http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/handcrafted-jewelry-blog.html The Weekly Wire handcrafted jewelry blog. Here's where you can get instant updates on new and improved pages, my weekly thoughts and inspirations, and see what's hot off the bench. en-us handcrafted jewelry Wed, 28 Jul 2010 01:38:49 GMT Wed, 28 Jul 2010 01:38:49 GMT hodgepodgerie.com http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/seal-polished-copper.html Hi - I'm wondering after I polish the copper - do I need to seal the copper? Stacy's Answer: Hi Cindy! It is only necessary to seal the copper after Wed, 28 Jul 2010 01:38:45 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/where-can-i-buy-stainless-shot.html Where can I buy stainless shot for a good price? or is $20.00/ lb., the cheapest I have found so far it? Also how much do I need for a 3 lb tumbler that Wed, 28 Jul 2010 01:33:37 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/industrial-metals-earrings-01.html It's all about texture in these fun Industrial Metals earrings made from copper, brass and Sterling silver. Sun, 25 Jul 2010 21:06:35 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/blog07-23-2010.html Summer Artists Market, New Industrial Metals class, Fall class registration Sat, 24 Jul 2010 02:07:14 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/krylon-to-finish-copper.html Does Krylon matte finish work well to protect copper from tarnishing or do you recommend some other finish? Does it work to spray the coating on an entire Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:36:29 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/hammering-wires.html What type of hammer is best to use for hammering wire? I am trying to achieve a look that is only hammered at the bottom, in this case, for an oval shaped Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:35:29 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/how-to-tumble-18-20-22-ga-round-wire-oxidized-sterling-silver.html If I wanted to tumble an ounce of Oxidized Sterling Silver, could I do it in the smaller Loratone tumbler? Is it better to oxidized after the piece is Fri, 16 Jul 2010 06:09:52 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/tumble-scratches.html I tumbled some silver pieces last night and they are all the same size and shape pretty much. One piece came out with some scratches in one area but the Sat, 10 Jul 2010 00:17:57 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/why-is-my-copper-silver.html Well, Stacy, I am not a chemist or a metalsmith (as you already know), so here goes....tried fusing some fine silver wire to a copper piece which I thought Wed, 23 Jun 2010 01:04:41 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/jewelry-tags.html Do you purchase your jewelry tags or do you make your own? Thanks, Robbie Stacy's Answer:Hi Robbie! I make my own tags. Some are stamped and some are Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:40:29 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/sealing-liverofsulfur-on-copper.html Hello, So I've just used some Stabilized LOS on some copper necklaces. I want to make sure that no residue comes off onto my customers clothes or skin. Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:35:53 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/hammered-wire-is-filmy.html Lately, when I hammer a piece of wire, I have been using Argentium Sterling wire, there is a film on the hammered portion, I tumble it and still I can't Wed, 16 Jun 2010 12:27:41 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/finger-protection-when-working-with-metals.html Probably everyone already knows about this but if not - There is a product named Medipore by 3M that comes in a roll about 3 wide. It is a porous light Sun, 06 Jun 2010 14:52:13 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/tumbling-aluminum-wire.html Can you tumble aluminum wire to harden it just like you do silver or other wires? Stacy's Answer:Hi Billi! From the limited amount I know about aluminum, Tue, 01 Jun 2010 11:33:20 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/industrial-metals-cuff-bracelet.html The varied textures and mixed metals of this unique wrapped and riveted cuff bracelet create a feast for the senses! Sat, 29 May 2010 18:20:56 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/interchangeable-topper-bangle-class.html Click’ and Switch! In this interchangeable topper bangle class you'll learn to create a bracelet that's the ultimate in versatility. Swap out the tops (or bottoms) to create different looks quickly and easily! Thu, 20 May 2010 00:48:51 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/tumbling-lampwork.html I find myself reading your website and realizing I really have no idea what I am doing. Your thoughts on jewelry tumbling are unique in that I have pored Wed, 19 May 2010 03:04:23 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/siena-copper-bangle.html This lampwork and copper bangle reminds one of the warm valleys of Tuscany, Italy. Sun, 16 May 2010 22:57:37 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/urban-sterling-silver-necklace.html I've hammered and scalloped to create this unique Sterling silver necklace which doubles as a triple-wrapped bracelet. Sun, 16 May 2010 22:04:40 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/gents-cuff-bracelet.html Heads up guys! Here's a very cool artisan handcrafted solid copper wire cuff bracelet created with men in mind. Sat, 15 May 2010 20:09:42 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/summer-chrysalis-bangle.html With its pure copper and silver chrysalis focal, this lovely copper and lampwork bangle is a feast for the senses. Tue, 04 May 2010 02:22:47 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/wire-jewelry-fast-start.html Learn to create beautiful wire jewelry in this exciting and fun 2-day Wire Jewelry Fast Start workshop! Thu, 22 Apr 2010 03:54:12 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/gold-foil-in-the-tumbler.html Hi...Is it ok to tumble an earring that has gold foil on it? The gold foil is attached using a torch and burnisher. Thanks for your help. Rachel Stacy's Sun, 18 Apr 2010 21:23:50 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/should-i-tumble-silver-plated-jump-rings.html My question is simple, I think? Can silver plated jump rings be tumbled to remove burrs? Margaret Stacy's Answer:Hi Margaret! There are a lot of factors Sun, 18 Apr 2010 21:21:09 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/where-to-buy-ferrous-chloride.html Where can I find ferrous chloride? Thanks! Stacy's Answer:Hi Midwest. To find ferrous chloride, you'll need to contact a supplier of scientific materials. Tue, 13 Apr 2010 01:17:52 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/chasing-hammer-size-and-weight.html Hello Stacy, You helped me awhile back with info on a bench block and I'm back needing input on a chasing hammer. My choices are: 15/16 x 2 1/2 - 3 oz. Sun, 11 Apr 2010 22:23:33 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/aegean-cuff-bracelet-tutorial.html Learn to create a beautiful wire cuff bracelet reminiscent of a classic greek relic. Sat, 27 Feb 2010 15:42:42 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/jewelry-making-tips.html Here's a collection of articles full of great jewelry making tips and techniques to help you expand your knowledge and hone your skills. Sun, 21 Feb 2010 02:54:44 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/turquoise.html Is it turquoise or something else? Know what you're buying. Sun, 21 Feb 2010 02:49:41 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/ball-pein-hammer.html Is a ball pein hammer the right tool for your jewelry project? Sun, 21 Feb 2010 00:35:34 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/cold-connections-class.html Add a new dimension to your jewelry designs when you learn to make tube rivets for your lampwork beads and add your own handmade bead caps and in this cold connections workshop. Wed, 10 Feb 2010 03:24:45 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/smaller-dapping-dies-for-bead-caps.html hi! I bought a lovely and really inexpensive dapping block from you. It's great for medallions and larger pieces, but I also want bead caps. And you Tue, 02 Feb 2010 03:01:43 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/which-gauge-for-small-decorative-twists.html Which gauge wire do I use for small decorative twists? Jan Stacy's Answer:Hi Jan! I'm not certain what you mean by, small decorative twists, but most Tue, 02 Feb 2010 02:28:01 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/earwire-gauge-questions.html When making ear wires like on your amethyst hoop earrings, what gauge do you use? 18 or 19 is too thick to go through my ears or hurts when i wear Mon, 18 Jan 2010 02:31:13 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/stone-hardness-and-tumbling.html Do you have a certain Moh hardness level you would suggest NOT tumbling? I know you mentioned turquoise and pearls and dyed corals but what about the Mon, 18 Jan 2010 02:21:33 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/copper-patina.html I have a nice shiny length of copper 10' x 3'. I am using it as inlays in my kitchen cabinets. I want to patina this copper with liver of sulfer. Can Mon, 18 Jan 2010 02:16:43 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/sound-of-snow-necklace.html A quartet of Autumn leaves is captured in this copper and Sterling silver choker style necklace. Sun, 20 Dec 2009 17:02:37 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/fold-forming-basics-class.html Have fun forming, folding and unfolding sheet metal to create beautiful metal art jewelry in this fold forming basics class. Sat, 19 Dec 2009 02:44:05 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/making-large-s-link-components.html Hi Stacy, Do you have any tips on making the large S links like the ones you used in your LeCarnivale and keeping the curves consistent? Is there an Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:37:12 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/water-turning-grey.html My tumbler was working really well until I put in some beads with fine silver on them - the water came out a dark grey colour and the shot is dull and Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:49:35 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/protective-finish-for-copper.html How can one prevent copper from turning green and is there a coating that would protect the client's skin? Thank you, Riki Stacy's Answer:Thanks for Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:32:16 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/tools-markings-on-wire.html I am having a difficult time with tool marks, especially when working with heavier gauge wires like 14g or 16g. How do you avoid tool marks? Thanks! Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:20:25 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/opposites-attract-sterling-silver-cuff-bracelet.html The attraction of opposing forces is on beautiful display in this Sterling silver cuff bracelet. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:20:37 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/aurora-cuff-bracelet.html With its pink and golden sunrise hues, this fold formed copper cuff bracelet is a fitting tribute to Aurora, Goddess of the Dawn. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:03:37 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/etching-copper.html Expand your jewelry design possibilites in this quick tutorial on etching copper. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:42:21 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/heavy-dark-patina.html I want to buy patina gel from COOL TOOLS but will this product heavily darken silver for a Dark-Dark patina on silver. Stacy's Answer:Hi Carolyn! I'm Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:57:32 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/tumble-polishing.html One secret to beautiful wire and metal jewelry is tumble polishing or just tumbling. This article covers the dos and don'ts of the rotary tumbler. Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:41:28 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/copper-turned-dark.html My Copper Bracelet came out beautifully the first time I tumbled it but the 2nd time it turned out dark and looked ugly, dark and tarnished. I used Tarn-X Sun, 25 Oct 2009 05:00:51 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/lorenes-twisted-sisters.html How do I keep my creations from looking so Victorian. What should I do to make the design more bold and dramatic? Stacy's Answer:Hi Laurie! I don't Thu, 24 Sep 2009 01:44:17 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/question-about-bench-block.html Stacy, First, thanks for the wire jewelry Q & A! I'm new to working with wire (I love it, even though it has its frustrating moments!) and it has been Thu, 24 Sep 2009 01:34:56 GMT