Experimetal's RAD no. 22: My favorite Ring a Day

rad 22 (left)
Originally uploaded by experimetal

Since the beginning of the year a group of international artists have been participating in a project to create one ring a day for 365 days of 2010. We have abbreviated our "Ring a Day" title to simply "RAD." We post our work on flicker in a "Ring a Day" group.

So after 31 days of straight ring making and 228 members, I had to pick one, only one favorite ring to blog on for the blog carnival. There were so many rings that I wanted to pick as my favorite ring of the day, but this one by Victoria Takahashi of Experimetal, really left an impact on me. This ring is so perfect to me in many ways. To begin with it is visually appealing in its industrial setting. I can't help but to see a bit of the 1980's version of "Superman" here. Perhaps the fond nostalgia I have at seeing "Superman" with Christopher Reeves on the screen for the first time as a young girl impacts this decision. Nonetheless, It is brilliant how Experimetal anchored the beads in this setting and then echoed the crystal towers look in the setting with the strips of sterling on the sides. Sometimes my head spins when I see another one of her pieces. She has a vision and endless creativity that I admire. To me, and she would hate that I would say this, is one of the most talented metalsmiths I know. Her work is cohesive, skillful, playful, and is distinctly hers. I hated to pick just one ring from all the other smiths out there, but there is something in this piece and in her body of work as a whole that really resonates with me. To see the rest of her work on flicker click this link.

To see more blogs featuring our favorite Ring a Days please see these arttists:
Alisa Miller
Colleen Baran
Danielle Miller
stacey hansen
Chris Parry
kerin rose
Victoria Takahashi
Su Trindle
Nina Dinoff
Maureen "Cosmo's Moon" BZ
Thomasin Durgin
Beth Cyr
Caitlyn Davey/discomedusa
Catherine Chandler

EMJC-PR Nostalgia Bone Cuff

EMPR 6:4 Nostalgia Bone Cuff
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

My challenge for this project was to create a piece from these parameters: bracelet, bone, and Byzantine/Victorian. I knew right away that I wanted to do the Victorian style.

I did some research and this hinged style of cuff was quite the rage in the Victorian Era. Most of the pieces found were 2 styles: wide band bracelet with hinges or a wide wire with ornamental balls on the end that overlapped in the front. I used the same square wire reinforcements on the edges to add to the strength. It was fun to use my experience with antiques to help guide my work on this piece. As a young girl I helped my father with his antique business. I love the jewelry part the best!

I had Hans (my stone cutter hubby) cut a section fossilized bone for this project. He had to recut a second stone since I broke the original bone. He trimmed down another one to make it work. (Did I say how much I love my digital calipers?)

The clasp is my favorite part. Its a spring pin clasp with a spinel set into to top of the pin. There is a safety chain as well. The side where the pin lives is secured by a wire that is soldered across the tubing and goes through the pin. (I really sweated this one out!!!)

I am so grateful for Vic from Experimetal for all her hard work on this project to help motivate us to reach for higher and higher artistic goals. I've decided that these challenges are just as important to me as commissions. I learn so much from each challenge. For more on our team challenges, please visit the etsy metal blog.
etsymetal.blogspot.com/

I am also grateful for my sweet Husband and my oldest Alyssa, who are my very best diamond finders! I managed to drop both of these on the floor and they found both of them for me! Everyone in my family is so supportive of my work and I am truly grateful that they lend a hand when I need it. I will have this piece for sale for my local shows. I'm not sure if I will list it on etsy yet.........

My First Piece of Metalsmithed Jewelry

I made my first piece of metalsmithed jewelry in 2006 out of copper and kyanite. Being able to cut, form, solder, and set a stone was an incredibly freeing experience for me. I still did not understand all the possibilities or limitations of the metal, but was anxious to figure them out. I began to read Tim McCreight's "Complete Metalsmith" and try to absorb what I could.

I have always wanted to do something that would have the permanence of metal. At the time, I didn't even know how to purchase silver wire or sheet. Silver was going for $8 a troy ounce. So, I got some copper sheet from a local junkyard that was originally intended to be used for flashing around the gutters on roofs. I used a kyanite bead in lieu of a proper cabochon. I learned the old fashioned way with trial and error that kyanite is a soft stone! (Note the damage at one end of the stone.) At the time Gary Pack, a local bench jeweler who "refused to teach," would let me keep him company and would answer my questions as I watched him work. I can't even really remember what I used for solder; I think I may have borrowed some silver solder palates from Gary.

I know, the necklace was quite ambitious for a first piece, but I really wanted to set stones and solder from the beginning. I was also surprised to see the bezel on the turquoise ring, because it turned out so nice for my first time setting a stone in silver. I do remember that Gary suggested filing the bezel then sanding it to get it thinner. (He was not impressed with the thick bezel on the kyanite piece). I still like clean designs. I still like working with gemstones, and I still like to mix metals. I still like feeling that there is so much more to learn and get excited knowing that there is a lifetime to perfect this art.

For other blogs on first pieces of metalsmithed jewelry from amazing artists follow the links!
Nina Gibson http://ninagibsondesigns.blogspot.com/
Danielle Miller-Gilliam http://daniellemillerjewelry.blogspot.com/
Beth Cyr http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com
duckduckGoose http://duckduckgoosestuff.co.uk/duckduckBLOG
Caitlyn Davey http://discomedusa.typepad.com
Laura Crawford http://tangerinetreehouse.blogspot.com
Tamra Gentry http://gentrydesignco.typepad.com/
andes cruz - http://andescruz.wordpress.com/
Cynthia Del Giudice: http://cynthiadelgiudice.blogspot.com/
libby Rosas http://elizabethrosasjewelry.blogspot.com
Nina Dinoff http://ninadinoff.blogspot.com
Clare Stoker http://clarestoker.blogspot.com
kerin rose http://kerinrose.blogspot.com
Quercus SIlver http://quercussilver.blogspot.com
Delias Thompson http://deliasstudioinc.blogspot.com

CHARM SWAP 4 Work in Progress

Work in Progress by Charm Swap creator, Experimetal

This summer twenty of our members have been working diligently on the 4th generation of Etsy Metal's Charm Swap charms. Charm Swap 4 participants make 22 charms for the swap with 20 to trade with fellow members. The two extra charms from each of the twenty participants will be available for sale at our etsymetal store. All sale proceeds go towards a charity designated by members of the charm swap. The deadline is fast approaching (August 31) and everyone is keeping me updated with their own works in progress.

Box charm by Quercus Silver

Pierced Flower charm by Blazer Arts

Beginning of Flowers on Vines by Bijougirl Designs

Beginning of the Tree Charm by Kathryn Riechert

Silver Acorn Cap Whistles by Aubergine228

Soon to be stamped dandelion charms by Nina Gibson Designs

Riveted industrial skyscrapers by Maggiej's

Jigsaw Charms by Sara Westermark

Cast Organic charms with Rough Diamonds by Beth Cyr

Pinwheels by Nova Designs

To see charms from earlier swaps, please visit the Etsy Metal Store.
Thanks to all the participants for all your hard work on Charm Swap 4.