How to Get Rid of Patina in Hard to Reach Spots Lynn has this lovely silver ring of her grandmother's that she wanted to wear, but she hated the patina that was inside of the swirls. So we decided to take a shot at removing it. The Ring The first thing we needed was a q-tip.  I cut off both ends and put it in a flex shaft.  Then, I tapered the end on a file, so it could really get in the hard to reach areas.  I charged up the tapered tip with compound.  Then used it as a tiny polishing tool.  And viola! It definitely could use a little more work inside with the q-tip and maybe some higher shine compound (We used tripoli.) but the ring is certainly on its way to being patina free everywhere! -Johanna...

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Some of the jewelry pieces made at our studio this week: Tube Set Pieces:  Lori learned how to tube set and these are her first two silver pieces doing it. I think the stone in the tube set ring is a garnet. The pendant wasn't quite finished when I took the picture, but I think it looks great!   Faceted Silver Ring: This is the top of a cast ring Michelle made. I like her idea of making the silver look like a faceted stone.     Copper and Turquoise Swirl Earrings: These are some simple earrings Ruth made by curving wire then hammering it flat. She then attached the beads by wrapping a thinner gauge wire around the curved shapes she made.   Silver Knot and Turquoise Rings:  Made by Mikako on a Saturday   Stamped initial ring: A partially finished stamped initial ring made by Deb for her husband.  Happy Saturday! -Johanna ...

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!...

As you may already know, the studio has been offering couples the experience of making their own wedding bands together for a while now. Recently we formed a relationship with A Wedding Ring Experience and through our collaboration with them, will now be offering a similar, if not better experience. I'm very excited to be offering engaged couples this service because it can be so meaningful to have the ring on your finger made by your fiance. It is certainly a very memorable and positive experience. If you'd like to know a little more about me and what the Wedding Ring Workshop is like, please check it out here . ...

We have a new and fun Make and Take earring workshop at the studio! Learn how to drill holes, roll out different shapes from the disc cutter and have them enameled with color to create your very own pair of earrings in this 1.5 hour workshop! The best part is that it's only $38. We offer the Make and Takes on Fridays and Saturdays so call or email to setup a time to make them today! Also, if you're interested in an in depth class on enameling, we have one coming up in June with Michelle Startzman! What do you think?...

We've got a new workshop coming! These earrings have a lot of movement and versatility. This is an example of what they can look like one way... And here is a different look on the back! What do you think? If you like the earrings, they'll be available as a diy in the coming weeks so keep a lookout for them!...

Starting March 28th we'll be having Jewelry II on Wednesday evenings. Further your jewelry know-how with skills including: Tube Setting, Chain Making, Clasps, Advanced Soldering, Solder Inlay and Tube Riveting. You can sign up here. Hope to see you at the studio! ...

Learn how to make these teardrop earrings and take them home with you in our new workshop! It's 1.5 hours, $25 and perfect for ages 13+. We're offering it now on Fridays between the hours of 12-6 and Saturdays from 10-3. All materials are included!...

We just had a couple of ladies that came in to make Resin Pendants at the studio recently. They also happened to bring in a couple of their own keepsakes to trap inside the pendant including an old Star of David that was part of a necklace one of them didn't wear anymore. It has now been transformed with a new look! What do you think? Do you have anything you'd like to wear again with a bit of a change?...

Gaera made this lovely pendant at the studio last week. It's not in her shop yet, but her website gaera.com has some pretty hand sewn hair clips and bows as well as jewelry. Check it out and look for more jewelry to show up there soon!...

Last Sunday, Greg and Kimberly came in to make wedding bands for each other at the studio. They met while out country dancing and have been together ever since. It was a lot of fun and even Kimberly's daughter had a hand in helping! Kimberly was nice enough to send pictures of the experience to me to put up here and wrote: "Thank you for the wonderful experience you have given both of us. We appreciate your time and patience. We now have another memory to cherish." Thanks for coming to Harold Studio you two! I'm so glad you have a great memory in making the engagement bands. Now you can brag to your friends about how your ring is made by your fiance! Are you interested in making wedding bands for each other? Contact us at Harold Studio for more information....

This may be hard to believe, but Chris from Cross Currents Studio has only been making jewelry for the last 6 months. She has been an artist for many years and it definitely shows in her beautiful work. She took our Jewelry I course and has been making amazing pieces ever since. She has a show with the Arizona Art Alliance starting this week and will be at the gallery Friday, November 25th. If you're lucky, she may have some pieces left! She even has other jeweler's at the studio wanting to buy these....

Tonight we started another Jewelry I class. Susanne made these earrings by using a jeweler's saw and piercing out the design. She then domed the metal and gave the earrings a hammer texture using the ball-peen end of a chasing hammer. They look great! Especially with all the shine they have going on. Way to go Susanne. ...

Tonight was the last Jewelry I class. Here are a couple more projects that were completed. The cabochon ring was done by Marina. It is made with sterling silver. The flower pendant was done by Colleen. Way to go ladies! Also, the next 30 people who like our Facebook page will be entered to win a $30 gift card to the studio. So if you haven't already, like us! ...