How did you get into metalsmithing? "I developed an obsession with turquoise in 2018. It literally developed overnight. Until then, I used to think it was an "old lady stone", guess I'm an old lady now ;). Anyhow, I bought a few pieces of old Navajo jewelry and the workmanship was amazing, so I wanted to know how it was all put together. I looked up silversmithing classes and came up on Harold studio and the rest is history (not that long of a history I guess).   What inspires you? I find inspiration in different places...antiques, old metal structures and even stones themselves (sometimes I "sit" on them until it "comes" to me what they should be). My love for vintage and rustic shows in textures and designs of my jewelry. What is your design process? Design process...as much as I overplan in all other aspects of my life, jewelry design just comes to me. I start working on something and it develops into......

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!...