When Things Go Awry
Jewelry making can be erratic. Sometimes things don't go smoothly, or as planned. Here's how Judy Larson deals with that issue.
Instructions
Things went wrong during soldering the parts of the Emerald Flower Pendant to the backplate, which led to the creation of the Bali Headdress.
I wasn't paying close enough attention to the torch flame and solder, causing the solder to bubble and shift three leaves in one direction and the bezel in another.
Knowing I might melt something if I kept going, I gently nudged a few pieces and left it alone.
The flower's bezel ended up slightly off-center, which wasn't obvious until after cutting out the piece.
Trying to rebalance it visually, I soldered silver balls in descending sizes beside the bezel but wasn't happy with the result.
I also realized I didn't like the design as much as I thought an oval stone probably would have worked better.
When this happens, I set the project aside and wait for inspiration.
A friend visited, and after talking about Asian and Bali design, I looked at the piece differently.
I removed some petals, and the Bali Headdress pendant was born an Emerald Pendant I liked much better.
I wasn't paying close enough attention to the torch flame and solder, causing the solder to bubble and shift three leaves in one direction and the bezel in another.
Knowing I might melt something if I kept going, I gently nudged a few pieces and left it alone.
The flower's bezel ended up slightly off-center, which wasn't obvious until after cutting out the piece.
Trying to rebalance it visually, I soldered silver balls in descending sizes beside the bezel but wasn't happy with the result.
I also realized I didn't like the design as much as I thought an oval stone probably would have worked better.
When this happens, I set the project aside and wait for inspiration.
A friend visited, and after talking about Asian and Bali design, I looked at the piece differently.
I removed some petals, and the Bali Headdress pendant was born an Emerald Pendant I liked much better.
Moral of the story: Our aggravation at our mistake makes it difficult to clearly see a path toward a solution.
Set things aside when you aren't happy with them. It may take a while, but the solution will come.
The ideas will flow, just not right away. Go on to something else.
Remind yourself that every mistake is a learning experience, and mistakes often turn into something unexpected and beautiful.
Set things aside when you aren't happy with them. It may take a while, but the solution will come.
The ideas will flow, just not right away. Go on to something else.
Remind yourself that every mistake is a learning experience, and mistakes often turn into something unexpected and beautiful.
Materials
Wire- Variety of metals, gauges and tempers
Sheet Metal - variety of metals and gauges
Cabochons
Tools
Deluxe Soldering Kit
G15-5
- G15-5
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $116.97
- Gold Club Price: $87.73
12x12 Inch Rubber Mat
MAT-500.00
- MAT-500.00
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $24.95
- Gold Club Price: $18.71
Supply Detail
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- Category: General Education
- Technique(s): General Education
Judy Larson
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