With the start of the New Year came the start of a new round of Jewelry I, II, and III classes!  Here are some great projects from this past week! Jewelry I:  We are in week three of class and have learned sawing, piercing, riveting, textures, and patinas.  Below are some great projects made by combining some of the skills they have learned.  It is hard to believe they have only been making jewelry for a few weeks! Fabulous pendant made by Kylie in Jewelry I using texturing, patinas and riveting! Awesome earrings made by Emily in Jewelry 1using textures, patinas, and riveting! Love this birdcage made by Tricia in Jewelry 1 using texturing, stamping, and riveting!  Jewelry II:  Students in Jewelry II have been learning techniques to merge metals including lamination and solder inlay.  Below is a project demonstrating this technique. Super fun key chain made by a student in Jewelry II using solder inlay to combine sliver and copper! ......

Here at the studio, I have a hard time keeping track of solder. Because there are so many people using the studio, sometimes things don't get put back in their designated space. If I didn't have a system for knowing what is hard, medium and easy solder, I would go crazy. Here is my system as well as a handy sign you are more than welcome to print out and use for yourself! • Only use sheet solder • Color code it with a sharpie:     Black for Hard     Red for Medium     Blue for Easy I have a color guide for anyone who doesn't know at the studio • Keep it in a container like this one .  I have the container labeled so I can just flip open the lid and see... My solder, in its right place, ready to be cut and used! Do you have any other ways you use to keep track of your solder? Please share them with us!...

I was interviewed this week by Kendra from the Downtown Devil about DIY culture in Phoenix. There are some really cool businesses I have never heard of in the article. Check out the post here. I think I have some exploring to do. How about you?...

Guess the size of this ring (for tomorrow's Make & Take workshop), and you could win it! Just post your guess on our facebook page. It's a silver and turquoise ring that we will be teaching you how to make. You can sign up for the workshop here . Good luck with the contest!...

We're going to be at the JOGS Tucson Gem and Jewelry Show this September teaching workshops as well as showing jewelry. If you'd like to sign up for a workshop or just say hello, check out our schedule here . We're all very excited for the opportunity to teach as well as show our new lines. So drop by and tell us what you think of our jewelry!...