I’m having a small problem that I thought I’d share here in the hopes that someone can help me find a solution.  When I make my fine silver on steel pieces, I use a process called fusing to adhere the silver to the steel.  (For all you non-metalsmiths, this means I heat the metal with a torch and melt it together.)  The nature of the process is that some of the drops are permanently affixed, and some, well, aren’t.

I then go through a number of steps to knock off the loose drops before I sell them.  I bang the pieces around on the table before I put them in the pickle.  After the pickle, I tumble them.  Then, when I’m doing the final finishing by hand, I try and knock off any that still seem loose.

But even with all that, it seems like I’m having a number of pieces sent back lately because the drops are falling off, particularly rings.  What should I do?  I don’t want to stop making the line, because its very popular (and I really like it as well) but I can’t have pieces coming back all the time.  Should I tumble longer?  Should I tumble with a harder material?  (Right now I’m using plastic media because I want a matte finish – perhaps I should use steel shot.)  I considered throwing a few rocks in with the media, to give the pieces something heavier to bang around with.  (This will probably be my next attempt.)  But I would love any other suggestions.  Help!

Its National Bike to Work Week, so if you usually drive to work, consider biking (or walking) to work this week.

I’m so excited to see one of the new necklaces on the Etsy front page!  I know its expensive, but I’d love to see it find a good home.

Charm City Craft Mafia‘s Pile of Craft

and

Hope to see you there!

I have to see this!  (Thanks to Studio Jeweler for the tip.)

Well, the show in Bethesda this weekend was a bit of a bust.  The weather didn’t help – though compared to today it was downright gorgeous.  The bright side is that I’ve finally got a retail/outdoor show display I’m happy with.  My new tables combine the plastic shelving I was using last year with the wooden table tops Joe made me for New York Gift.  The result – a nice surface with lots of hidden storage.  And the secret to keeping the paper rolls from blowing away – wrap them around tin cans and drop in a few rocks.  Oh, and those curtains in the background – Ikea designed them especially for me.  (Or at least that’s what I like to think!)

Here’s little sneak peek behind the scenes.

And one of my favorite craft show pastimes – dog watching!

Or at least the summer show season anyway.  Between show prep and the nice weather, I haven’t been spending much time on the computer.  (It doesn’t help that my computer’s been so slow the last few weeks.)

Below: my studio in its usual state of disarray.

I finally got around to the second part of my shop update.  Some of my favorite additions – my small and medium silver on steel earrings now available with sterling silver posts.  They make the perfect everyday earrings – and they are available now in the shop!

And as a special treat for my faithful blog readers – I’m offering free shipping from now until June 15.  Just enter the code JUNE08 in the notes to seller, and I’ll send you a revised invoice for free shipping.

I’m such a nerd when it comes to promo materials – so I was totally excited to get these new postcards in the mail yesterday.  One step closer to being ready for summer shows.  

I also did an inventory of all my stock last night.  Its been a long time since I’ve done that.  I’m in better shape than I thought – but still have a lot of stuff to make.  I’m trying to get ahead for once.

The promised shop update is still on its way – my computer is being so slow that I couldn’t deal with processing images.  I really need to clean it out.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get the new fine silver and steel pieces in the shop yesterday like I was hoping to do.  Time got away from me!

I can’t believe its May already.  How did that happen?  I’ve got so much to do – wholesale orders, prepping for shows, etc… On deck for May – 3 craft shows, a trip to Santa Fe, and a triathlon.  Perhaps I’ll relax in June.  (Oh, wait – June – 4 craft shows…. perhaps July?)

Oh well, off to be a little production machine.