Silversmith+Jeweler

A Blog for the Silversmiths + Jewelers.

After weeks of productivity and finishing jewelry pieces that make you proud, your river of creative ideas seems to freeze over. You look at your stones, stamped designs and metal patina samples in hope that they may somehow trigger a spark of an idea, or magically convey a concept because you’re making intense eye contact with them. Yet, still nothing comes to mind. Not to worry! The following are just some ways that can help you get your creative mojo back: • Schedule time for you and Inspiration to meet. Don’t panic. This won’t necessarily take more time from your packed schedule. You can get inspiration while on a morning walk/run/jog in nature, listening to your playlist of favorite tunes, doodling or sketching, and going to your local art museum or gallery with a friend. Inspiration is happiest to meet you when you are  in relaxed, fun situations. • Socialize/network with other jewelry designers. This has a few different benefits to socializing with othe...
The Christmas Party was a great success!  Fun was had by all and we really appreciate all of your support!  We will be closed for the holidays from Wednesday, December 24 - Thursday, January 1.  We will reopen on Friday, January 2.  We hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We have lots of classes starting in January.  Take a look: Jewelry 1:  Mondays 6-9pm, starts January 5 Jewelry 2:  Tuesdays 6-9pm, starts January 6 Jewelry 3:  Wednesdays 6-9pm, starts January 7 Treasure Box:  Sundays 12-3, starts January 11 Stone Setting:  Tuesdays 6-9pm, starts January 20 Cloisonne:  Saturday and Sunday, January 24-25, 9-5 Filigree:  Saturday and Sunday, January 31- February 1, 10-3 Wire Wrap Bracelet:  Tuesday, January 6, 6-9pm Wire and Sheet Making:  Saturday, January 10th, 1-3 Finishing:  Saturday, January 10th, 3-4:30 Register for Classes ...
The last treasure box class was such a hit that we have added 2 classes to the calendar.  The class is 4 weeks and you will be given the materials at the first class.  You will then design and create a piece of jewelry using the materials we give you.  The class is tons of fun and we keep you guessing about what the materials will be until the start of the class.  Each class uses different materials so if you taken it before this class will be totally different!  Here are a couple of pictures of projects completed in the last treasure box class! You can sign up for the class here: http://haroldstudio.com/collections/x-classes/products/treasure-box-4-week-class ...
Some of the great jewelry made at Harold Studio this week. Textured Silver Spinner Rings Riveted, pierced pendant in copper and brass. Copper and brass riveted, textured heart pendant. Enameled silver earrings. Our table at the Grand Ave. Art Festival. Lynn, Rebekah, and Valerie working our table. Silver tube set pendant. Silver bubble ring. Vintage button earrings. Silver ball ring. Silver Ball ring. Brass and copper necklace made in the treasure box class. Silver tube set cuff. Silly Cody! Copper box and bead settings. ...
Happy Friday to all our friends! It has been a super week at the studio!  Classes are keeping busy and creating lots of wonderful jewelry.   Reminders: Please remember to wear close toed shoes and to keep your hair pulled back.  I know the temperatures are warming up and it is tempting to put on your favorite flip flops but your feet will not be happy with you if they get cut or burned by a piece of metal.  If you come in with open toed shoes you will not be allowed to work in the studio.  (I know, we are mean, but really we just care about you!)  :) We will be closed this Sunday for Easter. Upcoming Classes: Jewelry 1: Beginning Friday, April 25 2-5pm Beginning Sunday, May 18 12-3 Jewelry 1 Sign Up Jewelry 2: Beginning Thursday, April 24 12-3 Beginning Tuesday, May 20 6-9 Jewelry 2 Sign Up Tip of the Week When checking for a gas leak with the torch, you can use water and dish soap.  If you get bubbles, you got a leak.  Turn off tanks and ...
Happy Friday Everyone!  Hope your week was wonderful!  With the temperatures rising, I spent the week inside the nice, coo, comfy studio.  The orange room is taking shape with some new stools and exhaust fan.  Soon we will have a torch or two back there.   The 3rd Annual Laveen Festival of FIne Arts will be taking place May 16-17, 2014 at South Mountain community College Laveen Center.  You can enter two pieces of art for $20.  For more information you can visit:  www.laveenartleague.org Tip of the Week:  Use a mixture of alcohol and boric acid when soldering.  Alcohol and boric acid will prevent fire scale and will keep your metal clean so that your solder will flow better and there will be less clean up from oxidation during heating.  Just dip your metal into the mixture before you heat it up.  Repeat each time you solder. Here is this weeks pictures.  Enjoy! Laura made these super cool earrings and ring made out of shell casings. Tuesday night's Jew...
Happy Friday!  Lot's happening this week at the studio.  We had new Jewelry 1, 2 and 3 classes start and lots of people in during open studio.  I love to see the studio buzzing with activity!   We are getting ready to add a torch in the back room along with some stools for the benches.  We hope to have the back room ready to go in the next week or two!   Don't forget to sign in to open studio.  You can find the blue glittery book on top of the water cooler. Tip of the week :  Put a small scrap of leather in your toolbox.  Leather is great for setting your piece on so that it doesn't get scratched.  If you find your piece of jewelry is getting hot when filing or using the flex shaft, use a piece of leather to hold onto it.  You can also use a tiny piece under a cabochon stone if you find that your stone is too low or is uneven.  We would love to hear your tips.  Comment below with your tips!!! Love the colors of these enameled pieces created by Vera, Lori and Mar...