Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Jewelry Making Tools!

I am very happy to announce that I am now carrying a great collection of beginning jewelry making tools at the Silentgoddess Studio! You can shop online and have them shipped directly to you or you can pick them up at the studio in Downtown Olympia.

Browse our current tool inventory now:
Silentgoddess Jewelry Making Tools

I will be adding new tools to the studio's inventory so check back to see what is new. I can order just about any tool you may need (or want) so feel free to contact me with your requests.

If you decide to order online and pick your tools up in person, I will refund any and all shipping/handling charges that are incurred by placing your order online. If you prefer to just come in and browse, drop me an email letting me know when you plan on stopping by (just to make sure I am in the studio). I can accept credit card payments in person or PayPal for online orders.

Thanks!!

Monday, January 07, 2013

February Studio Class Schedule Posted

All classes are held at the Silentgoddess Art Jewelry studio in downtown Olympia, WA.

Stamp your Heart Out -

Tuesday, February 12 6pm to 8:00pm  $45

Stamping on metal is a wildly popular technique. It is fun, it is easy and the design possibilities are endless!
From letter stamps to design stamps this class will introduce you to the world of stamping on metal for creating personalized jewelry.

Class fee covers use of tools and materials for completing at least two projects in this two hour class.  Tools will be available for purchase.


4 Week Beginning Jewelry Making Series

Wednesdays February 6, 13, 20, 27 6pm to 8pm $135

This 4 week series will introduce the beginner to the wonderful world of metal working.  Learn to use a jeweler's saw, hammers, design stamps, cold connections and more in this 4 week class.  Each student will create several pieces of jewelry over the course of the series.  Beginning techniques and studio safety will be covered.  No previous experience necessary.  Class space is limited to four students as I want to be able to give each student plenty of attention throughout the class series.

Class fee covers the use of tools and materials to use in class over the 4 week class series. Tools will be available for purchase. 


Beginning Hand Piercing (Sawing)

Tuesday, February 19 6pm to 8pm $35

Learn to use a jeweler's saw!  Hand piercing is one of the basic skills necessary to start creating jewelry out of sheet metal.  Class will cover tool set up, correct handling and hand's on experience piercing (i.e. cutting) copper and brass sheet. The design possibilities are endless once you know the basics of this skill. We will aim to complete at least two projects during this 2 hour class.  Class space is limited to four students as I want to be able to give each student plenty of attention during the class.

Class fee covers the use of tools and materials to use in class. Tools will be available for purchase. 


Beginning Soldering

Tuesday, February 26 6pm to 8pm $55

Learn the basics of soldering using a handheld torch!    Class will cover torch safety, metal preparation and finishing, basic supplies needed and hand's on soldering of at least two projects. Soldering is a terrific skill to learn if you want to make more complex jewelry designs.  We will aim to complete at least two projects during this 2 hour class.  Class space is limited to four students as I want to be able to give each student plenty of attention during the class.

Class fee covers the use of tools and materials to use in class. Tools will be available for purchase. 


To read full class descriptions with prices please visit:
Studio Class Schedule

To register please visit:
Class Registration Form

Sunday, January 06, 2013

EtsyMetal Blog Carnival: New Year's Resolutions?

A new month brings a new EtsyMetal Blog Carnival post.

This month's EtsyMetal Blog Carnival topic:
New Year's Resolutions?

Eeek! It's that time of year again - A new year, a fresh outlook, new ideas... what are your plans? New goals? New disciplines? Old disciplines and goals you want to try again?!! Spill it! Make it a reality... tell us all! Recap this past year and what you've learned, where it's taken you, where you would like it to take you in 2013.

I am not one to make New Year's Resolutions. Well, at least not out loud. To be honest, I spend most of my life contemplating what I can do that will bring changes for the better for myself and my family. It is nearly obsessive at times. And yes, at this time of the year I tend to contemplate more.

We have had several years in a row that have been difficult ones. Started out back in 2009 when Paul was involved in a motorcycle accident. He was injured and had to undergo several surgeries over the next few months. One month after his accident he lost his job. 2009 ended really bad and 2010 started out pretty crappy as well. Back then my thought processes focused on surviving. My resolution was to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table. We made it through the the really tough times but I came out of it with high anxiety and calloused fingers. It is funny how when your intentions are truly set on something, you can create what you need. I had some of my busiest months of 2009 and 2010 making jewelry for people. I helped bring in extra income for several months as the unemployment checks were quite lower than the income we were accustomed to.

2011 and 2012 had their hardships as well. However, to bring this into a more positive light, I will switch gears and move toward a more progressive thought process. We made a big move in 2012. After several years of long commutes and too much money poured into the gas tank, we decided to move to Olympia, WA. Paul's job was there and Port Orchard (our previous home) had become somewhere we didn't want to be anymore. We found a sweet little house in an older neighborhood that we are renting and I moved my business into a really neat studio space in downtown Olympia. And that brings us back around to this month's topic: 2013 New Year's Resolutions. Sometimes I take many turns to get to short destination ;)

One of my goals in getting a studio space set up away from the house was to be able to offer classes. As of January 2, 2013 I started on this new journey. My first class of a series of four started on the 2nd. First goal of 2013 is already underway! I am hoping that this is just the very beginning of this new direction for me. My plan is to offer many different varieties of classes from single day courses to multiple day series. I have SO much information and experience rolling around in my head and I am ready to offer it to anyone interested in learning.

Paul and I spent several days of the holiday break getting the studio classroom ready. A great new workbench was constructed, new tools were purchased and a big dream started to become a reality. Here is what we end up with (pictures are of the classroom right before the beginning of my first class):



I hope that this year is a good one for all. I know we all have some battles to fight but try to focus on the good things. They are really what is the most important. And they are out there. Sometimes all you need to do is just start looking...
Click on the links below to keep reading about other EtsyMetal members resolutions and goals:


Lou Hunter
Laura Jane Bouton
2Roses
deborahleetaylor
Mary Anne Karren
Theresa Kwong
Danielle Miller
Nodeform