Backyard Foundry Recycled Aluminum Cans

Good Morning,

Today's share is a video I found on line via Facebook.  Although the written language may look daunting the video is in English.

I would like to make two suggestions.

One:  Please do not try this at home unless you know what you are doing.  Have proper ventilation, fire extinguishers and a large open area that isn't next to anything flammable, like your house.

Two:  I have done a little research on this and it has come to my attention that melting soda cans and other aluminum objects can create or release a toxic gas during the melting process.  I would very much like to stress that if you wish to try something like this at home or studio to please research, study, or ask a local artisan if they have experience with this project and ask for assistance.

If you would like to try your hand at casting, there is a three part tutorial here on the blog Cuttle Bone Casting.  It uses household items and rosin core solder that you may find at any local hardware store.   The tutorial will take you from the start with materials, to the finished project.  You may choose any form to make, the steps are the important part, not the item.  I made a Stone Set Cross in the tutorial.

Cuttle Bone Casting Tutorial Part 1
Cuttle Bone Casting Tutorial Part 2
Cuttle Bone Casting Tutorial Part 3

Post by M-A-H-İ-R-M-A-T-İ-K---- FUN- CLUP.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

Five Great Gifts to Give List 37

Good Morning,

Instead of Five Great Gifts, today we will look at five ways you can help others this Holiday Season.

Donate to your local Humane Society or Animal Shelter.  Food, Blankets, Toys, are always appreciated.  Contact your local shelter and ask what they may need in the way of supplies, every little bit helps.  If you have room in your home and your heart, you might also adopt a little furry friend of your very own. You could love them, and pet them, and call them, "George".

Idaho Humane Society Needed Items

"Miss Nora", the Boss-Lady Fur-person, adopted from the Idaho Humane Society in 2000.  Yes, she is 13 years-old. 
The Alchemist's Cat, or rather The Alchemist's Owner.


Donate a toy or your time to Toys for Tots.  Our economy is terrible, and many children do not get a Christmas or the opportunity to celebrate other Holidays.  There are lots of places that have inexpensive toys, dolls, books, race cars etc., that any child would love to call their own.

Coats For Kids:  When this California Girl moved from the sunny surf-washed beaches of San Fransisco, to the high desert of Idaho, she was not, I repeat NOT PREPARED for the Winter weather. Here in Idaho the Winters can be brutally cold, the temperatures can dip into the Below Zero degrees, -3, you bet that's COLD!    Not every place is as cold as Idaho, and many places get colder, this year (locally) Bruneel Tire Factory and Idaho Youth Ranch Stores are a couple of the donation locations here in the Treasure Valley Area.  Bring your gently used coats or outer wear and drop them off, the coats will be handed out during school hours to Elementary and older children.

Food Banks / Soup Kitchens:

When we think of Soup Kitchens or Food Banks many of us think of the old Depression Era images we have seen from books and History reels.  Just because we don't call it a Depression, don't think for a moment that this country isn't in serious trouble, there are hundreds, thousands, that go without a meal every day in this great and bountiful land of ours, let's make sure every one gets to eat at least once a day.  Donate canned goods, or your time to serve at one, for one weekend a month.

Senior Citizens are sometimes the most in need and usually the first to be forgotten.  There are so many things that one can do for our elders, the people that came before and paved the way for us to do and be what we are today!  There are lots of wonderful ways you can help a Senior, whether it be your own Parents, Grandparents or the Neighbor down the street, a small gift of your time can change a life and be worth it's weight in more than gold.  Here are some links to check out how you can help in your area.  Nursing homes, hospitals, other care facilities might be in need of volunteers to read to or just sit with and be company for those that are alone.  A trip to the grocery store, a ride to a doctor's appointment, simple things that cost you nothing but a bit of your time, and we can all afford to give some of it to someone else.

Seniors Helping Seniors
Seniors in Need
Boise Senior Center

 Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

Taking Care of Your Tools

Good Morning,

This weekend I was on a bit of a creating jag.  Boxes were sketched on for painting, things were prepared to be assembled, soldered and etched, until this happened...

This is the inside of my hand held, battery operated Engraver.  This little tool is one of my favorites; however due to age and I would suppose use, the innards have obviously deteriorated, or in this case are just plain broken.

The plastic casing has cracked and broken away from the works, the metal pin that acts as a contact is in the battery tube leaving the copper wiring exposed.  I have had this for a good seven or eight years, and I never thought to look inside, until it stopped working yesterday. 

This brings me to the care of your tools.  Not only is it necessary to keep your most important tools, your hands, healthy, it is also important to keep the implements you use healthy as well.

Once a month check you tools.  Really look at them, evaluate their health and assess the best way to repair or give the tool some much needed attention.  Is something broken or starting to wear or fray?  Are there nicks, chips, divots, dings, or other things that may prevent you from achieving that perfect look or  other task you are attempting while creating your goods?

If so, you may want to think about replacing or perhaps repairing them.

A simple sheet of sand paper can be used to polish pliers jaws and the heads of your hammers.  This removes surface imperfections that may mar or interfere with the finish of your piece.

When possible tools should be kept away from each other, this eliminates much of the wear and tear on tools you are not using, they won't bang into and damage each other.  Try to dust your tools during the inspection, little bits of this and that can gum up the joints or movable parts and damage the tool or cause it not to work properly.

Inexpensive plastic cases can be purchased, or plastic containers from your favorite Deli or Market can also be used as storage.  Clean them out and place your tools inside.  Keep the lid and you can keep them dust free.

Keep your tools in good working order and they will last you a life time.

Thank you for stopping by and having a read.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

Cool Tools for Jewelry

Good Morning,

Today I thought we would take a look at a couple of tools that I use when making jewelry.

Most of you know about and probably own a "Dremel", a popular brand name rotary tool, there are several versions .  I also own a Nikota.  Let's look at the Dremel 7300.  This sells for around $30.00.

This hand held tool is simple to use and comes with eight heads.

Cordless, it comes with a power pack / charger that plugs into any socket.  The battery is removable for easy charge-up or cleaning.    There are also a variety of heads available and sold separately for your needs.  Two speeds make sanding, shaping and polishing a breeze.

150 Piece Dremel Rotary Tool Accessory Kit.  Marked as a $70.00 value, you can usually find these for around $25.00 to $40.00 depending on where you shop.

Includes, sanding disks and drums, cutting wheels and drill bits.

The Roburn Soldering Iron / Torch 3 in 1.  This is a very small, butane powered tool.  It comes with an interchangeable head for a soldering iron, and the tool may be set for flame (torch) or to heat and becomes a hot air blower.

At 6-1/2" long this design isn't exactly the best, however, it is easy to control, light weight, and I like the 3 -in- 1 aspect of tool.  Operation time is about 60 minutes on a "tank" of gas at the medium-setting.  It should be noted that the torch flame reaches temps of up to 1300 degrees Celsius or 2730 degrees Fahrenheit.  THAT'S HOT!  The soldering tip reaches 430 C or 780 F, and works best with silver solder paste.  A torch striker is recommended by the manufacturer for ease of igniting the flame.

Yes, I do own these tools, and use them in the studio.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

Tools on Tuesday

Good Morning,

As most of you know, I am an avid fan of continued education, and with one more course module to go, I have almost completed mine.

In order to finish out the class I required special tools to preform specific tasks in forming, shaping, and working with various other materials and metals.  Lets have a look at what it takes to make a ring or other jewelry.

Bezel Strip - This is bezel wire or strip.  It comes in a variety of metals and patterns or plain.  It is used to make ring shanks and to set the stone in a piece.  This is a "fancy" style and very small.  1.5mm x 1mm.  It can be annealed (heated), hammered into submission, bent, sawed, filed, and polished in the process of creating a ring.

These next items are magnifiers and do little else except make things bigger.  Also specific tools for specific tasks.

Third Hand with Magnifier -  A picture is truly worth one thousand words.  It is exactly what it sounds like and the photo below shows one in use.  I have always wanted one of these, and now I finally have one.  Can be used for up close and intricate soldering work, holding strands of beads while tying, or chain when clasps or other ornaments are being added.  "It's a very good thing."

Jeweler's Loop - one of the most recognized of all tools is the jewelers loop.  Of course they have come a long way from the short bolts of metal and glass held by one's eye, but the design and function is the same, and has never really changed much.  Used to inspect a gemstone or jewelry setting, they allow the user to see tiny imperfections in the stones or settings that would not be visible to the naked eye.  They magnify from 5x to 20x normal size.  Mine (just like the one below) uses 5x and 10x, anything higher is just really not necessary.

Hammers and Tongs

Yes, believe it or not hammers and other heavy or industrial tools are required to make those pretty little trinkets.  Most jewelry in its early days was created by the town's Blacksmith.  Hammers, anvils, tongs, crucibles, and yes, even fire, are all necessary elements in the process of creating jewelry, each with its own specific use or function.

Rawhide Hammer - used for shaping and hammering metal on a mandrel.

Ball Peen Hammer - used for hammering or stamping (dapping) metal.  These come in several different weights, mine is 4oz., just right for jewelry.

Rubber Mallet - Used for final or finishing techniques, usually stretching a ring shank.

Unfortunately I do not have a picture of tongs.  However, it should be noted that when working with metals or making jewelry that COPPER tongs should be used.  Other materials like stainless steel can contaminate the Pickle Solution (cleaning mixture), and cause it to discolor and ruin your jewelry.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

Cuttlebone Casting Part II - Model and Mold Preparation

Good Morning,

Wednesday's are devoted to what's happening in the studio here at The Alchemists Vessel, and this morning is Part II of the three part series, Cuttlebone Casting.

Monday we discussed materials and the very basics of beginning to model and mold the pendant.  Today we are going to continue the project with making the model and creating the mold itself.

If you would like to follow along, I recommend a quick review of Monday's post, Cuttlebone Casting Part I- Materials and Model Making.

TOOLS:
Pencil

Paper

Pin or Sharp Pointy Object

Modeling (Jeweler's) Wax
Flat File

Jeweler's Saw

Lighter Fluid

Soft Cloth

Brass Rods

Unsharpened Pencil

Prepared Cuttlebone halves

Last time the design of the piece was decided upon, sketched and cut out.  The sample project shown throughout the instruction will be  simple Cross shape.

This is about 1-1/2" tall x 1-1/4" wide.  Sketched in pencil (then traced with ink for a clearer photo), cut out of the paper, this will be the Paper Template from which to trace or "scribe" the design on to the wax block.

PREPARE THE MODEL

Cut out and place your Paper Template on top of the modeling wax and with a pin or other sharp object draw or “scribe” your design into the wax.  Trace the template.  Below is a T-pin, which I use to scribe the design in to the wax.

Note: You can see that the template is a little too long for the wax, you may adjust your design to fit with in the wax area before your trace the design.

Next with a Jeweler’s Saw and a Spiral saw blade (these cut modeling wax best, and straight blades work just fine, too) cut out your model.

Here is the beginning of the wax model.  Using a straight saw blade the block has been cut along the scribed lines in the wax.  Once completely cut out the model will be ready for final preparations.

Once your model is cut out, use a wax file to smooth and true the edges up, keeping them straight and even.  They make specific files for wax, if one is not available a flat jewelers / craft file will work as well.

Using a tiny bit of lighter fluid and a soft cloth, smooth out the surface, corners, and sides of the model.  This will remove any imperfections, nicks and scratches, and smooth the surface for a better impression.  Remember every imperfection will transfer to the finished product.  Be careful, over working the wax will distort or destroy any detail you may have carved into the model.

I have drilled tiny pilot holes in my design, the center hole will house the gemstone, and the others are to keep the design consistent.

NOTE:  I failed to take a picture prior to completing the next steps.  What you see here, is the final model, after it has been pressed into the cuttlebone halves.  The white material is dust from the bone.   Also, I dropped it, as I mentioned the wax is very brittle and I managed to break the arm of the Cross on one side.  However this happened after creating the mold impression!

Whew!  Almost there!

MAKE THAT MOLD

Now the fun starts!  Using one side of your cuttlebone, press your model into the flat surface of the bone.  The bone is soft, use gentle even pressure.  Next place the other half of the cuttlebone on top of the wax model and other half of the bone-mold and press the two sides together.  GENTLY!  If you press too hard the cuttlebone will break and another one will have to be prepared before continuing.  The wax model is now embedded in the cuttlebone.  It does take some pressure, and you can hear the model sinking into the surface of the cuttlebone.  The halves do need to touch, but press the wax into them enough for a well-defined impression.

With a pencil, mark several places on the outside of the bone so you can align the halves later.  This is important, the sides of the mold must match up for the inside to cast properly.

Remove the model.  The impression will be left behind.  This model may be used again to make another mold.

 

Here you can see the impression the wax model has made in the bone, along with the natural striated patterns of the bone itself, they are distorted by the the impression of the cross.  (The other side of the cuttlebone looks just like this).

If desired, very, very carefully sand the impression for better definition.  Do not overwork the area or you can distort the impression.

ADD SPRUE CHANNELS AND VENT GATES

Choosing one side of the mold, lay it flat and using the end of a pencil (not sharpened) create a SPRUE CHANNEL by gently pressing the pencil into the bone, just above and at the edge of the impression.  What’s a sprue channel?  It is a channel that allows the material you’re pouring to enter the mold for casting.  Make sure that this just touches the edge or of your model impression, but not so much to distort your design.  (Simon didn’t say to remove the pencil).

Next using brass rods or something with a smaller diameter than the pencil create VENT GATES.  What’s a vent gate?  It is a channel that will allow air to escape the mold during the casting process.  Just like you did with the pencil, using two (2) Brass rods (or tool) lay them just at the end and edge of the arms of the Cross.  These should also just touch the edge of the impression.  With the pencil and then the rods in place, place the second half of your mold over the pencil and rods and press down, keeping in mind to align the pencil marks on the outside of the cuttlebone.  The channels must be created in both sides of the mold.  Take the halves apart, remove the pencil and rods.

Are you still with me?  Still want to make a piece of jewelry?   Alrighty then!  Here we go!

Now match up the halves with the lines you made on the outside.  Find the Sprue Channel. Very carefully mark the top of the mold (both sides), on either side of the Sprue Channel.  This is where you will cut the SPRUE HOLE.  What’s a sprue hole?  It is a larger opening in the mold, which allows you to pour material into the Sprue Channel and into the mold.  This makes it easier to pour the material from whatever you have melted your material in, into the mold itself.  If you try to aim for the Sprue Channel you will wind up with material on the outside of the mold and possibly severe burns.  Molten Metal is HOT HOT HOT!  This project only gets up to about 400 degrees, but that can still do some serious damage!  Be careful.

Here you can see the Vent Gates, Sprue Hole, Sprue Channel, and the pencil marks I made on the outside of the bone to align the pieces.

Now align the Mold again.  Using Mold Wire, Rubber bands, or other type of binding (I do not recommend Duct Tape or other adhesive strips or bindings), match up the halves and secure (close) the mold.

The photo above is the closed mold, with Rubber band binding.

You just made a mold.  COOL!

WHEW!

Set the mold aside, some place safe and dry.

The preparations are now done and the mold is ready to begin casting the piece.

Take a break, have a little sit down and enjoy some tea, coffee, a beverage, or snack of your choice!  You've earned it!

Next time.  Part III - Casting the piece. 


Thank you for stopping by and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant Wednesday.

Tools In My Studio

Happy Wednesday!  

Here we are in the middle of the week!  Where does the time go?

I thought it might be fun to take a look at some of the tools and other materials I use to make jewelry.

This is my Micro Torch, I use it for soldering, firing PMC (Precious Metal Clay) annealing, and any number of other things that require me to heat things.

This is my Jeweler's Saw.  I use it to cut wire (for jump rings), sheet metal and sizing stock.  Yes, it is exactly like a hacksaw, except the blades are much finer and thinner, and the saw itself is much smaller and lighter weight than a Construction Tool.

These are the tools I use in the creation of Chainmaille, two pairs of pliers, and three mandrels. Of course I have more, these are all that would fit on the background area.  Mandrels are used to wrap the wire to create a coil, from which jump rings are cut.  Pliers are used to open and close the jump rings during the linking process.

Hammers and Anvil.  Yes, it is very cathartic when designing to bring that hammer down on the little piece of wire.  Striking area is very tiny, so precision is a must, and a great deal of attention paid to the piece you are working on.  One wrong blow with the head, and the piece can break, bend, or be ruined.

Stainless Steel Head

Stainless Steel Anvil

Rubber Mallet

4 oz. Brass Claw Hammer (there are screwdrivers in the handle!)

Here is a selection of wire that I use.  Brand new stock that has not been opened as of yet.  From Left to Right: 20 gauge Copper, Nickle, and Jeweler's Bronze (aka "Merlin's Gold"), and the last roll is 18 gauge copper wire.

Here is a coil of Sterling Silver Plated Copper Jewelry wire, I have used up the last of the Silver Plated wire, making the last choker I created.  The wire is straightened, wrapped around a mandrel, the coil is removed from the mandrel and cut using the Jeweler's Saw for a flush cut or it is "Pinch Cut" using wire cutters.

I offer both Hand-forged and Manufactured or machine made clasps, but that is the only thing you will find besides beads and gemstones (I don't have the equipment to do that at home) that are not hand-crafted by my self.  That includes head pins, jump rings and chain.

I suppose it would have been easier to just take a photo of the Bench, but that is covered with materials and stuff that needs to be cleaned up and gone through, I currently use the dining table or head out the garage for creation these days.  Evetually I'll get back to the actual Bench and then I can take a photo.

You can always check out Youtube or Dailymotion.  Currently there are three very short tutorial videos, on opening and closing, measuring the Interior Diameter and winding / cutting your own jump rings.

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day!

Wednesday Tutorial Video Coil and Cut Jump Rings

Good Morning,

After spending much of yesterday trying to figure out how to use and navigate the new blog pages for Blogger, I thought we might test out a new post with something fun.

As I posted previously, I will attempt to upload one tutorial video a month.  This one (as well as others) May be found on Youtube, Dailymotion, alchemistsvessel.net or the Facebook fan page.  All links to these pages may be found on the menu to your right.

Today's tutorial is coiling and cutting your own jump rings.  Youtube has some new features which include auto fixing the video you upload.  Perhaps it will make the video look better, one can hope.

Our next tutorial will cover making a pair of earrings.  Now that you have the basics down, we might as well put it all together and make something!

The video will not be posted until May, 2012, so you have plenty of time to prepare.  Want to make a pair along with the video?  The Supply list may be found below.

"Beaded Earrings" (sounds fun and interesting, yes?)

Supply List

Tools: 

2 pairs of pliers - Round Nosed and Flat or Chained nosed. 

Wire or Jewelry Cutters (aka "Flush Cutters")

Materials:

1 pkg. of Jump Rings 4mm (or coil and cut your own, you need 2)

1 pkg. of Head Pins. (you will only need two, but extra is good!)

1 pkg. of Ear Wires (common in craft stores are Fish Hook Style)

2 Beads of your choice. (They should be 6mm to 8mm in size)

*6mm round red glass beads will be used for the tutorial.

Most of the items may be found at your local craft shop.  Don't want to spend more than a couple of bucks? Checkout a Wal-Mart or other variety store, they usually have these kinds of things for $2.00 to $5.00.

No special equipment is necessary, I bet most of you have pliers and a wire cutter at home.  If not, try a Wal-Mart or other variety store for inexpensive tools.  It's not the tool it's the craft-person using the tool that makes the pieces unique and wonderful.  Paint Brush or Power Tool, a human hand is still required to operate them.


When someone asks you where you got them, you can smile and say, "I made this."

Thank you for stopping by and having a look.  We would like to wish you a pleasant week.

A Random Friday

The weekend is here and I don't think I have ever been so happy to see one!

Friday's are usually links and promotions, I have been busy with classes this week and haven't had time to look for much.  My plate is suddenly very full, which is a good thing.

I have been talking about starting to teach classes at Jo-Ann's.  Here is there website.  Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores.  From here you can find a store, look for a class, sign up for offers and even shop some of their items.  If you're a craft-person this is a neat site.  You can even buy a class for a friend as a gift.

Yesterday's blog discussed tools, a rotary or Dremel tool being the prominent tool.  Here are three links to the tool.

Dremel.com - Website Homepage.

Video Projects - What should I do with my Dremel?

Customer Creations Gallery - What other people did with their Dremel tool.  Some of the projects are amazing!

Like this Curly Maple Clock

A Hardwood Ark

 Or this Wooden Sign

Tools are pretty cool.

Next weekend is the last Treasure Valley Market of the season, and I will be attending.  We'll link the commercial and the event one more time next week.  I hope to see the locals there.

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend!  Rest.  Relax.  Rejuvenate!

Featured Artist - Dremel or Rotary Tools

Instead of a Featured Artist today, I thought it would be fun to discuss tools.  No, not those kinds of tools, I mean the tools you use for crafting or DIY projects.

My friend, who is very knowledgeable about these things, and I were discussing Flex Shaft Machines and other shop / studio equipment, that is used during the process of creating, art, molds, jewelry, sculpture and even household repairs.

A "Dremel" is a brand of Rotary tool.  What's a rotary tool?  It is a motorized shaft with a small accessory "heads" for sanding, buffing, polishing, cutting, drilling, etc.  Mine are ancient!  Here is what a new Kit looks like.  Dremel Tool Kit.

Not all of them are heavy duty like that one.  I was introduced to this cool little item during the conversation, and will share the videos with you now.  Youtube, as I have learned, has a wealth of neat instructional and tutorial videos on just about anything and everything you can imagine.

This nifty little piece of equipment that allows you "hands free" work. The Dremel 2500-01  Multi-Vise

Here is an instructional video on the Multi-Vise

What started all this talk of tools and various uses and attachments? A Flex Shaft Machine.  Here we see its uses in carving Green Jewelry Wax, as well as manual (hand-held) tools.

And I think that's all for today. 

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.  Questions and comments are always welcome.  The weekend is almost here, we would like to wish you a pleasant day.