You have to remember though that it’s normal to rest, especially if you’ve been having a lot going on like you did (In the winter nonetheless). But as an artist myself, I understand the struggle of feeling like you need to be creating all the time. But it’s ok to slow down when you need it.. or your body will do it for you
I just finished up my first year in my jewelry business and I have felt similarly to a lot of the topics you shared and the whole juggling of full time work. Remember that any progress is good progress and while having goals is great sometimes it’s the journey that matters most. The goal just gives you some direction. You are doing fabulous!
You're doing great 😊 Remember, all those parts that feel bad about yourself also deserve love. And one day, it might not be how you expect it to happen but it can definitely happen - keep going 🎉🎉
Hi, I love your jewelry and your videos, and I hope you can do this full time really soon! ❤ You can use these crucibles for a long time! As long as it doesn’t have any holes or you still have some edges to hold it by, you can keep using it. I have mine almost a year now and it’s slowly loosing it’s nice sharp corners but it’s still good. ✨🍄
Hi. Kim from South Africa, thank you for the update started watching you when you were packing up. Moving is hard really, so pat yourself on the back for getting to the otherside. Don't stress , working and buying tools takes time but you are so far ahead already so well done. You inspire me so much. I only started last year and just decided to quit everything and make a piece at a time and not myself stress out. Once you relax and trust god will show you the way as already you have shown your dedication. One day at a time you arr already a success. Your video made me decide to do casting by july. As in SA everything costs 150% more here so need to import the casting machine. Look at yourself in the mirror and congratulate yourself this is going to be your best year ever 🎉🎉🎉
And your son! Your sweet and precious family! Imagine watching this video 30 years from now; what would you tell yourself looking back? I think you'll say, "WHOA, I was amazing and didn't do a bad job!" I am rooting for you, Wonder Woman! You (your self, your family, your dreams!) are what really matters! Bravo! 🌺 🌺 🌺 Ps. Part-time job? Pps. What is Tom's best dish that he cooks for you and Issac?
Ugggh🧊💎🖤2024 is your year. Just keep up the good work and keep doing what you love💯Its a mind set just never give up, just keep it up. We're here 4 u and u got everyone's support💪🏽
Love your videos I just started watching. Dont burn yourself out. Try to schedule your work in timely manner. 2 weeks for custom work is very reasonable!
The specific gravity (sg) of Sterling Silver is about 10.4 Simply multiply your wax by 10.4 and that will give you the weight of the metal. Compare it with the app you use. The 14K Yellow gold I use and many others is 13.07 sg. Simply find the sg of the metal you are using. This works because wax has a sg of about 1.0 Also ***"wire brush your flasks between use***. The new investment mixing with some particles of old investment is a problem. Keep things clean...
Omg I’m sorry I keep commenting lol, but any time I’ve ever cast, it has ALWAYS been with the centrifugal force machine and I’m never not nervous with that thing despite casting with it many times, so you’re not alone haha
Great work, very inspiring! Quick question, is it safe to leave the kiln unattended during the burnout period? Im keen to start casting myself, thankyou all of your advice 😊
Thank you 🙏🏻🥲 I try not to leave my home when it’s on, if I do it’s only in the early stages when the temperature is fairly low. That’s why, typically, I try and do the burnout portion while I’m sleeping and cast when I wake up 😊
Hi! I always look really forward to yours inspiring videos! 🥰 I got a bit curious, what is your full time job? And also, is there a certain reason why you leave the red stem so long? Could'nt it be cut off 'after' all pieces are attached? It would save silver to be reused. But I am not a caster, so I don't have a clue. Excuse my odd English, I am from Sweden🤪.
Thank you so much, I’m glad you enjoy them and that they can inspire you in any way! 💜🥹 And ya know….you’re probably right, I could clip that stem, I haven’t really thought about it 😂😂😂😂 thank you!! And I am an operations manager for a home builder 🙏🏻
@@MiteraMade Maybe you should have if it was gold. :-) I can't understand that you can do all this, it does not sound like a 'lazy job', making all the jewelry and videos and you got a family too! Don't forget to take care of yourself! I am also struggling with cutting sleeping hours when I have too much to do, and it is not good in the long run. Be kind to yourself and don't push yourself too hard. We understand if you don't have time to post regulary all the time. Take care!
I didn't know about using distilled water for investing. I have always used tap water but i have no sink in my shop so my water sits in a 5 gallon jug for weeks before it gets used. Maybe that is good enough? It seems to work fine.
Ya know, I’ve read in so many places how important the science of it all is, but this isn’t the first time I heard you can use tap water! Lol but hey, if works it works! 🎉 I also thought burn out cycles were crucial (and maybe they are) but I’ve recently seen a few people say that they stick it in their kiln at one temperature and go, they don’t use any cycle at all. 🤣 I feel like the internet is messing with me🙈
I haven’t thrown out my water since I started 👀😂 I just keep quenching in the same water and bucket. The investment settles to the bottom after every quench so it’s never bothered me 💜
There is a video here, search How to cast with vic 12 casting machine, and notice how slowly he pours into the flask. Expecting to see a perfect pour on your next video!
I don’t have a video strictly about polishing but I do talk about polishing tools in my silversmithing tools video and in my earlier studio vlogs I have more clips of me polishing 💜 I can absolutely make a more dedicated video though soon 💜☺️
Thanks a lot for your answer. And yes I will be happy when you make a tutorial about polishing etc, in the future. Thanks a a lot and greetings from the Netherlands.
Not sure if you do this already. But if you start making vulcanized rubber molds or liquid silicon molds of your designs. You can ramp up production and efficiency. You can make multiple wax copies. With a mold and a wax injection machine or pump. It will allow you to cast and sell more. Have you watched SlavaTV he posts videos on jewelry making. They may or may not be helpful or for you depending on how you want to do your business. I hope you continue to grow your business and YT this year.
Thank you so so much! And yesss, that’s amazing advice and I should have done it sooner. Lol I just bought a wax injector last night and some RTV to make molds per everyone’s advice! 🥹💜 I haven’t seen his channel but I’m going to go look right now 🙏🏻☺️
Where does the wax go in the kiln? Is there a drip tray or does it just burn off? Does it need to drain out? My wife does pottery so im wondering if i could use her kiln or if it would make a mess?
At one point kiln becomes so hot that the wax completely evaporates into thin air so you don't need to worry about it. Just check your wifes kilns temperature capacity. If kiln can go upto 2700f then you're probably fine to melt metals in it and also fine for wax casting.
Hi i sent a comment yesterday and asked some question but my comment disappeared wondering why? I was asking what casting equipment you are using and do you still like it or would change some things with experience? Thank you,Vj
I’m sorry that happened, I didn’t see your comment so I’m not sure why it would automatically delete? 🥺 I am using the Kaya Cast from Pepe Tools, the ToAuto melting furnace from Amazon and the tabletop kiln from Amazon. (I have them all Amazon ones linked in my storefront 💜) I love every single item and I genuinely wouldn’t change a thing. 🙏🏻💜 I
You seem to be doing like everything? Are you not worried that you're spreading yourself too thin? I mean its cool learning lots of new skills. From a business perspective, do you think going niche is the way forward or being a generalist ? Good luck, I am enjoying your journey.
Thank you! ☺️ And I 1000% am spreading myself thin with the time that I have , you’re absolutely right! lol 🫠😂 I’m just in this weird place where I can’t really afford to outsource any aspects of my jewelry yet. BUT I should probably take a moment to find where I can reel it in a little….🙈🙏🏻
@@MiteraMade If it helps. I'm a time-served goldsmith. I'm 84 now so my eyes are not as young as when I did my seven year apprenticeship oh like a hundred years ago. I do like watching you beaver away on my large TV so I can see your processes. You'll certainly have a light bulb moment one day when you realise what you enjoy making the most. Take that moment to reflect yourself, ask am I making jewellery that sells or am I making items because you enjoy the processes. Once you find those pieces that sell and you enjoy making them....stick with it...that's a happy place. All the best with your endeavours.
You have to remember though that it’s normal to rest, especially if you’ve been having a lot going on like you did (In the winter nonetheless). But as an artist myself, I understand the struggle of feeling like you need to be creating all the time. But it’s ok to slow down when you need it.. or your body will do it for you
I just finished up my first year in my jewelry business and I have felt similarly to a lot of the topics you shared and the whole juggling of full time work. Remember that any progress is good progress and while having goals is great sometimes it’s the journey that matters most. The goal just gives you some direction. You are doing fabulous!
Thank you so much, you’re absolutely right! 🥹💜
This was so informative. Thank you! I gasped and held my breath after the spill 😂 so glad it worked out!
I’m so glad! 🥰 and yesssss, instant sick feeling 😂😂😂
You're doing great 😊 Remember, all those parts that feel bad about yourself also deserve love. And one day, it might not be how you expect it to happen but it can definitely happen - keep going 🎉🎉
Hi, I love your jewelry and your videos, and I hope you can do this full time really soon! ❤
You can use these crucibles for a long time! As long as it doesn’t have any holes or you still have some edges to hold it by, you can keep using it. I have mine almost a year now and it’s slowly loosing it’s nice sharp corners but it’s still good. ✨🍄
Thank you so so much!! 💜💜🥹 and thank you!! You just saved me some money! I don’t remember where I read that but I’m glad to hear it’s not true 🎉🎉☺️💜
Hi. Kim from South Africa, thank you for the update started watching you when you were packing up. Moving is hard really, so pat yourself on the back for getting to the otherside. Don't stress , working and buying tools takes time but you are so far ahead already so well done. You inspire me so much.
I only started last year and just decided to quit everything and make a piece at a time and not myself stress out. Once you relax and trust god will show you the way as already you have shown your dedication. One day at a time you arr already a success. Your video made me decide to do casting by july. As in SA everything costs 150% more here so need to import the casting machine. Look at yourself in the mirror and congratulate yourself this is going to be your best year ever 🎉🎉🎉
And your son! Your sweet and precious family! Imagine watching this video 30 years from now; what would you tell yourself looking back? I think you'll say, "WHOA, I was amazing and didn't do a bad job!" I am rooting for you, Wonder Woman! You (your self, your family, your dreams!) are what really matters! Bravo! 🌺 🌺 🌺
Ps. Part-time job?
Pps. What is Tom's best dish that he cooks for you and Issac?
First try at metal casting. The main thing is not to rush. You have succeeded 👌🙂
Ugggh🧊💎🖤2024 is your year. Just keep up the good work and keep doing what you love💯Its a mind set just never give up, just keep it up. We're here 4 u and u got everyone's support💪🏽
Love your videos I just started watching. Dont burn yourself out. Try to schedule your work in timely manner. 2 weeks for custom work is very reasonable!
The specific gravity (sg) of Sterling Silver is about 10.4 Simply multiply your wax by 10.4 and that will give you the weight of the metal. Compare it with the app you use. The 14K Yellow gold I use and many others is 13.07 sg. Simply find the sg of the metal you are using. This works because wax has a sg of about 1.0 Also ***"wire brush your flasks between use***. The new investment mixing with some particles of old investment is a problem. Keep things clean...
Ànd I am 63 yrs so If I can do it you can too. You have many years of success ahead of you❤
Omg I’m sorry I keep commenting lol, but any time I’ve ever cast, it has ALWAYS been with the centrifugal force machine and I’m never not nervous with that thing despite casting with it many times, so you’re not alone haha
So glad I found you😊🌹
Great information, thanks so much 😊
Thank you, I’m happy to share! 💜💜☺️
Great work, very inspiring! Quick question, is it safe to leave the kiln unattended during the burnout period? Im keen to start casting myself, thankyou all of your advice 😊
Thank you 🙏🏻🥲 I try not to leave my home when it’s on, if I do it’s only in the early stages when the temperature is fairly low. That’s why, typically, I try and do the burnout portion while I’m sleeping and cast when I wake up 😊
Good luck ❤
Crazy you remind me of the lady that played lana lane in Smallville
Heyyy, she’s super pretty! lol,🫢 thank you 🫢😂💜
Hi!
I always look really forward to yours inspiring videos! 🥰
I got a bit curious, what is your full time job?
And also, is there a certain reason why you leave the red stem so long? Could'nt it be cut off 'after' all pieces are attached? It would save silver to be reused. But I am not a caster, so I don't have a clue.
Excuse my odd English, I am from Sweden🤪.
Thank you so much, I’m glad you enjoy them and that they can inspire you in any way! 💜🥹
And ya know….you’re probably right, I could clip that stem, I haven’t really thought about it 😂😂😂😂 thank you!! And I am an operations manager for a home builder 🙏🏻
@@MiteraMade Maybe you should have if it was gold. :-) I can't understand that you can do all this, it does not sound like a 'lazy job', making all the jewelry and videos and you got a family too! Don't forget to take care of yourself!
I am also struggling with cutting sleeping hours when I have too much to do, and it is not good in the long run. Be kind to yourself and don't push yourself too hard. We understand if you don't have time to post regulary all the time. Take care!
I didn't know about using distilled water for investing. I have always used tap water but i have no sink in my shop so my water sits in a 5 gallon jug for weeks before it gets used. Maybe that is good enough? It seems to work fine.
Ya know, I’ve read in so many places how important the science of it all is, but this isn’t the first time I heard you can use tap water! Lol but hey, if works it works! 🎉 I also thought burn out cycles were crucial (and maybe they are) but I’ve recently seen a few people say that they stick it in their kiln at one temperature and go, they don’t use any cycle at all. 🤣 I feel like the internet is messing with me🙈
Question.... how do you dispose of the water after you're done quenching the casting flask with investment? Thanks!
I haven’t thrown out my water since I started 👀😂 I just keep quenching in the same water and bucket. The investment settles to the bottom after every quench so it’s never bothered me 💜
time for class! 💅
There is a video here, search How to cast with vic 12 casting machine, and notice how slowly he pours into the flask. Expecting to see a perfect pour on your next video!
Thank you for the tips! ☺️
I totally relate!!
Hi, do you have a video about finishing/polish the Silver after casting?
I don’t have a video strictly about polishing but I do talk about polishing tools in my silversmithing tools video and in my earlier studio vlogs I have more clips of me polishing 💜 I can absolutely make a more dedicated video though soon 💜☺️
Thanks a lot for your answer. And yes I will be happy when you make a tutorial about polishing etc, in the future. Thanks a a lot and greetings from the Netherlands.
Go for it💪🏼
Thank you 🥰💜
Not sure if you do this already. But if you start making vulcanized rubber molds or liquid silicon molds of your designs. You can ramp up production and efficiency. You can make multiple wax copies. With a mold and a wax injection machine or pump. It will allow you to cast and sell more. Have you watched SlavaTV he posts videos on jewelry making. They may or may not be helpful or for you depending on how you want to do your business.
I hope you continue to grow your business and YT this year.
Thank you so so much! And yesss, that’s amazing advice and I should have done it sooner. Lol I just bought a wax injector last night and some RTV to make molds per everyone’s advice! 🥹💜 I haven’t seen his channel but I’m going to go look right now 🙏🏻☺️
Can you tell me where I can find the investment and water calculator?
Where does the wax go in the kiln? Is there a drip tray or does it just burn off? Does it need to drain out? My wife does pottery so im wondering if i could use her kiln or if it would make a mess?
At one point kiln becomes so hot that the wax completely evaporates into thin air so you don't need to worry about it. Just check your wifes kilns temperature capacity. If kiln can go upto 2700f then you're probably fine to melt metals in it and also fine for wax casting.
Hi i sent a comment yesterday and asked some question but my comment disappeared wondering why? I was asking what casting equipment you are using and do you still like it or would change some things with experience? Thank you,Vj
I’m sorry that happened, I didn’t see your comment so I’m not sure why it would automatically delete? 🥺
I am using the Kaya Cast from Pepe Tools, the ToAuto melting furnace from Amazon and the tabletop kiln from Amazon. (I have them all Amazon ones linked in my storefront 💜)
I love every single item and I genuinely wouldn’t change a thing. 🙏🏻💜
I
🎉🎉🎉😊
❤❤
Hi
You seem to be doing like everything? Are you not worried that you're spreading yourself too thin? I mean its cool learning lots of new skills. From a business perspective, do you think going niche is the way forward or being a generalist ? Good luck, I am enjoying your journey.
Thank you! ☺️ And I 1000% am spreading myself thin with the time that I have , you’re absolutely right! lol 🫠😂 I’m just in this weird place where I can’t really afford to outsource any aspects of my jewelry yet. BUT I should probably take a moment to find where I can reel it in a little….🙈🙏🏻
@@MiteraMade If it helps. I'm a time-served goldsmith. I'm 84 now so my eyes are not as young as when I did my seven year apprenticeship oh like a hundred years ago. I do like watching you beaver away on my large TV so I can see your processes. You'll certainly have a light bulb moment one day when you realise what you enjoy making the most. Take that moment to reflect yourself, ask am I making jewellery that sells or am I making items because you enjoy the processes. Once you find those pieces that sell and you enjoy making them....stick with it...that's a happy place. All the best with your endeavours.
I'm so glad it worked out well for you! :D
Thank you 🙏🏻☺️