Stamped Solder

I have been experimenting with stamping solder once it's liquefied and playing with the different patterns and textures that magically appear.  A nod to etching in that the metal gets a big punch of interest, but much different in that the patterns, no matter what stamp I use, have a much more freeform appearance to them.  Often times I will etch some brass with several different patterns to get a collage look, but I'm finding the stamped solder has an organic feel to it.  Also, I want to incorporate more silver tones in my pieces to satisfy those customers who lean in that metal tone direction.

To give you an idea of where I'm going, here are two familiar designs I already have in my inventory, the demi cuff and the wrap bracelet, but I'm using the stamped solder as the focal:

 

I will use nickel as the foundation so that it looks more finished underneath, but if someone has an allergy to nickel I can easily substitute solid copper or solid brass instead. Check back in the Etsy Shop soon to see these and other stamped soldered pieces.

As always, thank you for your interest!

Sara

Sacred Hearts

Here are the newest pieces and I really enjoyed making these.  They turned out exactly as I envisioned.  I love it when that happens.

Stained glass hearts wrapped with a soldered bezel...

...washed with antique gold....

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....and embellished with aged rhinestones, vintage medals and crosses, petite angel wings, and handmade textured flames.  

Wired into neck chains of vintage solid brass Saturn finish beads and etched bronze tone metal.

I will be listing these Sacred Heart necklaces in the Etsy Shop early this week, so please check back!

I hope you have a wonderful week!

Sara

Hello 2014!

Happy New Year!  I hope your holidays were a refreshing time, you've thawed out from the crazy cold temperatures that hit the US this week, and you're back to your regular schedule.

One of my goals for the year is to focus on participating in much larger shows that will reach a broader audience.  In preparation for this, I have been increasing my inventory with several new designs in larger quantities.  There will still be the one-of-a-kind and limited edition aspects I've been known for, but I am just making more of them.  I will also continue to list them in the Etsy shop, so you'll still have the opportunity to purchase In Small Spectacles pieces if you can't attend a show.

One of the newest designs I've made this year are vintage hymn titles preserved under panes of glass, embellished with filigree, and hung on necklaces made from vintage brass beads, West German crystals, and of course, the aged rhinestones that always add that patina bling to my pieces. 

I have been enjoying scouting the antique stores for old hymnals and reading the rich text in each song.  Some are new to me, and some are like long lost friends whose melodies are engraved on my heart forever.  How sad that most of the churches today have tossed aside these lovely tunes for watered down and repetitive choruses.  But I digress...

Here is a sample that are currently listed in the Etsy shop:

I've also been working with antique handmade lace resting under panes of filigree-embellished glass.  A very sweet, but eclectic, look. 

Finally, beveled glass in various shapes and sizes also soldered with antiqued filigree finish up the latest pieces I've been working on. I have made TONS of these pendants and will list them as I complete hand wiring them with the vintage goodies and rhinestones.

On another note, I am pleased to report In Small Spectacles has reached the social media milestone of 1,000 likes on Facebook!  Thank you so much for your continued interest in and support of the jewelry I make.   I make every piece with my whole heart, so every like and comment, every purchase means the world to me!

Sara