Caring For And Cleaning Your Copper Jewelry

Last Updated on Saturday, 21 January 2012 12:19 Written by NancyWildWire Saturday, 21 January 2012 12:19

I love copper jewelry don’t you? It took me a while to figure out how to slow down the tarnish
and the proper way to clean my favorite metal safely.
The best way to keep it nice is to always store your jewelry in a separate plastic zip bag.(silver too)

I prefer natural methods over harsh chemicals when it does start to tarnish.
Believe it or not any tomato based product like ketchup or tomato sauce does a
great job,it’s not fast but it works well. Dab some on the copper and let it set
a couple of minutes,then rinse in cool water. It may need to be repeated on
stubborn tarnish and you can also rub with an old T-shirt or soft brush to help
remove it,then rinse again. Buff with a soft cloth and it should be bright and clean.

My favorite method is lemon juice or vinegar.Dip or squirt it on, let it sit a
few seconds rub with a soft cloth or brush(baby toothbrush) if it is very
stubborn add a little salt and rub lightly. Rinse well,pat dry and buff to a nice
glowing patina.

Which ever method you chose,always be sure to completely dry the piece before you
place it back in the bag and remove as much air as you can when you close the
bag.If your jewelry has stones avoid getting the cleaning solution on
those, especially pearls, shell, and opal, any dyed or treated stones too.

Peridot and Sterling Silver Pendant

Last Updated on Thursday, 12 January 2012 08:55 Written by John Atwell Rasmussen Thursday, 12 January 2012 08:55

I was thinking and decided to try a twisted wire project.  I took three strands of 18 gauge round soft copper wire and twisted them together into one strand.  Showing this to my wife, she said, why don’t you use silver.  I would like something done with this in silver.  I took three strands of 21 gauge square half hard sterling silver wire and twisted them in a similar manner.  When I show this to Debora, she asked what I was going to do and I replied that I was thinking of a twisted drop with a stone set in the bottom loop.  She asked to select the stone, and she selected a 6 mm round peridot.  That set the size and shape of the stone and setting.

The twisted wire was formed into the basic shape, then the top was wrapped with 21 gauge half round Argentium sterling silver wire to form the bail.  A precast head was soldered into the loop with hard silver solder.  The entire piece was then pickled, hand polished and tumbled to a high gloss polish.  The prongs were notched with a square fine file, and the peridot was set into the silver setting.  We have a finished pendant:

These last to views are from the back and the extreme left side.  Overall, the effect of the twisted wire accents the entire design.

Amazing FHFteam Giveaway

Last Updated on Monday, 9 January 2012 01:48 Written by MakinTheBestOfIt Monday, 9 January 2012 01:47

Hi there, my name is Jolene Wolfe and I am a lampwork bead maker. I have been a member of www.frithappens.co.uk, a UK based lampworking forum since 2007 and in 2009 I started a forum based Etsy Street Team called FHFteam . Each month we have a prize giveaway on our team blog and this month it is my turn to offer up a glassy treat or two. To be in with a chance of winning couldn’t be simpler, just pop by www.fhfteam.blogspot.com and leave a comment on one of our posts anytime before February 7th. Don’t worry if you are not a lampworker, you can nominate a lampworker to receive the twistie part of this prize package if you like.

This chunky aquarium focal bead featuring pretty little Tang tropical fish murrini

And a set of funky rainbow twisties

The winner will be drawn from the names of FHFteam blog followers who comment on the team blog during January, so don’t forget to ‘Follow’ us, and start sharing what’s on your mind! Drawing for the prize will take place on the 8th of February 2012

I’d like to say a special thank you to Andrew and Kimberly for inviting me to have a guest blog spot here to tell you all about our giveaway. Their tireless support of handmade it truly inspirational.

Happy New Year
Jo x
Kitzbitz on Etsy, Kitzbitz on HAFshop, Frit N Chips.