metalsmithing
Jewelry Making as a Hobby: Keep it Enjoyable and Sustainable
Taking on jewelry making as a creative hobby has a wide range of benefits. But once you’ve gotten hooked, how do you make it sustainable and enjoyable long term? Read on for our best tips!
Embellishing a Cuff Blank with Pre-made Jewelry Findings
by Erica Stice
Have fun embellishing a cuff blank with pre-made findings! Sweat solder links, charms, heishes, and more to cuff blanks to create exciting jewelry pieces. Read the tutorial and watch the video here.
Jewelry School Profile: KP Studio
Located just two hours south of Halstead Headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona is a thriving metalsmithing studio school. We took a day trip to check out the space, chat with the instructors and hang out with all of the KP Studio cats!
Creating Jewelry Finishing Effects - A Sampler of Tool Attachments & Results
by Erica Stice
Understanding jewelry tools and what each one does can be overwhelming. In this article, we help you navigate through the popular jewelry finishes and the tool attachments you'll need to create them.
Handmade Jewelry: Types and Techniques
Curious what makes handmade jewelry so different from mass-produced? Learn about the different categories of handmade jewelry and some of the techniques for each one.
Jewelry Wire Work Tips from Melissa Muir
Learn wire jewelry frame fabrication tips from one of our preferred studio teachers, Melissa Muir. She shows you step by step how to make this gorgeous wire work cuff using Halstead’s Sterling silver supplies and a beautiful cabochon!
Top 5 Reasons Silver Solder Doesn't Flow
by Erica Stice
Solder not flowing? Find out the reasons why. Jewelry soldering can be frustrating at times, but with the right knowledge, you can quickly troubleshoot the problems.
Soldering Copper & Brass Metals in the Jewelry Studio
by Erica Stice
Copper and brass are fun materials to work with in the jewelry studio. They are beautiful in their own right and they are perfect for learning new techniques. But, soldering these metals raises unique issues in design and technical execution. Learn more from our studio coordinator, Erica Stice.
How to Pick Solder in the Jewelry Studio
by Erica Stice
If you have a small piece or want a precise join without a lot of solder flowing, learn to pick solder. Pick soldering minimizes solder messes and heat on your jewelry piece to prevent melting disasters. Add this skill to your bench resume today.
How to Sweat Solder 14kt Gold to Sterling Silver
by Erica Stice
Use 14kt gold solder ornaments on sterling silver jewelry blanks to create unique mixed metal jewelry pieces. Erica Stice is breaking down the sweat soldering process so you can add this great technique to your jewelry making skills.
