http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/handcrafted-jewelry-blog.html The Weekly Wire handcrafted jewelry blog. Here's where you can get instant updates on new content, my thoughts and inspirations, and see what's hot-off-the-bench. en-us handcrafted jewelry Wed, 16 May 2012 19:39:00 GMT Wed, 16 May 2012 19:39:00 GMT hodgepodgerie.com http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/hand-stamped-jewelry.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/hand-stamped-jewelry.html I am brand new to jewelry making. I just purchased a Lortone tumbler. I use Silver Black to oxidize the hand stamper discs. Do you tumble the jewelry AFTER Wed, 16 May 2012 19:38:57 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/aluminium-not-coming-out-shiny.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/aluminium-not-coming-out-shiny.html Hi I have found that it takes a fair few hours to get my silver shiny and often it has small dents that are blackened in it after hours and hours! I find Thu, 03 May 2012 03:13:24 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/sterling-silver-discs-stick-to-rubber-barrel.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/sterling-silver-discs-stick-to-rubber-barrel.html I'm having a problem with my Lortone 3A tumbler. My discs always seem to stick to the rubber barrel. They don't really get tumbled and have black around Thu, 03 May 2012 02:48:13 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/mixed-metal-pieces-tumble.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/mixed-metal-pieces-tumble.html I have a handmade chain of mixed metal: sterling silver and copper. I haven't had luck tumbling it to a bright finish. Some places on the internet say Thu, 03 May 2012 02:38:46 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/stopped-tumbling.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/stopped-tumbling.html My old and trust lortone barrel doesn't seem to want to turn anymore. The bar is still moving though. Any thoughts? Roberta Stacy's Answer: Hi Roberta! Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:18:55 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/making-the-metal-shine.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/making-the-metal-shine.html Hi im totally new to stamping metal. I just wanted to know after i watched a video on youtube, the guy wouldn't say how he got his metals so shiny but Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:57:48 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/where-can-i-find-permalac.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/where-can-i-find-permalac.html I found your entry on patinas and liver of sulfur very interesting and helpful, as I am new to the art and eager for perspective. As of yet, I have not Wed, 04 Apr 2012 21:06:39 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/dirty-shot-and-brassy-silver-yikes.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/dirty-shot-and-brassy-silver-yikes.html Can I use baking soda to polish my shot? or is flat Coke better? I tumbled some heavily tarnished pieces with some I had just forged and the new ones Sun, 18 Mar 2012 18:00:22 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/right-gauge.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/right-gauge.html I have not made anything in Silver for a few years now apart from rings and I want to make an open silver bangle for myself with an imperial jasper at Sun, 18 Mar 2012 17:46:05 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/removing-laquer-from-brass.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/removing-laquer-from-brass.html i discovered a pile of small brass plaques probably from a library card catalog. my father collected this long ago...anyway, these have corroded and also Sun, 18 Mar 2012 17:37:18 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/tumbling-copper.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/tumbling-copper.html Hello, What is best to use in tumbler when tumbling copper? thank you, Tammy Stacy's Answer: Tammy, if you haven't done so I would recommend you first Sun, 18 Mar 2012 17:14:09 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/how-many-barrels.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/how-many-barrels.html Can you use the same barrel for fine silver, copper and polymer clay? Obviously, not at the same time just using the same barrel washed between media. Sun, 18 Mar 2012 16:33:03 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/tumbler-barrel-not-turning.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/tumbler-barrel-not-turning.html I have a new tumbler - have filled the barrel as per instructions - but it refuses to turn - help. Stacy's Answer: This could be any of several issues. Sun, 18 Mar 2012 16:31:14 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/tumbling-copper-but-want-to-keep-the-natural-aged-patina.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/tumbling-copper-but-want-to-keep-the-natural-aged-patina.html Hi, I have several coils of vintage copper wire that has a lovely aged patina that I would like to keep to the steampunk jewelry I make. I basically want Sun, 18 Mar 2012 16:25:55 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/fading-problems-with-black-max-silver-oxidizer.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/fading-problems-with-black-max-silver-oxidizer.html I am having fading problems with Black Max silver oxidizer when it is exposed to direct sunlight and heat. These pieces are using new Sterling silver, Sun, 18 Mar 2012 16:21:49 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/sealant-and-silver1.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/sealant-and-silver1.html Do you ever use a protective finish on silver. I have read arguments on line against sealing silver, but is it really as bad an idea for tarnish prevention. Sun, 18 Mar 2012 16:14:38 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/my-recently-antiqued-chainmail-is-coloring-my-skin.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/my-recently-antiqued-chainmail-is-coloring-my-skin.html I have been looking everywhere for the solution to this issue. I used stabilized liquid liver of sulfur from CoolTools to darken a bronze chainmail necklace. Sun, 18 Mar 2012 16:11:47 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/sunflower-repousse-workshop.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/sunflower-repousse-workshop.html Transform ordinary disks into contemporary, stunning jewelry in this fun sunflower repouss&#233 workshop. Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:41 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/etching-fine-silver-999.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/etching-fine-silver-999.html Hi Stacy...I just stumbled upon your site, and I love it! I mostly work with fine silver sheet and wire. I love that I don't need to polish it as much Thu, 16 Feb 2012 04:24:53 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/polishing-stamped-jewelry.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/polishing-stamped-jewelry.html Hi, I bought a 3lb.HF tumbler some time ago to smooth the back of my disks after I punch them with hole punch. I also got the tumbler to take the excess Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:06:09 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/tumbling-hand-made-silver-gold-plated-ear-wires.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/tumbling-hand-made-silver-gold-plated-ear-wires.html If I hammer plated metal ear wires i have made and then want to polish them, will they tarnish at the ends? or will they polish up? Stacy's Answer: They Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:40:30 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/tip-for-cutting-sheet-metal.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/tip-for-cutting-sheet-metal.html Hi Stacy, Just wanted to give a tip. I aquired an old fashioned industrial paper cutter like they used in office & schools, one with the wooden base and Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:52:04 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/tumbling-vs-lathe-polishing.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/tumbling-vs-lathe-polishing.html In the past, most of my jewelry was at least partially soldered and I only used a lathe for polishing. (even on pieces that weren't soldered) I am starting Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:18:36 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/is-there-a-way-to-tumble-sterling-silver-chain.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/is-there-a-way-to-tumble-sterling-silver-chain.html I was wondering if you can tumble thin Sterling silver chain? If not, how else can I polish it? Stacy's Answer:Hi Riley. You could wrap your chain around Tue, 24 Jan 2012 03:55:57 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/wire-jewelry-class-schedule.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/wire-jewelry-class-schedule.html Check out my latest wire and metal jewelry class schedule and be part of a fun jewelry making class or workshop. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:49:59 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/does-stainless-steel-shot-need-replacing.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/does-stainless-steel-shot-need-replacing.html Hi there, just wondering if I need to replace my jewelry shot? I use the Lortone 3A tumbler and have 1-lb of stainless steel jewelry mix shot in it, have Sat, 10 Dec 2011 15:54:08 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/metalworks-class.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/metalworks-class.html Learn the basics in metal jewelry fabrication in this fun 6 week metalworks class. Sat, 19 Nov 2011 04:13:55 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/autumn-sunlight-copper-bangle.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/autumn-sunlight-copper-bangle.html Handcrafted artisan copper and lampwork bangle bracelet by Stacy Perry Thu, 17 Nov 2011 02:34:58 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/sealant-and-silver.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/sealant-and-silver.html Do you ever use a protective finish on silver? I have read arguments online against sealing silver, but is it really as bad an idea for tarnish prevention? Sat, 12 Nov 2011 00:54:40 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/copper-turned-a-gunmetal-color.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/copper-turned-a-gunmetal-color.html Hi stacy, I made copper bangle bracelets. They were patinated in liver of sulfur. I then experimented with brass brushing some of the bracelets instead Sat, 12 Nov 2011 00:52:02 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/using-and-disposing-of-midas-green-patina-and-copper-oxidizer.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/using-and-disposing-of-midas-green-patina-and-copper-oxidizer.html Hi! I am working with copper and brass patinas for the first time, and wondering if you have tips on the use and/or disposal of either of these products, Sat, 12 Nov 2011 00:46:59 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/my-silver-pieces-look-no-different-after-2-hrs-of-tumbling.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/my-silver-pieces-look-no-different-after-2-hrs-of-tumbling.html hi there, I recently purchased a Lortone 3A tumbler. I followed all the instructions and my sterling silver pieces looked absolutely no different after Sat, 12 Nov 2011 00:40:29 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/what-are-the-plastic-beads-with-the-hf-tumbler-for.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/what-are-the-plastic-beads-with-the-hf-tumbler-for.html I am tumbling sterling silver in my HF tumbler for the first time ever, and am having trouble with the pieces getting the black/hematite look. I will try Sat, 12 Nov 2011 00:37:23 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/magen-david-jasper-necklace.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/magen-david-jasper-necklace.html Magen David Sterling silver and Cherry Creek jasper necklace Fri, 04 Nov 2011 01:21:13 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/how-long-to-tumble.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/how-long-to-tumble.html Stacy, How long would I tumble ear wires to work harden them? Is there a general rule of thumb for time to tumble to work harden jewelry pieces? Thanks. Sun, 30 Oct 2011 16:25:48 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/tumbling-gold-castings.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/tumbling-gold-castings.html I would like to know if a vibratery tumbler can remove casting lines from gold. I have used green plastic pyramids with a small amount of water for 20 Sun, 30 Oct 2011 16:07:46 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/wire-coiling.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/wire-coiling.html Hi Stacy, How do you know how much wire to coil to make an inch of coil when doing bangle designs? Michelle Stacy's Answer: You know, that's a very Tue, 04 Oct 2011 16:35:05 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/dapping-metal-or-wood.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/dapping-metal-or-wood.html Hi Stacy, Can you give me some beginner info on a dapping block wood vs metal. How to judge which size on the block to use. Thanks I appreciate any guidance Tue, 04 Oct 2011 04:40:40 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/tumbling-permanently-colored-copper-wire-coiled-components.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/tumbling-permanently-colored-copper-wire-coiled-components.html I make lampwork beads. I have begun using the beads in wire jewelry. I make links and/or coils of permanently colored copper wire. I can harden some Sun, 02 Oct 2011 18:26:10 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/smoothing-sawed-brass-edges.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/smoothing-sawed-brass-edges.html How do I smooth rough sawed metal egdes on my handmade components? Stacy's Answer:I usually use a medium or fine-cut hand file for metal to smooth rough Mon, 26 Sep 2011 03:58:40 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/will-tumbling-remove-an-etched-image.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/will-tumbling-remove-an-etched-image.html I would like the last step of my construction process to be the tumbling and not to etch after tumbling. the metal will be red brass, is it ok to put Mon, 05 Sep 2011 18:49:24 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/tumbled-too-long.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/tumbled-too-long.html I tumbled a few silver bracelets and fell asleep. Oops! When I opened the container I was mortified to see that all my silver jewelry had turned a blackish Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:17:14 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/sterling-turns-black.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/sterling-turns-black.html I tumble my sterling jewelry with mixed stainless steel shot and it turns it black! It's driving my insane. I even exchanged the rubber housing (The Chicago Wed, 31 Aug 2011 01:39:01 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/want-to-turn-white-pewter-in-a-tumbled-satinmatte-finish.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/want-to-turn-white-pewter-in-a-tumbled-satinmatte-finish.html Hello: I recently bought a Thumbler Tumbler to tumble white pewter figurines (D&D) into a nice satin-matte finish. I am using a ceramic media of different Wed, 31 Aug 2011 01:34:41 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/polishing-gold-filled-and-silver.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/polishing-gold-filled-and-silver.html I have some charms that have scratchy marks on the back, almost a brushed finish because the are stamped, not cast. I was hoping the tumbler would remove Wed, 31 Aug 2011 01:28:47 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/tiny-specs-all-over-silver.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/tiny-specs-all-over-silver.html I have been trying to tumble some silver castings in my 3lb tumbler and they keep coming out with tiny specs all over them. Do you know what is causing Wed, 31 Aug 2011 01:23:02 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/concentric-circles-workshop.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/concentric-circles-workshop.html Have fun transforming ordinary disks into contemporary, stunning jewelry in this fun metal jewelry workshop. Tue, 30 Aug 2011 02:58:48 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/soldering-basics-workshop.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/soldering-basics-workshop.html Add new dimensions and possibilities to your jewelry-making repertoire in this fun 6-hour soldering basics workshop. Tue, 30 Aug 2011 02:49:42 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/liver-of-sulfur-and-brass.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/liver-of-sulfur-and-brass.html Hi Stacy, thanks for taking time.... experimenting for a long time with LOS finishing, found good technique for copper... brass is a different story, Fri, 05 Aug 2011 03:27:50 GMT http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/blog-08-03-2011.html http://www.hodgepodgerie.com/blog-08-03-2011.html Here's a quick look at some upcoming events and some new features on my website. Wed, 03 Aug 2011 12:34:29 GMT