems a little complicated so I hope I don't mess up that part. The buffing machine is just scary; it's like a mini car wash for jewelry.

Our semester is more than half over so I really hope I can finish my pendant in time. Our last class is May 17 and I have a craft fair on the 19th. I'd love to have it ready for sale by then.

To purchase my jewelry, head to NAOMI'S DESIGNS.

Metalsmithing Class Part V

We're now down to five students in my metalsmithing class -- and ever since the class got smaller, it's gotten better.

I'm still not done with my ring (I need to sand and clean it), but I needed a break. So in my last class, I began working on my pendant. It's going to be a hammered copper disc with a carved radial design; in the center will be a deep blue stone with a sterling silver bezel wrap. I'm then going to make a silver chain. My original plan was to go with all copper, but the teacher suggested mixing metals.

I spent the last class drafting the design and then hammering the copper. It's amazing how difficult it can be to draw a perfect circle! It seems like it would be so basic, but you need the steadiest of hands. I traced a pill bottle to get the right size and kept slipping a little on the page.I finally got one that looks good, but I was beginning to feel like I was back in kindergarten and just learning how to draw shapes.

Once I did that, I had to chop the metal into smaller pieces with these giant sheers that look like a guillotine. I then hammered the copper so I could create a nice texture on the metal. I don't want the copper to be shiny and smooth; I want it to have a worn and weathered "antique" look. So I spent about an hour pounding the crap out of that metal! Let me tell you, it was a great way to get out my frustrations -- even though my arm was so sore afterward.

Next week, I get to drill and saw my pendant and then comes the fun part: wrapping and soldering the bezel. That's uh, going to be interesting. I'm a little scared because you have to be so precise with it. But I've gotten this far...

Our instructor show us some other cool things you can do with metal like stamp it and create "hemispheres." It's amazing how many options there are and it's fun, but a little overwhelming. I want to try every new skill she's showing us, but I have to pick and choose which techniques are right for each design.

To purchase my jewelry, head to Naomi's Designs.

Metalsmithing Class Part IV

Last Thursday's class was actually really good -- much better than the first few. Only five students showed up so the teacher seemed to be much more relaxed and was actually able to take the time to show me stuff. She didn't seem to be annoyed with me for asking so many questions, as in the past. Maybe she just works better with a smaller crowd? I know that when I was teaching music, I much preferred one-on-one sessions than a classroom setting.

Anyway. I finally got to solder my ring! Basically, I had to place tiny bits on solder metal on the seam and then torch it. It was really cool watching it melt into place. Now my ring finally, well, looks like a ring. I just have to sand it even and clean and it''ll be finished.

Meantime, I showed my instructor my sketch for my next project, which is going to be a carved pendant with a set stone. She liked my idea and gave me some good suggestions, so I'm eager to get started. I'd really like to take a break from the ring as I've been working on it for several weeks, so I'm looking forward to working on something new. I'm feeling more confident around the tools (even though I'm still a spaz) so I'm less nervous about drilling and sawing out the design. I'll also be learning how to set a stone with bezel wire, so that'll be interesting.

As of now, I think I probably will take Jewelry II next fall. Though this class has been frustrating in some ways, I do like learning the new skills and I enjoy feeling like I accomplished something. I would like to learn how I can solder at home, though.

To see my (as of now) non-soldered jewelry, head to Naomi's Studio or Naomi's Designs on Etsy.

Metalsmithing Basics Class Part III

My silver ring is finally beginning to look, well, ring-like. I'm not quite up to soldering the ends together, but I'm close.

As everything else with this class, each step was a time-consuming procedure. I don't know if it's just this teacher or the process of metalsmithing in general that accounts for there being so much time to each step; I guess it's a combination of both.

I filed the ends of that ring for what felt like ages and even worked on it over the weekend, but it wasn't smooth enough for the instructor. She ended up filing it to perfection for me. Then I was finally able to heat the metal and soften it so I could mold it into a ring shape. Actually holding the flaming torch was a little scary, but it was cool! I felt like a badass knowing that I was melting down solid silver. I then had to dip it in acid to clean it, which again was a little unnerving, but the silver came out looking nice and shiny.

I then hammered the ring around a mandrel until it formed a round shape. And next class, I should be ready to solder the ends together ... uh, I hope.

I'll admit, I'm still not thrilled with this teacher and I can tell that she doesn't much care for me, either. I can be a dumbass when it comes to using machinery. I need a lot of instruction. But I know this. I know my weakness. I know that I need some extra times being shown how to work stuff, but the thing is, I also know that I WILL eventually get it and then I'll be really adept at using whatever computer, drill, torch, etc. So I ask a lot of questions. I suppose it can be annoying when you have to show someone how to do something multiple times, but I'd rather be annoying than pick up a torch and not feel 100 percent with it. I'd rather be safe and ask the "stupid" question and make sure I know what I'm doing.

Unfortunately, I can tell that this teacher who likes to rush through instructions, is fed up with me. She got a little snippy with me when I asked for the third time which way to turn off the gas on the torch. And you know what? I'll probably ask again. We have these classes a week apart (two weeks since the last, actually, since she went on vacation) and that's plenty of time to forget a procedure, especially when you're dealing with dangerous chemicals and there are multiple steps. So she may not like me for my incompetence, but frankly, she can kiss my ass. I paid good money for this class and I am going to learn the way I want to.

I'm still debating whether I want to take Jewelry II. I'd still like to learn more because I like the actual skill, but this awful teacher has soured me on the classroom environment. I've been watching a lot of videos about soldering and am trying to learn more on my own.

For more of my jewelry, head to Naomi's Studio or Naomi's Designs.

Metalsmithing Class, Part II

Well, I've been in my metalsmithing class for three weeks now ... and to be honest, I don't love it.

Metalsmithing requires a lot of expensive tools, and is very time-consuming, exact and precise. You can't just jump in and be creative as I like to be with my wire jewelry. You have to sit and measure and saw and file before you make anything. There's nothing wrong with this, of course, but for me, it takes me out of the creative process.

I think the skill itself is interesting and plan to finish out the remaining 11 classes in the semester. But being back in the classroom has turned out to be a big disappointment.

I haven't taken any sort of classes since grad school (back in 1997), but have always enjoyed school. I especially loved classes where I had an inspiring teacher and the students exchanged interesting ideas. I guess I igured that this is what this class would be like -- that it would be a bunch of budding artists being led by some artsy Mother Earth-type as we discuss our love for creating things.

Call me naive because it's not like that at all! The instructor is nice enough, but she's rather bland and not inspiring at all. She comes at the very start of class, leaves as soon as the clock strikes nine, and seems to be there just to collect a paycheck. Meanwhile, my classmates are all girls younger than me and are all soooo quiet and boring! I mean, I understand the fact that we have to concentrate on our work, but we barely say hello to each other. I've tried, but all will just respond with a tight smile. For one class, an older woman in her 60s joined in and she was friendly. I liked her because we could work and chat, and it made things fun. But she hasn't been back and it's back to Silentville for the rest of us. We all sit there, filing or sawing, with no music or anything.

Even worse, the instructor is just not a great teacher. She flies through instructions that have many steps and expects us to get it -- and I just can't learn like that. I'm very visual; I need to actually go through the procedure myself in order to get it, especially when dealing with dangerous tools. Then when I call her over to ask again how to load a saw or turn on the drill, she kind of rolls her eyes at me. I always got As in school and in music -- and she makes me feel like I'm stupid.

I think that with another instructor I'd like the class a lot more. I do have some new skills and can see how I can expand my repertoire -- and it's always nice to learn new things. But if I take the next level, I am definitely not going with this bore again. To me, making art is about getting people fired up, about helping them find their passions, and she just ain't doin' it.

To see or purchase my non-metalsmithed jewelry, had to Naomi's Studio on Artfire or Naomi's Designs on Etsy.

New Jewelry Making Skills

I had my second metalsmithing class tonight. It went well, though the instructor goes at warp speed and the other students aren't very friendly. But I did learn some new jewelry making skills!

First, I got to use a drill so I could put holes in my ring design. I was ervous about using a tool that could, well, put a hole in me, but it went smoothly and there were no injuries.

Next, I had to use a jeweler's saw to cut out my ring and the interior design. It took me a few tries (and a few broken blades) to get the hang of it, but once I did, it was fun -- very relaxing.

We'll be soldering our rings in the next class (and I'll get to use mor scary tools), but in the meantime, I now know how to saw shapes out of metal. This is really cool because I can now make pendants and charms and other metal elements. I love working with wire, but I'd like to expand my repertoire. So expect to see some cool copper cut-outs sometime soon!

To see or purchase my jewelry, head to Naomi's Designs on Etsy.