Hi! Future Basia here, have I known this video would get so many views, I would've really thought harder about the music lol 😄 I'm dying. But I hope that despite this you can still enjoy the video. Here is the NEWEST and much better version of the basic tools video, it's more detailed and clear: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-hj6cG6ncJ7Y.html and my list of TOP 25 tools for jewelry metalsmithing at home! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-gADJW9lJD3s.html
Enjoyed the video thoroughly. Thank you for sharing. I have been wanting to get into silver jewelry making for a while now, and I appreciate videos like this that can show me the basics on what to buy to get started. For anyone interested in this hobby, these kinds of videos are invaluable. So thank you !!! Much appreciated
@@mikep8080 yeah, it really needed redoing. I wonder if they did that by now. It was a flat I was renting and it was in a very interesting, old building. It was actually an old post office building, built in 1939, that was turned into flats. I wouldn't be surprised it that flooring was never done after being put there in the beginning. A shame really, becasue a flooring like this can last generations if it's taken care of properly. I don't live there anymore, so I have no idea if they fixed it.
@@TheArtOfMetalsmithing Knowing landlords probably not. The company I worked for contracted to repair keosks, pc, servers, etc for Post Offices and I covered one in Sacramento while it was being remodeled and I know how massive those buildings can be. At one time the building even had a bank and I was able to check out the safe and that door must of been 15 feet wide circle it was massive. The amount of work for that type detail pattern is crazy and would take so much time to laying it out like normal.
@@TheArtOfMetalsmithing Yasss! All other videos, even the ones that says "beginner" are tools for professionals already, and as someone who is just starting, and I have a job on the side, I need to start small, and with the MOST basic tools. So thanks a lot! I kind of have an idea where to start.
Hi everyone. Forgive me if this has already been suggested! Silver sheet is very expensive. I would highly advise practicing on copper and brash, as far as learning basic stamping, bending, cutting, etc. are concerned! Also, keep in mind that you can melt down and reuse scraps or I believe you can send them to one of the big supply companies and they will do it for you and either send the new solid piece back to you or keep it and give you a discount on things you purchase. Not 100% sure about that last part with Covid 19 going on and all!
yes, yes and yes! Thank you so much for adding this, great tips! 🙏❤ With the current whooping silver prices brass or copper would be wonderful to practice on, especially these basic techniques that you've mentioned. I know Cooksongold still accepts scrap, as well as few more UK based places, I'm not sure about USA though.
You can send silver scrap back to someone like Cooksongold. Don't forget that they will make a charge for melting and assaying. Save up your scrap so you have at least 1 to 2Kilos of silver.
Thank you so much for this video! It has all the information needed to get started soldering. I have only just starting purchasing the tools/equipment needed to finally get started soldering. It’s expensive, so like many others I read in the comments I’m getting my tools little by little. And in the meantime watching tons of videos on how to actually solder! I just love your videos! They’re always so concise but also thorough. I really don’t like having to wait through all the irrelevant chatting some videos have just to get to the actual content. Your videos are never like that, they’re always very direct and to the point. While also being very pleasant as you have such a humble, kind, and generous heart! Thank you so much for sharing your incredible talent and skills with us. ☺️
I'm dreaming of starting to make my own silver jewelry soon. Watching your video was really helpful with getting a general idea of what I'll be needing to get started. Thank you for sharing. :-)
You go girl! Silversmithing is really rewarding and worth doing. I'm really happy you've found this video helpful :-) Next one will be about books and online resources I used (and am still using) to get me started xx
It is so refreshing finding a video that brings all the questions and answers to a point with a very creative video. And not starting with a never ending live story. If you jewellery turns out like your videos then you will have a very successful career ahead 😊💍👑
Well I did rumble a bit in the beginning though haha :D It was one of my first videos, didn't feel long at the time. Now I'm trying to limit irrelevant talking haha :) Thanks so much for lovely comment, for watching and your kindest words! xxx
I’m so sorry that the previous video ended up amiss but thank you so much for taking the time to give us all of this information! I really appreciate it!
What a very useful video! So sorry you lost a video - this used to happen so much back in the day before automatic saving and HOW frustrating it was. I hope you have since managed to avoid accidental losses x
I'm so happy to hear that! 💕 Check out my channel and updated videos, there's a lot of content for beginners, what tools to get and tutorials! :) You can check this one next, it's my latest video about what tools to get: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-hj6cG6ncJ7Y.html
Very, very informative for what I intend to make. I didn't realize how many tools I am going to have to round up. Just the soldering equipment are things I need to buy.
Perfect video. Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks. I've been cutting and polishing some opal from rough, and I think the next logical step is learning how to set them in jewelry. Glad I found your Chanel. Thanks
That's amazing! I'm really glad you've found it helpful. Please do let me know if there's anything you'd like to know or see as I will be making more videos like this one :)
What a beautiful personality! U made watching this video very informative and enjoyable. I’ve been making chin-mail jewelry but forgot to solder all my rings so my jewelry came apart. Especially my gold and silver bracelets and necklaces. Yikes! So I’ve turned to You Tube for help and u have been a gr8 help...thank you! I find most of these on Amazon and Harbor-Freight. Glad I stumbled onto u...
That's true, in comparision, the prices here are actually quite good! (Those are the cheapest tools I was able to find as I was on a budget when I started, so maybe not the best quality in every case but still, affordable!). Not as good as in the US, they also have bigger range of.. everything :P Especially stones. I can imagine shipping to Australia wouldn't be cheap either
great video. just found ur channel and i can see myself binge watching for the next few hours. ill be setting opal iv found in silver in no time with ur videos guiding me
I just found your channel ! I love your videos. Ive been really hesitant on trying this. Im happy it works for you. I will be following your videos. Thank you!!
I would love to know which video you've watched before mine, what way is it? :) I think your comment was meant for this previous video but still really happy you got here too Nick!
I love your videos! I would like to see more with making the jewelry and what gauge metal to use for the sheet and bezel in particular. There are many choices and I don't know where to start!
Andi, thank you so much for lovely comment and even more, for watching my videos! :) This is a really good suggestion and I will make sure to include this in my next videos. It was tricky for me too, what gauge metal to choose for what project. It gets much easier with time and definitely with the practice. Good luck with your craft! x
Very nice clear video. Thank you for sharing. I think it would be very helpful for us if you could describe every tool, show us what it is for and how to use it. Example: tell us more about blades you use in your saw. What number of blade we need etc. Which gas torch is best (and not expensive to buy) or share the brand you use. Keep posting :) we need your help! :)
Hi, I just wanted to drop a note to show some appreciation. You are such a wonderful soul, sharing your content with us. I’m very new to all this. I’ve been electroforming for a couple of years - and definitely want to start silver smithing. Due to lack of funds I am getting the basics as and when I can slowly growing my collection until I have what I need to start. It was recently my birthday - so I asked for dremal blow torch from my partner and a pickling pot (slow cooker!) from my daughter and my mum and dad gave me a little money. I have a question please 🙋♀️ in one of your videos you said to start with copper as it’s cheaper to practice with. I already have a ton of copper as this is what I used in my electroforming…. Anyway, my question is this; What type of solder do I use for copper?? I can’t find anything on Etsy. I’ve found one type on amazon…. (Which I ordered) but I’m so confused about what to use. Please help?!😂…. Wishing you much continued success and happiness, Louise x
Hi Basia! I've just started following you on Facebook too... My eldest (8) is really curious to look at silversmithing... What might be the best ways to support his curiosity (whilst staying safe)? I'm very much wanting to get into silversmithing myself so I'm happy to do any hot bits for him!
Firstly (and please don’t take offence) you are lovely! Secondly, my brother has given me a sheet (6”/6”) if 2mm silver. What would be the first project that I could take on in your experience?
No offence taken, that's very sweet, thank you! As for the project, since this is a pretty thick silver sheet I would recommend the following: A simple ring with a wider band, polished or hammered (you'd need to measure and cut a stripe of silver out of the metal sheet, for example 6-7mm wide). It's actually a very nice, simple unisex ring that goes with everything and it's a perfect project to practice most of the basic skills. I'm preparing a tutorial for this project, but it won't be up before February though. Second project would be making a charm. Cutting something out of the metal sheet and either soldering a bail to it or making it completely solder-free (so you would cut out a space for a jumpring when sawing or you can use a cord to turn it into a necklace). Third project could be a bracelet with or without gemstones. Something like this one: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Ph8x2PW1UG4.html I hope this helps! There's tons of things you can do, just make sure that you 1. anneal to soften the metal before shaping 2. use the right sawblades for this thickness (here's some info and a chart: pepetools.com/blogs/news/what-size-saw-blade-to-use-tips-and-advice-on-using-a-piercing-saw). Good luck! :) and have fun
Thank you, that’s so helpful! I’m glad I found your channel. What about the silver material? Is there a place to get that to start making first pieces? :) thank you again, you’re amazing.
Hi! Thanks so much for watching :) Glade you liked it :) Check out my newest video, I've listed places where you can buy tools and materials ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ULm4530suNY.html
No worries, same was with me! :) Some people use glue but to me it's too much work and cleaning. Leftover glue can also prevent solder from flowing so double sided tape works best for me :)
It's been about two years now I believe, I started slowly, collecting tools etc :) You can hear more about it in my Q&A video. I will also share more details in a separate video, so stay tuned! xx
Hiya, nice to see someone else from England (?), I'm in the NW and trying to learn. Soham is perfect but I don't know the others, yet. Have you watched Andrew Berry from Wales? Very good teacher his 'You're making rings all wrong' is perfect...
Yup, England too! :)) Ohhh, Andrew Berry is great! Perfect for learning. You have to check Online Jewelry Academy, Nancy Hamilton, Soham Harrison, Pablo Cimadevila, Kornelia Jewelry too! So much valuable content, I've learned with them ❤️ Check out my videos about channels and profile worth following, more resources there! xx
Hey are you self taught? I want to get started, but the only program I have where I live is 2yr full time and I can't do that at the moment Great videos btw. I subscribed
Can you help me solve a problem with soldering, I’ve just bought bench basics smart flux and new silver hard silver solder , i pickle the piece and wash , dry , it ,then wire wool both pieces to be joined so they are clean , I apply the smart flux after a quick warm of the piece and it turns white I then use hard solder wire and begin but I’m always ending up with balling solder and it never flows just sits there , and it’s a mystery, can you help ?
There is a difference between silversmithing and jewellery making. Jewellery is smaller work, rings, pendants, earrings, that sort of thing. Silversmithing is bigger work. Domestic silver, jugs bowls, spoons, cutlery.
That's true! Silversmithing used to be exactly that. Today the term silversmithing is applied in a broader way and started including silver jewellery as well. Traditionally, or technically, it should be goldsmithing. But in order to distinguish between these materials more, since some jeweler's don't work with gold (myself included, at least for now), term silversmithing feels more appropriate. So the way I understand it, is that today's terminology transforemd a little, but it's still important to know the difference, history and tradition of the craft :)
@@TheArtOfMetalsmithing I was trained as a silversmith but gradually changed to being a jeweller realising that there is a much bigger market for jewellery than silverware. As you can imagine the costs involved in making silverware is much greater. I do enjoy making large pieces. I started teaching adults jewellery and silversmithing for several years which I found very rewarding. Some of them now have their own businesses. Coming back to the practical, what do you do about firestain?
If you had to start over, would you start with a stronger torch such as a "Smith Little?" Is the one you're using strong enough for everything? Also, if you had upgraded any of your beginner tools right off the bat, which ones would that be? I think in one video you said the burnisher makes a big difference. I would rather spend a little more money if the tool makes a huge difference. Thanks again for sharing your jewelry adventure! I've been thinking about teaching myself silversmithing for over two years! It is definitely the money holding me back, but I don't want to have to buy everything twice! Thanks again! Caroline, Florida, USA
Great question! I think I would still start with small Dremel torch, because using torch was very new to me and was the only thing I was a little scared of. It was all good after first try though, so I would probably progress to Smith Little Torch asap, if I lived in a different place. The only thing that keeps me from upgrading my torch is the the space I work in. I would also get a good quality ring mangrel with sizing on it, instead of buying the plain and cheap one. Instead of ring bending pliers, I'd get a ring bending tool that you mount onto the bench. It's an investment, but it helps tremendously! I'd also get a good quality saw frame, like Knew Concepts for example. And a good quality beze pusher, with rounded edges, that doesn't mark the metal! This topic is actually a great video suggestion! 😀 Thank you, I think I'll film it sometime soon.
Sure thing! I suppose some questions that pop in my mind are about the thickness and gauge of the silver, and low quality vs high quality, where to purchase, and what exactly is troy ounces lol and does it matter that much when purchasing silver? Thank you!
Another suggestion could be to have a video all about stones and cabochons, low quality vs high quality same as the silver. I see so many videos on tools and soldering and what not but I can never find any on the metal or stones:( I love the quality of your videos and how you explain everything!
These are excellent ideas Jennifer, thank you! I'm now putting it up on my planner and will definitely make a video about materials that I use and I will try to answer your questions :) As for the ounces I would need to do some research as I haven't really seen it or used it here. Where about in the world are you? That will give me clearer idea as what units and system etc you're using! :) As for the stones, I'm still learning myself but I do have some knowledge I could share already that might be useful! xx
Thank you! It's a very old one, so I'd recommend you check out other, more recent ones on my channel if your interested! 😄 As for the first project, a good old ring is always a great choice! :) Involves all most basic techniques and is a lot of fun! :)) Good luck!
