Scroll down past all the bits about the wood to get to it.

http://www.lowes.com/creative-ideas/build-and-remodel/copper-flashing-wall/project

To all of those concerned with working in a healthy work environment, Here are a few  suggestions,  or recommendations: Review the Orchid archives for the following links :

http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/nenam/harmful-substances.htm

(which was an updated version of a tech paper I did for a SNAG conference in the late 70′s) There has ALWAYS been a healthier/”greener” / smarter way to work.

Also, any substance you order will have an MSDS, ORDER IT from your supplier when you order the substance (flux, metal, oxidizers, patinas, polishing materials, etc) OR look up the MSDS on line for the things you already have in your studio. READ the MSDS and take the appropriate precautions.

When you use a substance that has a warning /caution/danger on the label. READ IT, and take the appropriate precautions.

See the article I wrote for Lapidary Journal in 1999 Weiss, Linda:

Studio Safety, 257, 5-99 Introduction to Goldsmithing Health Hazards

http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/nenam/goldsmithing-health.htm

Since then Sarah Sanford has written an excellent article – there is also a great publication put out by Charles Lewton Brain – you can probably access all of these throught the Orchid Archives.

http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/directory/library/subject/56/1

I highly recommend the Quattro dust and fume collection systems, and their self contained polishing /dust collection unit.

Usual disclaimer: I do not have an affiliation with them, just a happy, healthy customer This equipment is not inexpensive, but they become cost effective once you realize how much healthier your work environment is and after getting the returns from a few batches of  filters, etc. that you send to the refiner. They also are portable and do not require installation of ductwork.

The majority of 20th-21st century published technique books and “how to” articles you read have info about health and safety.

Unfortunately, not every learning environment includes healthy, safe studio practices in their syllabi or curriculum.

Sending these recommendations with good wishes for all of you to work healthy, and happy, with creativity, productivity and prosperity!

http://barbarasfernald.com/2014/06/13/960-sterling-metal-clay

Love this video, above, showing how to make a 14K cuff bracelet.

And here’s a link to a video on how to put on a cuff bracelet properly – don’t feel badly – nearly everyone does it wrong.

He actually shows the technique about 2 minutes in.

http://youtu.be/bU6QwykAo7w

And in this video, he explains how to determine your size.

http://youtu.be/PHNchY9g9zk

The Perfect Match doming System is available from PMC Connection.

http://www.firemountaingems.com/encyclobeadia/beading_resources.asp?docid=8a17

From Beadazzled:

http://www.beadazzled.net/pdf/FinishingNecklaceBraceletOpt.pdf

This is a handy one page printable.

From Lytha Studios:

http://www.lythastudios.com/123bead/wire-hook-n-eye.html

How to make your own wire coils and clasp for necklace cording.

http://celiefagojewelry.blogspot.com/2014/02/960-new-alloy-of-sterling-pmc.html

Let’s talk about best practices about polishing silver. You want to use the least invasive method possible. You don’t want to remove any silver. So, for instance, you wouldn’t take tarnished silver over to the polishing wheel, because that would remove metal and that’s not necessary.

The least invasive tarnish remover is something like a Sunshine cloth, a polishing cloth impregnated with some tarnish remover.

Next up, a gentle silver polish such as Flitz or Simichrome — those are both pastes that come in a tube, or Twinkle, that comes in a jar.

Actually, that’s about as far as you want to go.

To remove tarnish, you’ll want two soft cloths, such as an old cloth diaper or burp cloth or scrap of flannel. Cut up those old flannel shirts, or pick up remnants at the fabric store.

Use one cloth as you rub the silver polish onto the silver and gently rub away the tarnish. The second cloth is used to buff the silver to a shine.

Depending on the instructions on the product you’re using, you’ll probably rinse the jewelry off when you’re done polishing. I always wash mine. Try with a lint free cloth to keep the jewelry from spotting.

The procedure for polishing silver or silver plated flatware is the same.

Want more info. on removing tarnish from silver? Check out this great article from Jeff Herman, master silversmith, here.

He’s got some really excellent dos and don’ts.

Kristen’s Wedding, Photo by Outer Focus Photos

Wrapping up Handmade Weddings Week, we arrive at the bride! Anyone going handmade for their wedding probably wants something different, so today I’m highlighting a wedding gown that’s both different and handmade using couture techniques.

This gorgeous dress was made by Chicago area sewist Lisa Polderman for bride Kristen.

Now, your first question is going to be, why is the dress black? The bride and groom wanted to switch the traditional colors for the bride and groom, so he wore a white suit, she wore a black dress that she can wear again! Truly wear again, especially after having it shortened at some point.

That’s the finished dress, but anyone reading this blog is interested in how things are made. Let’s take a look at that shall, we?

Lisa starts at the beginning, with measurements, and then creates a custom pattern:

Here’s the silk charmeuse being cut out:

There are more process shots on Lisa’s blog.

Photo from a fitting. Photo by Angel Photography.

And you can read more and see more pictures of the finished dress and wedding day on Lisa’s blog.

Tomorrow we’ll learn more about Lisa and what motivates her as a sewist and custom clothing maker!

Lisa Polderman

All Photos Reprinted with Permission. Visit Angel Photography and Outer Focus Photos.

What’s the tie-in? This is a jewelry blog, right?

Weddings are a huge market and anyone who makes jewelry should consider what they can make and sell for that market. Wedding rings are an obvious one, but there are so many accessories for the bride, bridesmaids and overlooked groom and groomsmen. Take a look at yesterday’s post — an etsy treasury — for some ideas. A simple necklace, sold in sets of 4 or 6 and labeled bridesmaids gifts is suddenly an easy to buy wedding item!

What about you? Do you sell to the wedding market? Do you avoid it like the plague? Comments, as ever, are open!

Here’s a post that tells you about various programs to help you make your own wedding rings:

http://www.creativetexturetools.com/news/2008/01/13/make-your-own-wedding-rings