It's hard for me to look at any technique simply. It's probably the thing that's given me the hardest time in learning new skills. I think about chain and I see a world of snake chains, diamond cut figaro chains and micro chain.
Not every complex idea is a disaster. I've talked at length about playing with woven chain.
My approach is not entirely without success, it's just that heading at full speed into a careful and detailed task and lead to tears and frustration much of the time.
This last year, I've been taking classes. Forcing myself to slow down, ask for help when I really need it. And it's been wonderful.
And now that I have that time free, I'll be writing about it.
Forging-Yes, after a couple of years of self teaching, I didn't realize that this title referenced a specific technique.
Sawing
Piercing
Hammer texturing
Soldering
Creating findings
Bezel setting
And then the more advanced techniques that these skills make possible
Intricate piercing
Chasing
Chain making
Marriage of Metals
Design of complete pieces of jewelry
Tube and hopefully more complex settings.
I am by no means an expert yet, and so I won't be posting complex how-to guides. But I do hope I can share, and therefore reinforce for myself, the basic lessons I've learned.
I cannot say for certain what the future will hold, but I do know that I've found work and art that inspires me and gives me real joy. Thank you for letting me share with you.
-Simbelmynë
