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Taogem
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Thanks Carol.... I called the instructor to ask about the bezels. Waiting to hear back.
From what I have read there are different thicknesses for the backing. I guess pieced of cardboard / paper have different gauge. I can even use playing cards to come close.
Yes I did read about not pushing the bezel too far in.
I am still trying to decide about how to hang it. I thought about looping a flat piece on the top. Then also thought it would look pretty neat to drill a hole through some of the same mineral and run a chain through that. Attach it to the top... Not sure yet..
Your right too about the spacing between stones and bezel area. I would like to have them pretty close to each other to help bring out the fact that the two are matched in grain.
I do hope to texture the remaining exposed frontal area. Some type of print maybe? Then again, I too really like a great shine!
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cababineau
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You can change the shape a little in order to add texture (by hand) between the stones to make it look like they are still one piece.
Can you visualize that, or am I out there?
Carol
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Taogem
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Yes, I do understand what your saying. Sounds like a good idea Carol..
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Taogem
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Got a phone call from the instructor. As eager as I am to start setting stones on the metal clay backing using bezel tape, she let me know the best process for getting started. These first two days spent with her are used for getting familiar with how to work with the clay. Apparently we will be using the torch process for drying the clay this time around. That in itself will not let us work with bezel settings and most gemstones, as a kiln will be required. She knows that my goal revolves around the ability to set stones using bezel settings. She will set up another class for that after we become familiar with working the clay this time around. I will have to be patient and go through the steps.. It will come together. This I know..  |
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cababineau
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Good plan George, It does take some getting used to. The metal clay is different from everything else that looks similar and does have a learning curve. You will do fine though. Right away you have what it takes..............the need to learn drive! Please feel free to ask any questions. I'm happy to help. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress. Carol http://www.artclaystudio.com |
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Taogem
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Thanks Carol, and you can bet there will be many questions in the near future. Glad you are checking in from time to time. |
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Taogem
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I am off for first of two day beginners class today. 10-4 six hours each day..... 12 hours total. You would think I will learn something!  |
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cababineau
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Well, I'm waiting to hear about the first day.
How was it? What did you think, huh, huh?
Carol
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Taogem
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It was a-ok Carol.. I felt badly for the instructor. She had planned on a group of people to show, and I was the only one. :  Since it was just me there, we spent a few more hours for a total of 8 yesterday. It really was great to get my feet ( or rather hands ) wet. Worked on designing simple lay outs, cutting and using the slip for piecing together. Texturing, sanding, and polishing. Dehydrator and then the torch method for heat treating. The next class offered is being offered by an apparently well known metal clay artist. Problem is that the three day class is expected to be upwards of 400 dollars.  Big ouch! Feeling like I have the basics, that I will likely try to do the bezel work myself. Add the bezel to the clay backing and use the kiln. I think have a kiln on the way. Pretty sure.... I am going to order up some solder paste and try my luck with joining some tape together. If the torch I have will accomplish that soldering, then I really feel good about being able to do some bezel settings within the clay backing. I think will head into Spokane in the next couple days to get the soldering paste and see how it goes. Just can't swing 400 dollars for the sake of learning the bezel part. |
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cababineau
Guest
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Hi,
It's a shame that the others didn't show.............that's hard on the teacher, who is running a business.
The solder paste you are talking about................is it solder in paste form? If so and you are actually soldering, not joining the bezel wire with oil paste, then in both instances make sure there is no dirt or oil on your wire before soldering. It can inhibit flow.
You can always ask if you need to know anything too!
Good luck.
Carol
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Taogem
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The solder paste you are talking about................is it solder in paste form?
You can always ask if you need to know anything too!
Carol
I thought we had to actually use a torch combined with a solder in paste form. I must be mistaken? It is a solder paste only? No torch necelssary? Yes, it had to be a bit of a surprise that nobody showed up. She was very good natured though and took it in stride. |
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Sceadu
Guest
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I think the solder paste is actually soldering flux, George.
I don't do a lot of soldering in my own work but the only paste I
know of is flux paste.
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cababineau
Guest
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Just checking as to the terminology. I am in the North East and as the saying goes..........
you say tomatoe I say tomato.
Carol
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Sceadu
Guest
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Just checking as to the terminology. I am in the North East and as the saying goes..........
you say tomatoe I say tomato.
Carol
Well, I'm from North MS and we say Mater and Tater more often than not. LOL |
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