Feeling Accomplished

Today was the day to get out the micro torch and fire it up! So easy, and much faster than I imagined. Other than a few panic-stricken seconds when I clumsily hit the torch with my arm and knocked it over, with it set on continuous flame no less, it was such a simple process. And nobody was burned! :D

In less than an hour, counting the time taken to reread the operating instructions and filling the torch with butane, I was the proud creator of 400 headpins: 200 24ga fine silver, and 200 26ga fine silver. The best thing, other than the tons of money saved by making my own, is the control over the size of the ball end. I prefer the ball end to be very small, and most often the ones I bought from others were much larger than I wished them to be. Determining the length of each depending on the size of the beads to be used is another plus. And having a ready supply on hand at any given time? Why didn't I do this sooner!

Not a very good photo, but here's some from my first bunch:



After that triumph the mail carrier arrived with three packages that I'd been waiting anxiously for; an order of my fave earwires from Meilan of Jewelry For All Ages, several feet of solid 18k gold wire, and a wonderful package from the lovely Deb of Crysallis Creations! A strand of the most beautiful golden rutilated quartz rondelles, a strand of sparkling, fiery rainbow moonstone, a gorgeous brio of ametrine (to replace one that I broke a few weeks ago :(...several loose rondelles of perfect swiss blue topaz, and a few strands of my favorite silver/gray freshwater pearls! Deb is not only an amazing jewelry designer, her Etsy supply shop has the yummiest strands of gemstones and pearls.



So now I'm off to work on the neverending bracelet...well it does have an end, two in fact, but the length of time it's taking to put it together is forever! But well worth it, I hope, when it's a fait accompli. :)

Girl With A Torch

In the first step to overcoming my fear of being within inches of an open flame, I went out and bought myself a micro torch yesterday! I hadn't thought very much about how much could be saved by making my own headpins, but the huge savings along with the joy of having as many as I need on hand when I'm itching to start a new design made it impossible for me to not give it a try.

Huge savings if I manage to not burn the house down with it, that is! :D

I received a gift card for Valentine's Day (thank you JP! ♥), and promptly spent it on fine silver wire in two gauges and several feet of 18k gold wire. When they get here, out will come the torch and here's hoping that I'll be successfully buried in headpins of my very own making before long!

The First Post Is Always The Hardest

It's like opening a brand new journal with a stark white page staring up at you, pleading with you to get over your writer's block! ;)

...and these few words are all I can muster at 2:05 AM!

To bed, and the second post will appear when I have a cup of coffee in hand (and we all know the second post is always easier)!