I'm slowly but surely practicing these metalsmithing techniques so that I can create items that I feel are fit to sell. Jewelry making acts as a creative outlet for me; my goal is not to churn out piles of jewelry that I can quickly cash in for money. I have a full time job that pays my bills (and a husband with a job), so I don't rely on my jewelry sales for income. Most of the money that I make from my jewelry is spent on the business--new tools,classes,rock and other supplies. I've found that metalsmithing can be done with a minimum of tools, but there are lots of nice to have tools that cost a lot. I have bought some, but my wish list is still long.
I have also almost completely outfitted my lapidary studio. I have a really nice trim saw, groove cutter and a Genie. I still need a slab saw. My husband has a large homemade one, but it's currently not in working order. I have made a few cabs, but none are up to my standards yet, so it'll probably be a while before I'll have bezel set stones for sale.
These are some hand fabricated copper charms that I will be incorporating with some of my pendants:
I also have my maker's mark picked out for my designs. There is a story behind it that I'll talk about in the future.
By the way, I'm not trying to sound superior to those who do design jewelry for a living by saying I don't rely on this business for my income. I admire those who are willing to take such a financial risk. I know a husband/wife team and a young girl who do this for a living and I wouldn't want to be in their shoes. I can tell by their attitudes towards other designers (don't like them, go out of their way to discredit them) that it's a tough lifestyle. Good luck to them.
Anybody can sympathise with the sufferings of a friend, but it requires a very fine nature to sympathise with a friend's success. --Oscar Wilde
1 comment:
Can't wait to see your new designs this year.
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