I’m part of a jewellery group on Facebook (well, I’m a member of a few now), but this one is run by a wonderful Silversmith, who’s teaching style makes her hints and tips invaluable. Joanne has classes on Skillshare (get 2 free months of premium membership here Free – did I mention that?!) and one of her recent classes is about creating a specialised tool.
The metal rod on a stick you can see at the front of this photo, is a commercial bezel pusher.
A bezel is the bit of metal that sits around a stone (usually a smooth stone) holding it in to the piece of jewellery.
It’s an essential bit of kit and usually inexpensive – I think I bought mine for under a fiver, but as you can see, it’s reasonably large – the working end of this one is about 5mm x 5mm square.
It’s perfect for pieces such as this large stone: (https://www.etsy.com/uk/DawnGillDesigns/listing/702387670)
Not so much for these small stones with silver detailing close to the bezel – there’s no room for the tool to fit down the edge:
(https://www.etsy.com/uk/DawnGillDesigns/listing/700439377)
What I had been using was a tiny steel rule to get into the nooks and crannies, and I was feeling restricted by the material, but now I’ve these new tools, there are many more possibilities. 😀
I used scrap from the Steptoe-Shed, some bolt cutters that Lovely-Sue gave us, prosecco corks from my hoard, some leather scraps also from my bookbinding days and my old whetstone from 1990.
Two hours (and the loss of my fingerprints) later I have these gorgeous mini tools.
Scraphappy is a challenge / regular community posting run by Kate and her chum. There are a number of us that join in – I’m a rarity, working with hard metals. I also am one of the least regular contributors!
The variety of creations made by these talented craftspeople* is astonishing, well worth nipping over to take a look at their sites, and perhaps follow any that interest you.
Kate, Gun, Titti, Heléne, Eva, Sue, Nanette, Lynn, Lynda,
Birthe, Turid, Susan, Cathy, Debbierose, Tracy, Jill, Claire, Jan,
Moira, Sandra, Linda, Chris, Nancy, Alys, Kerry, Claire, Jean,
Joanne, Jon, Hayley, Dawn (ME!), Gwen, Connie, Bekki, Pauline and Sue L.
*List accurate for July2019 Kate always has the main list on her site. She always inspires me to consider getting out my needles. ‘Course, I don’t – I’ve shinies to be making, but hey, one can imagine.
Golly, I am in awe; you made your own TOOLS! Now that truly is a worthy ScrapHappy post. I also love how shiny and pretty you’ve made them; if you’re using something all the time it may as well be nice to look out.
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ha ha! I only did coz Joanne had that skillshare class. Perhaps I shpuld have explained that the finish is crucial – any dodginess in the tool would transfer to the bezel.
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I’m just accustomed to woodworking tools, which tend to acquire a patina over time. These look like bits of jewellery themselves!
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What a fun post! It must be gratifying making your own tools, especially knowing the challenges of your trade. I’m off to visit your Etsy shop. Thanks for the link back to gardening nirvana. Alys
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Hello!! Thank you for this – and for the other 😉
Yes, it’s always a joy to make your own tools. I’ve got quite a few adapted items now, but these are especially pleasing given that I’ve not had to spend anything other than a bit of time. They work really well too. I’m so pleased.
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I understand the joy of being pleased with oneself when things go well. Not having to invest cash is a plus, too. This ScrapHappy challenge is fun.
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I love it.
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I have tiny computer tools close to that size! Love gadgets and tools. 🙂
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me too. Can never have too many, Granddad said. 😀
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Granddad was a wise man. I have some of my Father’s tools too. They’re a bit bigger – shovels and such – but they still work beautifully. 🙂
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This is great! You’re so right–those big bezel pushers are often really unwieldy and your tiny tools are SO much better. I took a course in chasing and repousse and we made our own tools for that–it was so empowering!
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Fab isn’t it? Very little beats having made or created your own space and tools. (I haven’t attempted proper chasing or repousse – yet!!
Thank you.
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Very impressive. Sounds silly, but the tools are pretty. Does that even make sense?!? I use corks in crafting, too. I like the look, the thought of re-purposing and not sticking my fingers. 🙂
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no, that doesn’t sound silly at all. It was William Morris who advised have nothing that is not beautiful, wasn’t it? I’m very much of the opinion one should try and make everything pleasing.
I love an excuse to drink more wine – fizzy or otherwise !
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
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Ingenious and you have a very good excuse for drinking lots of Prosecco.
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HA HA HA! Absolutely my plan
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I love tools and yours are so different from the ones I use, thanks for showing these tiny gems.
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thank you! Can never have too many tools 😉
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What I like best is that the tools you made from your scraps are as beautiful as the jewelry you make. I do love that green necklace. I’ve browsed through your etsy, and you have many beautiful things. You are an amazing jeweler.
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So kind. Thank you
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