etsymetal doggie charms 1

etsymetal doggie charms 1
Originally uploaded by howlindoggie

We at etsymetal (a worldwide group of fabulous metalsmiths!!) do this charm exchange thing among us (charm bracelets are available for purchase on the etsymetal shop) . This is the third exchange. The way it works is that we (usually 20 or so metalsmiths) each make up 22 charms and then send them to one wonderful member who sorts them and then resends them (20 charms per participating member) tback to us so we can add to our 'charm' bracelets //chains etc. i participated in the first and third. You can also check out our flickr site (etsymetal) and see all the beautiful charms that we have all made.

This is so much fun that I have already signed up for the charm exchange #4!!!

Some Tips for Sawpiercing

Firstly, I'd like to say that these tips are my tips (found over years of trial & error) and other metalsmiths may have different techniques which are just as good , if not better than mine. So try them out, see how you like it...

Sawframe: Must be of good quality, otherwise you have a hard time sawing and break many blades! I use German ones, only because i find them the most comfortable for me. I have also found a really cheap one that some of my students use that I also find very comfortable. There are different 'throat' (how deep they are) sizes.

Sawblades:

These must be the correct size for the thickness of the metal used. a good guide is 4 teeth (approx) to the metal thickness.

Other stuff:
When you put the blade in, make sure the teeth point down (towards the handle, as I consider the handle the bottom. Also make sure that the blade is quite taught and should have a high pitched 'ping' when you pluck at it like a guitar string to see if it's not loose. Lubricate it with sometime of lubricant. I use bees wax or candles(old ones)or if i can't locate the wax and am in a hurry I use spit (YES , spit!!)

Starting off:
I usually 'mark' the spot that i am going to start on by running the blade in a upwards motion first. That makes it easier to start cutting (going up & down).

Litle tricks:
It is easier and smoother cutting if you make a paper pattern of what you are going to sawpierce. By that I mean, draw whatever you are going to cut out on a piece of paper and then stick it on to the metal with glue and then strt cutting. I find that the blades stay sharper for much longer and it is alot smoother cutting.

Oh yes, and most importantly PRACTICE A LOT!!

Hope that helps a bit.

Flickr

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

geometric ring on red

geometric ring on red
Originally uploaded by howlindoggie

Here is my first new piece for the year. i hope to be doing many more rings this year. This ring is 20mm wide at the top and tapers down to a nice 15mm

secret santa from rubygirl (shannon)

secret santa from rubygirl (shannon)
Originally uploaded by howlindoggie

As you probably know, if you have been reading my blog in the past, I am a member of etsymetal. We are a group of International Metalsmiths. We usually meet on-line on our forum & discuss 'stuff'. Also some of us have had the luck and live close to other members and have met up with each other. No such luck for this writer, as I think I am one of a few of us that are across the other side of the universe .

We have many fun projects that we do. One which I adore is the 'Secret Santa'. Last year I got a ring and I also did this year! I just love rings!!

This year's surprise came from shannon of rubygirl fame.

Check out rubygirl on etsy!