The Crafting Experience: Soldered Pendants

There is just something about melting metal - I think it must be the Flashdance girl in me!  Instead of "welder by day, dancer by night", my slogan could be "office manager by day, solderer by night...".

Last night I joined a fine group of San Diego ladies, Deborah, Bird, Suzie and our teachers, Brooke and Colleen, for the Soldered Pendants Craft Along Night!  It was so relaxing to be doing something crafty on a Friday night and a bonus was the wine, cheese, bread, fruit, cookies and to-die-for chocolate covered strawberries.


Brooke and Colleen were such patient and efficient teachers and made it look really easy, and honestly, it wasn't that hard.  I even made a necklace and earring set that were round instead of rectangle.  These were way harder than my rectangle pendant, but nonetheless, I DID IT!

Being efficient and wonderful teachers, they provided us with some great tips and info on where to purchase stuff:

• Invest in a good solder iron.  A cheaper one might seem okay at first, but replacing it often means the cheap cost isn't that cost effective afterall.
• Microscopic slides make great pendants for these projects, and they aren't expensive (another option and an Etsy option ).
• Cutting up old books is okay.  Yes, I said it was okay and I actually did it for one of my projects!  I cut out words, definitions and some pictures and I didn't go to school or library jail.
• For glass supplies in San Diego, try out Blue Dolphin Glass or Alpine Glass (copper tape or sheets).
• Use lots of flux.
• Other interesting links...  Fire and Flowers, Colleen Townend Jewelry, Vintage Valentine's

I can't wait for the next class - join me on Friday, August 6th at 7:00pm for "Flower Sashes and Brooches".  Email Brooke at thelivinghome@gmail.com for more information.

XO,
allison