Ginger Won't Snap

Silversmithing

I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned this on here before, but I’ve been taking some silversmithing classes at a local jewellery studio.

Right now I’m learning lost wax casting, which is where you carve your item out of wax, create a mold from it, then pour molten silver into the mold–casting your piece. I’m carving a pair of skull pendants; one for me and one for my brother. I have also made a cute little ring.

Speaking of which, my last class I made a ton of rings as well. It was more of a true silversmithing construction class. I learned how to saw, cut, hammer, anneal, torch and bathe my silver in chemicals. I learned how to do a bezel setting with a cabochon stone (very hard!) and do all kinds of cool stuff.

I thought I’d share some photos with you of my designs. A few were for me, but three of the rings were for the women who have had the most impact in my life: my mother and my friends T and MR.

This is a black star diopside in a bezel setting. Can you see the starburst?

I pressed the vein design onto brass then cut out the leaf shape, soldering it to a spiral silver ring

My simple beaten band. My mom got a fatter version. This one only took me 30 minutes to make at the end of the course!


MR’s band. Beaten, then oxidezed to a black patina


The “Tree Ring” made to look like tree bark for T

I really enjoy learning how to do unique and creative things like this. How many people do you know that silversmith???

Toronto is great because there are so many opportunities to learn how to do stuff like this. In the coming year I hope to take more classes on things like pottery and ceramics, glass art and blowing and possibly some fabric arts. I guess I’ll have to keep you posted!
…What is your favourite artzy phartzy hobby?

*Don’t forget to enter the draw for my give-away of 3 FUZE prize packs!

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This post written by Ginger at Ginger Won’t Snap.
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11 responses to “Silversmithing”

  2. I really like the leaf one.

    My artsy fartsy thing is when I was younger I used to make my own bead bracelets. Not sure when I stopped but I guess I grew out of it.

    I also draw decently & my parents have framed some stuff up.

    Reply

  3. *gasp*

    Gorgeous – I love them.

    I agree with previous commenter…you should sell these on etsy!!!

    Also – thanks for the reminder! I’ve entered the Fuze contest!!

    My artsy fartsy?

    I just love crafting all of a sudden. I am SUCH A NERD. LOL

    Reply

  5. those are beautiful! i love the leaf ring especially.
    i like to paint with acrylics…i’m a HORRIBLE painter but it’s so fun and relaxing. plus, anything looks decent mounted and framed 🙂
    i also love going to the Clay Cafe here in halifax–it’s a paint-your-own pottery studio. i love making mugs and bowls.

    Reply

  6. LOVE them! If you decide to do any giveaways with those, count me in!! 😉 Give us a heads up if you post anything on Etsy!!

    My artsy thing? Well, I’m not very artsy but I try…my first attempts at pottery were pretty good, but I haven’t tried it in two years!

    Reply

  7. These designs are fab. My friends made their wedding rings this way at a silversmitthing construction place in TO. They are simple but classic. A really cool idea.

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  8. Those rings look amazing. I was just looking at similar classes at the local art and design college. I’m totally inspired now 🙂

    Reply

  9. HOLY CRAP!!! For real, where was that hiding? if you ever start a store, you better as hell tell us cuz i’ll be a buying 😉

    you talented mother f’er.

    Reply

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