Melanie, this is mandatory for my students. This is an EXCELLENT resource. I am vehemently advocating for and supporting your return to our humble ranks! Applause, applause 👏👏 👏!!
Laughing! Thanks so much. Since making the videos you've watched, I've developed macular degeneration and don't have the depth perception for metalsmithing anymore. It's OK, I had 55 great years in the jewelry biz and now I'm loving oil painting. BUT, I do want to share what I've learned about production jewelry techniques, about pricing your work, and about marketing your brand so those will be coming, I promise.
Your teaching tutorials are fabulous! Please make more episodes! Your the only one who teaches beautifully. I’d also love to learn more about your steps to becoming successful. Please, make more tutorials 🙏 Thank you for sharing all your hard work! It’s very much appreciated. Stay Crystal 💫 Mari
Hi, I hope to! Been dealing with vision issues (age related macular degeneration) so I've been scared to try to work at my bench. I guess I don't want to find out that I can't.......
@@melaniekline4895Even if it may not pan out as you originally planned, your videos already helped people. I also struggle with finding the right balance between price and labour; especially since I would sell online primarily, and compete more in the same forum with jewellery produced in countries with lower incomes etc. But being autistic, I could not stand in a retailshop every day. Maybe a market every now and then. I'm coming back to goldsmithing just wanting to simplify my life, as both academia as well as corporate jobs are a ratrace that eventually lead me to burnout.
Please make more videos! I'm a young Italian goldsmith and I really appreciate your work, and the way you explain things. Grazie very very much for your work.
Ahhh! That's fantastic. Inspiring especially the cup. Can't wait to begin next project (beginner)...after I clean out the hay shed and unload the hay though.
I am trying to show my feelings towards this video. I have to say Appreciate. I am retired and looking forward a hobby. Somehow a serious one. To my knowledge and experience you are awesome. Congratulations.
Keep up the great work and please post more videos about technique.You have a unique excellent way of teaching and are one of the best jewellery video presenters on youtube.You clearly explain every step with great camera placement.You will get a massive amount of subscribers once people discover your work. I would love to see a video dedicated to polishing and the different grades of polish and uses. How & when to use tumblers and for what pieces. God bless Take care Regards from Australia
Thank you for such a wonderful series. I would highly recommend them to anyone who makes jewelry - from beginner to beyond. You have such wonderful kernels of information in every one of them. I hope you find your way through to getting back to the bench and making more videos!
Awesome videos Melanie Kline - I can’t wait to get started- I appreciate all the help - at the moment I’m unable to take classes and with your videos I can still learn 🤗
Thank you so much for sharing these videos and your techniques. They are so informative and really well done and your voice is so soothing. Looking forward to more videos.
Love your tutorials so much! You’re so helpful and your designs are absolutely beautiful. Your technique is incredible and I learn so much watching you work and talking through your process! Thank you for doing this!!
Great tips on sawing and spreading solder like "frosting" And being able to see your pieces is both inspirational and educational! It's very special to be able to pause the video and really study what you have made. This video series is such a GIFT! Thank You!
Hi Melanie, i just found you yesterday. I have watched your videos and sad to see you havent added new for 2 years. I hope you are well. I was looking forward to your ideas on pricing that is always the hardest part.
Finally some great advise! Love the detailed tutorials, exactly what I need to start soldering jewelry! So far I was only working with wire wrapping silver wire, but I want more. Thank you for your tutorials! Especcially the information about the saws was very useful 😊
I am so happy I found you I’m just starting out and your tutorials are great and easy to follow. your voice is so soothing making it a pleasure to listen to you thank you
As a beginner, I watch a lot of UA-cam videos and always come back to yours. I'm making my way through your series. Thanks so much for taking the time to teach. In this video you mentioned the difference btwn sawing different metals. I practice on copper and wonder what the best saw blade is for 22 and 24 gauge?
Hi, well.... you are getting a lot of horrible practice and paying your dues. Can't think of much worse than sawing thin copper with a jewelers saw. It's so soft, draggy, and dead, compared to sterling silver. Switch to silver asap. Truly if it were me, I'd cut it with tin snips and file for exact shape. But, if you must saw it, use LOTS of wax or bar soap on a 4/0 blade, take deep breaths, and do it on a day when you have patience. Hold your saw gently and glide it through the cuts. As soon as you let your mind drift and you push too hard, you'll break the blade. A lot of them. Thanks for watching and for writing. I haven't created any videos in awhile but really hope to get back to them. Melanie
As always, good stuff. Your work is so intricate. Thank you. I'm looking for a workbench. Can you show a photo and discuss pros and cons of one you use? Thanks again.
Thank you Melanie! Just found your videos and I love hearing your voice and how you explain things so well. Looking forward to watching the rest of the series. Is it possible to list the items you use? Such as the flux names, burrs, etc.?
Hi Doreen, thanks for watching and for writing! I'm in Colorado, where are you? Anyway, I try to give that info at the end of my videos. Sorry if I missed something. I use handy flux for mixed metals and lesser metals. I use banterns flux for silver and gold. Sometimes called fluoron flux (i think Rio Grande calls it MyTflux) anyway its that yellow liquid.
@@melaniekline4895 Thank you so much for the information. I am just outside of Phoenix and started metalsmithing in 2018. My daughter lives in Ft. Collins, so we go to CO occasionally for a visit. I am on instagram as silverlarkstudio. Still finding my way into a business somehow. But for now I'm learning all I can.
Thankyou for your videos. I love that you give precise info and not lots of burbling :0) is there a ratio mix for the denatured alcohol and borax. I use borax as a flux generally
Hi Susan! Thanks for watching and writing! Actually, I just look for the consistency and haven't really thought about what the ratio is. I'll guess 1 tablespoon boric acid to 1 1/2 cups denatured alcohol. It should thinly coat the piece when you dip it in but be thick enough to leave a grainy film. After you light it, a white film should remain on the piece.
I was sure that I saw dozens of videos available to view on your channel a couple weeks ago? Maybe I’m misremembering, but I hope to see many more. I’m needing inspiration on how to enhance a drop shaped cabachon pendant, without making it too bulky, and giving it a fresh look.
Hi, I hope to make more! Been dealing with vision issues (age related macular degeneration) so I've been scared to try to work at my bench. I guess I don't want to find out that I can't.......
I just started do try out making my own jewelry. I can't saw a straight line, I almost always steer off to the left (I use my left hand since this is my dominant hand). My line only gets more straight if I hold the saw in a somewhat uncomfortable angle. But as soon as I am holding it straight, it drags me to the left again. Any hint why this might be? I am training on brass at the moment and you said brass "drags". Is this what you meant?
@fabiankeller6884 Often the problem is not you, it's the saw. A frame with only the thumb screws to hold your blade with NO BACK ADJUSTMENT holds your sawblade straighter. As soon as you have more adjustments you have the potential for more loose chatter and warp. Both of these are really strong frames that won't flex. It is essential that your top and bottom blade holding hardware is perfectly aligned. Also, don't push the blade through the metal, just relax and gently guide it. Good luck! Melanie
Hi Melanie, another fantastic video! Question for you...in the shots where you are soldering the jump ring to the star - what is the material you are soldering on top of? It looks to be some sort of perforated perforated material I've not seen before. I am only familiar with the solderite boards and charcoal blocks - was that a honeycomb ceramic block (googled) and why do you use that in this case? Thanks! You are igniting my fire! 🔥😄
Hi Libby! So glad you feel like you are learning something from me! What you are asking about is a ceramic soldering block. It's a great surface when you need to keep your project flat during soldering.
@@melaniekline4895 Thank you! I took a few classes in TX a few years ago, enough to get the bug! I've had to set the silver smithing aside for a while until I retired from my day job - your intro slide truly resonates with me! :) I live on the east coast of NC now, not too much happening as far as classes, so really appreciate you and all the others sharing your skills! All the best to you, thanks for sharing your expertise!
Libby, hoping to create lots more tutorials. I have developed wet macular degeneration which affects the vision in my left eye. Trying to work around that............ don't worry, it's not related to my life of metalsmithing. It's age and genetics. Keep working!
@@melaniekline4895 Oh my, so sorry to hear that. Age is the one thing we cannot stop if we keep going, seems it brings its joys and trials. Wish you the best!
Hope i didn't say that.....I use handy flux for lesser metals like brass, copper, or nickel silver. If I am mixing any of those with sterling silver, I also use it. But silver to silver, gold to gold, silver to gold - then a fluoron flux like banterns or rio's mighty flux. Thanks for watching and for taking the time to write!
@@melaniekline4895let me check I think you said if you’re soldering gold to silver, use handy flux. and you said “do you hear that”, like as if you really meant it?
@@melaniekline4895 you’re right! I heard it wrong!! I’m so so so sorry! I apologize! yes you said silver to copper or brass. can you tell me why you don’t like handy flux? and what is your favorite for gold to silver such as gold bezel to Silver. Thanks so much. Also I love that you don’t have loud background music we don’t care about that
@@johnmimist no, I love handy flux for soldering lesser metals. It's just unnecessary for precious metals so i don't use it because it's sticky and messier to use when you don't need it.
Melanie, this is mandatory for my students. This is an EXCELLENT resource. I am vehemently advocating for and supporting your return to our humble ranks! Applause, applause 👏👏 👏!!
Laughing! Thanks so much. Since making the videos you've watched, I've developed macular degeneration and don't have the depth perception for metalsmithing anymore. It's OK, I had 55 great years in the jewelry biz and now I'm loving oil painting.
BUT, I do want to share what I've learned about production jewelry techniques, about pricing your work, and about marketing your brand so those will be coming, I promise.
@@melaniekline4895 Oh, thank you! I'll be eager and grateful.
I am a retired jeweler and have never used fire scale to my advantage. Ingenious. It pleases me to watch your videos. You do fine work and teach well.
Thanks Fred!
you teach SO well!
Thanks!!
Your videos are so technically useful.
Thank you!
I hope you will be able to make some more at some point.
I just ran across your UA-cam channel and am I ever glad I did. Thank you so much for this wealth of information.
Thanks for watching and writing! Hope you learned something new and useful.
I spent most of the day binge watching your tutorials. Thanks Melanie!
Hi Melanie, it would be SO great if your series continued!! Totally miss you! ❤
Glad I have found you, nearly didn't watch but soooooooooooo pleased I have. Thank you
I really enjoyed your video especially photo shop… I love the advice on sawing… thank you, Autumn
Your teaching tutorials are fabulous! Please make more episodes! Your the only one who teaches beautifully. I’d also love to learn more about your steps to becoming successful. Please, make more tutorials 🙏
Thank you for sharing all your hard work! It’s very much appreciated.
Stay Crystal 💫
Mari
Hi, I hope to! Been dealing with vision issues (age related macular degeneration) so I've been scared to try to work at my bench. I guess I don't want to find out that I can't.......
@@melaniekline4895Even if it may not pan out as you originally planned, your videos already helped people. I also struggle with finding the right balance between price and labour; especially since I would sell online primarily, and compete more in the same forum with jewellery produced in countries with lower incomes etc. But being autistic, I could not stand in a retailshop every day. Maybe a market every now and then. I'm coming back to goldsmithing just wanting to simplify my life, as both academia as well as corporate jobs are a ratrace that eventually lead me to burnout.
That is such a pretty bracelet at the end.
Thank you so much for your videos. That hinged bracelet at the end is incredible!!
I LOVE your necklace! It really tells a story. Looks like the feast of Tabernacles.
Thanks, Kathy. It's design is symbols of Shabbat. and thanks for watching my video!
You are a great teacher❤❤❤
Thanks! Hope you feel like you learned something!
Thank you for your very educative video’s!
Thanks for watching and for writing!
Thanks for making this series of tutorials. It’s really generous of you to share your expertise with budding jewellers like myself.
Glad you are watching! Thanks for your note.
Only 8 minutes in so far and loving it!
Your an amazing teacher. Thank you for all the tips and pearls!
Thanks for watching and for writing to tell me you got something out of my video!
Love your tutorial, all the tips and following along to put it in practice. Thanks 💟💟💟
Please make more videos! I'm a young Italian goldsmith and I really appreciate your work, and the way you explain things. Grazie very very much for your work.
Thanks for watching and writing! I'll be making more for sure..... it's kind of a winter activity for me. This time of year it's all about gardening.
Ahhh! That's fantastic. Inspiring especially the cup. Can't wait to begin next project (beginner)...after I clean out the hay shed and unload the hay though.
This is so cool. You did such a good job 🤍
I am trying to show my feelings towards this video. I have to say Appreciate. I am retired and looking forward a hobby. Somehow a serious one. To my knowledge and experience you are awesome. Congratulations.
Hope you feel that you learned something new that will help on your journey!
Surely your way of tutorials encourages me to determine to follow your videos.
Wish you prosperity.
Thank you so so much I have been making things so difficult for myself..
Keep up the great work and please post more videos about technique.You have a unique excellent way of teaching and are one of the best jewellery video presenters on youtube.You clearly explain every step with great camera placement.You will get a massive amount of subscribers once people discover your work.
I would love to see a video dedicated to polishing and the different grades of polish and uses.
How & when to use tumblers and for what pieces.
God bless
Take care
Regards from Australia
Thanks for letting me know that you enjoy them! I definitely intend to continue filming and teaching as long as I can.
I love these videos! So informative. Thank you so much! I'm learning so much.
I'm so glad you feel like you learned something new! Thanks for writing and watching!
Thank you for such a wonderful series. I would highly recommend them to anyone who makes jewelry - from beginner to beyond. You have such wonderful kernels of information in every one of them. I hope you find your way through to getting back to the bench and making more videos!
Awesome videos Melanie Kline - I can’t wait to get started- I appreciate all the help - at the moment I’m unable to take classes and with your videos I can still learn 🤗
Thanks for writing and for watching!
wow thanks! love your tutorial and the work you show at the beginning and end is just sublime, thanks for sharing your knowledge
Thanks for watching and writing! Hope you learned something new and useful.
Thank you so much
Thanks for watching and writing!
Nice work, nice hands, great instructions. Thank you! Stay safe and be happy. Best, Job
Thank you you are am amazing teacher
I really enjoyed seeing your work, as examples of what you taught. Great video.
Love your necklace
Thank you so much for sharing these videos and your techniques. They are so informative and really well done and your voice is so soothing. Looking forward to more videos.
Thanks for writing, Starr! I'll be making more videos this winter now that gardening season is just about finished. Hope you learned something new!
Love your videos, very easy to understand. Thanks from Northern Ireland 🍀
So glad to hear that! Thanks for writing!
Love your tutorials so much! You’re so helpful and your designs are absolutely beautiful. Your technique is incredible and I learn so much watching you work and talking through your process! Thank you for doing this!!
Thank you Madison! Glad you feel you learned something from me. Appreciate your comment.
Great tips on sawing and spreading solder like "frosting" And being able to see your pieces is both inspirational and educational! It's very special to be able to pause the video and really study what you have made. This video series is such a GIFT! Thank You!
You are a great teacher, so glad I found your channel. Thanks so much.
I do love to follow your videos
Thanks for writing and telling me you watched and enjoyed!
Thank you fore shering look good.
Fantastic video ! Thank you so much !!!
Thanks for watching and writing!
Hi Melanie, i just found you yesterday. I have watched your videos and sad to see you havent added new for 2 years. I hope you are well. I was looking forward to your ideas on pricing that is always the hardest part.
Thanks for watching! I still hope to complete the series. There is so much to know about being successful in this field.
These videos are amazing, I’m looking forward to the rest of the of the videos you’re talking about doing! You are such a good teacher. Thank you.
Thanks for watching and for writing. Hope you learned something new. I'll be making more videos throughout the winter!
I love your tutorials. You're a wonderful teacher. Can't wait for the rest of the series. Thank you so much.
Thank you, Sue. I'm getting ready to make more all winter. Hope I can teach you something new!
Finally some great advise! Love the detailed tutorials, exactly what I need to start soldering jewelry! So far I was only working with wire wrapping silver wire, but I want more. Thank you for your tutorials! Especcially the information about the saws was very useful 😊
Good luck Renate! Thanks for writing and for watching!
you are an amazing person bless you , i hope you know how special you are
Thanks Tom! Happy silversmithing!
Fantastic educational video. Thank you so much
Great info , and your designs are pretty unique and quite amazing !
I’m just a hobby jeweler myself but love watching different how to vids.
I am so happy I found you I’m just starting out and your tutorials are great and easy to follow. your voice is so soothing making it a pleasure to listen to you thank you
That's such wonderful feedback, thank you!
Great tutorial, Melanie! This will be tomorrows work- thx!
Hope to see a photo of what you make!
Wonderful as always :)
Wow This was great info
Thanks for watching and writing!
Wow the photos hope part ..I really need to keepearnung this
That was interesting I havent really used the saw much.
As a beginner, I watch a lot of UA-cam videos and always come back to yours. I'm making my way through your series. Thanks so much for taking the time to teach. In this video you mentioned the difference btwn sawing different metals. I practice on copper and wonder what the best saw blade is for 22 and 24 gauge?
Hi, well.... you are getting a lot of horrible practice and paying your dues. Can't think of much worse than sawing thin copper with a jewelers saw. It's so soft, draggy, and dead, compared to sterling silver. Switch to silver asap.
Truly if it were me, I'd cut it with tin snips and file for exact shape.
But, if you must saw it, use LOTS of wax or bar soap on a 4/0 blade, take deep breaths, and do it on a day when you have patience. Hold your saw gently and glide it through the cuts. As soon as you let your mind drift and you push too hard, you'll break the blade. A lot of them.
Thanks for watching and for writing. I haven't created any videos in awhile but really hope to get back to them. Melanie
As always, good stuff. Your work is so intricate. Thank you.
I'm looking for a workbench. Can you show a photo and discuss pros and cons of one you use? Thanks again.
Yes, I will. Meanwhile, this is good to read. www.riogrande.com/article?name=benchguidepart1
Connie, friend me on facebook so I can message you.
thanks a lot
Great series Is a season 2 available to buy ?
Amazing Bracelet ❤🤩🌹💋
Thank you Melanie! Just found your videos and I love hearing your voice and how you explain things so well. Looking forward to watching the rest of the series. Is it possible to list the items you use? Such as the flux names, burrs, etc.?
Hi Doreen, thanks for watching and for writing! I'm in Colorado, where are you?
Anyway, I try to give that info at the end of my videos. Sorry if I missed something.
I use handy flux for mixed metals and lesser metals. I use banterns flux for silver and gold. Sometimes called fluoron flux (i think Rio Grande calls it MyTflux) anyway its that yellow liquid.
@@melaniekline4895 Thank you so much for the information. I am just outside of Phoenix and started metalsmithing in 2018. My daughter lives in Ft. Collins, so we go to CO occasionally for a visit. I am on instagram as silverlarkstudio. Still finding my way into a business somehow. But for now I'm learning all I can.
Thankyou for your videos. I love that you give precise info and not lots of burbling :0) is there a ratio mix for the denatured alcohol and borax. I use borax as a flux generally
Hi Susan! Thanks for watching and writing! Actually, I just look for the consistency and haven't really thought about what the ratio is. I'll guess 1 tablespoon boric acid to 1 1/2 cups denatured alcohol. It should thinly coat the piece when you dip it in but be thick enough to leave a grainy film. After you light it, a white film should remain on the piece.
I always recommend the lightest saw on the market for beginners, the Grobet at 3.5 ounces and $15 at Rio Grande...
Melanie, we really miss your videos, please come back.
Hi Anita, I will for sure........ just been one thing after another. I have so much more to tell all of you! Thanks for writing
I was sure that I saw dozens of videos available to view on your channel a couple weeks ago? Maybe I’m misremembering, but I hope to see many more. I’m needing inspiration on how to enhance a drop shaped cabachon pendant, without making it too bulky, and giving it a fresh look.
I don't have dozens, not every one dozen yet, but I hope to!
Melanie, we miss your tutorials.
Hi, I hope to make more! Been dealing with vision issues (age related macular degeneration) so I've been scared to try to work at my bench. I guess I don't want to find out that I can't.......
Will there be more videos?
I sure hope so. Not sure I can work at the bench anymore (macular degeneration) but I plan to finish the rest of the series sometime soon
I just started do try out making my own jewelry. I can't saw a straight line, I almost always steer off to the left (I use my left hand since this is my dominant hand). My line only gets more straight if I hold the saw in a somewhat uncomfortable angle. But as soon as I am holding it straight, it drags me to the left again. Any hint why this might be? I am training on brass at the moment and you said brass "drags". Is this what you meant?
What kind of saw are you using?
I am using a 2/0 sawblade for brass plates with a thickness of roughly 0,5 mm
@fabiankeller6884 no. What Saw are you using? Not sawblade.
Ah sorry. I use a Homesom 1PC coping saw.
@fabiankeller6884
Often the problem is not you, it's the saw. A frame with only the thumb screws to hold your blade with NO BACK ADJUSTMENT holds your sawblade straighter. As soon as you have more adjustments you have the potential for more loose chatter and warp. Both of these are really strong frames that won't flex. It is essential that your top and bottom blade holding hardware is perfectly aligned. Also, don't push the blade through the metal, just relax and gently guide it. Good luck! Melanie
Hi Melanie, another fantastic video! Question for you...in the shots where you are soldering the jump ring to the star - what is the material you are soldering on top of? It looks to be some sort of perforated perforated material I've not seen before. I am only familiar with the solderite boards and charcoal blocks - was that a honeycomb ceramic block (googled) and why do you use that in this case? Thanks! You are igniting my fire! 🔥😄
Hi Libby! So glad you feel like you are learning something from me! What you are asking about is a ceramic soldering block. It's a great surface when you need to keep your project flat during soldering.
www.riogrande.com/product/ceramic-honeycomb-block/502005
@@melaniekline4895 Thank you! I took a few classes in TX a few years ago, enough to get the bug! I've had to set the silver smithing aside for a while until I retired from my day job - your intro slide truly resonates with me! :) I live on the east coast of NC now, not too much happening as far as classes, so really appreciate you and all the others sharing your skills!
All the best to you, thanks for sharing your expertise!
Libby, hoping to create lots more tutorials. I have developed wet macular degeneration which affects the vision in my left eye. Trying to work around that............ don't worry, it's not related to my life of metalsmithing. It's age and genetics. Keep working!
@@melaniekline4895 Oh my, so sorry to hear that. Age is the one thing we cannot stop if we keep going, seems it brings its joys and trials. Wish you the best!
❤
Hi Melanie! I hope you are well, and pray for you as it’s been a long time since you’ve posted. We miss you.
Thanks, Kathy. Very kind of you to take the time to write. I miss posting and hope to get back to it soon.
Curious. You say for gold and silver soldering, use handy flux. Specifically. But you don’t say why??
Hope i didn't say that.....I use handy flux for lesser metals like brass, copper, or nickel silver. If I am mixing any of those with sterling silver, I also use it. But silver to silver, gold to gold, silver to gold - then a fluoron flux like banterns or rio's mighty flux.
Thanks for watching and for taking the time to write!
@@melaniekline4895let me check I think you said if you’re soldering gold to silver, use handy flux. and you said “do you hear that”, like as if you really meant it?
@@johnmimist let me know, ok?
@@melaniekline4895 you’re right! I heard it wrong!! I’m so so so sorry! I apologize! yes you said silver to copper or brass. can you tell me why you don’t like handy flux? and what is your favorite for gold to silver such as gold bezel to Silver. Thanks so much. Also I love that you don’t have loud background music we don’t care about that
@@johnmimist no, I love handy flux for soldering lesser metals. It's just unnecessary for precious metals so i don't use it because it's sticky and messier to use when you don't need it.
I'm also a jeweler