Fun With Solder  

The first time I saw soldered glass shadow box type pendants was years ago in the Jewelry Affaire Magazine with Fussbucket's world showing darling little boxes with teeny cut paper flowers and pictures inside.  I thought I'd like to learn how to do that someday.  I took an in-person soldering class with a few years ago with Sally Jean Alexander and enjoyed it, but didn't practice.  I found  a terrific teacher in Terri Brush who teaches in her beautiful studio, but also offers on-line classes that don't expire! Such a great way to learn and review techniques. So I've been practicing!

                                     

This cute little girl is my mother, Shirlee, and she's sitting on a small round table staring into a large goldfish bowl.  I soldered beveled glass which adds movement and gives the impression of light bouncing off the glass bowl.  I made this for one of my sisters.

                                      

I've enjoyed learning soldering at my own speed with Terri Brush classes at  http://terribrushacademy.com/ You can purchase classes and then enjoy them on-line.  This way you can view them anytime without having to sit at your computer with a CD.  Terri teaches classes in her own studio and abroad. She's very helpful and personable.  While I have enjoyed purchased CDs of classes, the on-line classes are the most convenient.

These examples I made show some antique lace and a mother of pearl button with decorative solder surrounding the glass tiles and finished with sterling silver chain.

Here are a some more pieces of the jewelry I've been working on in my not so spare time.  I love to work with metal by etching it, making frames for pictures and resin.  I enjoy working with glass and solder as well and of course, love vintage mother of pearl buttons...any antique buttons actually.

Taking a class in-person or on-line is a wonderful way to learn new skills. Another idea is to check your local college or university.  I'm taking a community education class at a junior college near me and the cost is very low: parking for the semester actually costs more than the class! The class is fun because the teacher, Tony Guzman, is very helpful and so are the other class members.  At class, I get to use various tools that I don't have in my home. When you take a class you set aside at least a little bit of time to work on projects you might not be able to work on at home.  I highly recommend taking a class every so often to learn new skills and make new friends!

Have a wonderful and inspiring day!
Yours truly,
Julie