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Almost to the end...for a while :-)

Hi guys,

My mid-term for my jewellery and metals class is next week, then I go back to school on January 9th. I wish I could say that I'm enjoying the class immensely, but several realities have made it very frustrating. For example, I don't really have a hope of doing a lot of this at home because a lot of the equipment at school is so specialized, like the polishing machine and ultrasonic cleaner. The teacher is tired and so is the class - it runs from 6:30 to 9:30. I don't seem to have much of a talent for metal at all and I can't live up to the teacher's high expectations for perfection and it's very frustrating. I've also burnt my fingers a lot! I wish I had taken one of the non-credit classes so I could get a feel for the things I wasn't expecting.

Our last project is a ring, and mine is set with a garnet. However, I can't seem to polish the ring enough to the teacher's liking and I'll have to keep at it. What I have made is good enough for me...I don't see myself turning this into a career and it's really hard to be optimistic about my grade at this point. I guess once I find out where I'm standing I'll decide whether to keep on or give up :-D

You can read about it on my blog -

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In happier news, I did really well at this year's Christmas craft sales, about twice as much as I made last year. I bought some acrylic displays for my cards and it really made a difference. Now I just have to come up with new things for next year! Best, Christine

Reply to
calzephyr
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Bummer the class isn't super fun! :-( I hope you get a decent grade though.

Nice display for the cards! The extended idea is a wonderful one, one that even people doing the jewelry shows could use.

Reply to
Valerie

Christine, Don't stress out so much! It takes YEARS to become proficient in metalwork. At least you have enough guts to keep trying. Your teacher doesn't sound too understanding either. I tried to take silversmithing once - I found out I did not enjoy (putting it mildly) using a torch. The studio was small and I also learned how claustrophobic I can be...not a good experience. As far as the polishing goes, everyone's pieces go flying across the room unless you press hard and are really strong to begin with. After I learned how to polish with rouge, etc., one of the teacher's assistants explained that she polishes only to a certain point and then puts clear nailpolish over the smaller parts that just need more shine. Much easier!!! I don't know how anyone can sell silver at a profit, I think you just have to love what you do, so that the hours aren't work, but play. I still wear the earrings I made, and I'm sorry that I sold some of the other pairs. Fused glass is MUCH easier!!! Please post a picture of your ring, I'd love to see it. Patti

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Reply to
Patti

Hi Val,

Me too! I have no idea how the things are going to be marked - I have completed everything and haven't missed a class, so hopefully that counts for something! I may take one of the non-credit classes that they always have in the summer - that should be much less stressful :-)

Yes, it did work out well in the end - it was $35Cdn and it was just the right height for me to lean on and stash stuff under. I only got to use it for the one sale - I took another pic, just have to get it off the camera. Best, CHristine

Reply to
calzephyr

Hi Patti,

Thanks so much for your encouragement. My teacher is funny, I don't doubt that she's a nice person and knows her stuff, but she has a real critical eye, which is both a good thing and a bad thing. I respect her talent and experience, but I'm such a newb!

Our classroom is small and cramped too. It does take a long time to get used to it popping and hissing. I guess some people just naturally like fire :-D

Heartily agree here! I didn't realize how much physical strength was required to be in this class. Just learning how to "push" and "be forceful" with things was quite hard for me as most of my crafts require a delicate touch. You really have to look after your hands, neck and shoulders.

That's a good idea, I wonder if I could get away with nail polish :-D

I don't either, the bookstore charges about $4 for a sterling silver ring blank, while the gem supply store sells them for $12 and up! Apparently my teacher's teacher sells earrings for $2000 a pair, so he must be hot stuff :-D

Sure thing! I can't find the card reader at the moment, but when I do, I'll make another post.

Best, Christine

Reply to
calzephyr

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