Comments on: Jewelry 101: Making Headpins http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/ All about jewelry and creativity Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:45:22 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 By: Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-23758 Leah Sat, 16 Aug 2008 16:25:51 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-23758 Hi Kate - you know, I'm not sure if a gas burner would work - I actually don't know what kind of gas it uses, so I have no idea if it's hot enough. A tumbler is a machine, you've probably heard of rock tumblers that are used to polish rocks - it's the same idea, but used to polish jewelry. Mine is half full of stainless steel mixed shot, and I toss in the jewelry, cover with water, and add a pinch of tumbling powder (I've heard dawn dish soap works well if you don't have tumbling powder) and then run it for about 15 minutes. Hope this helps! Hi Kate – you know, I’m not sure if a gas burner would work – I actually don’t know what kind of gas it uses, so I have no idea if it’s hot enough. A tumbler is a machine, you’ve probably heard of rock tumblers that are used to polish rocks – it’s the same idea, but used to polish jewelry. Mine is half full of stainless steel mixed shot, and I toss in the jewelry, cover with water, and add a pinch of tumbling powder (I’ve heard dawn dish soap works well if you don’t have tumbling powder) and then run it for about 15 minutes. Hope this helps!

]]> By: Kate T http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-23751 Kate T Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:53:35 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-23751 Thanks for this article. I'm in the midst of trying to do this very thing with 24 gauge sterling silver wire. I don't have any type of torch. This might be silly, but... could I use the burner on the gas stove? And the other question I have is, what is a tumbler? Is it a machine I'd need to buy? Thanks for the info, Kate Thanks for this article. I’m in the midst of trying to do this very thing with 24 gauge sterling silver wire. I don’t have any type of torch. This might be silly, but… could I use the burner on the gas stove?

And the other question I have is, what is a tumbler? Is it a machine I’d need to buy?

Thanks for the info,

Kate

]]> By: Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-21809 Leah Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:42:14 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-21809 If you want to make solid gold head pins, you need a better torch than the one I have, and some flux. When I've worked with 14k gold, I used an oxy/acetylene torch, which gets hotter than propane. If you want to make solid gold head pins, you need a better torch than the one I have, and some flux. When I’ve worked with 14k gold, I used an oxy/acetylene torch, which gets hotter than propane.

]]> By: Rhianna http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-21808 Rhianna Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:39:31 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-21808 Hi - what if you want to make your own solid gold head pins? Flux? Thanks - your website's great. R Hi – what if you want to make your own solid gold head pins? Flux?

Thanks – your website’s great.

R

]]> By: Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-19981 Leah Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:27:28 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-19981 thanks Teresa! :) thanks Teresa! :)

]]> By: Teresa http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-19907 Teresa Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:29:59 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-19907 this article was just the push I needed to go ahead and finally do this! thanks! i'm posting about my triumph and your blog article on Etsy so you might get a little traffic! this article was just the push I needed to go ahead and finally do this!

thanks! i’m posting about my triumph and your blog article on Etsy so you might get a little traffic!

]]> By: Administrator http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-15042 Administrator Tue, 06 May 2008 19:20:23 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-15042 Copper has a higher melting point than silver, so you need a hotter/bigger flame to melt it, but it's basically the same process as with sterling silver. Gold-filled wire is different, because it's a thin layer of gold over another metal (brass, I think) so if you melt it, the gold mixes with the core metal. So I probably wouldn't do this with gold filled wire, but you could try if you don't mind that the ball might be a slightly different color than the wire. Copper has a higher melting point than silver, so you need a hotter/bigger flame to melt it, but it’s basically the same process as with sterling silver. Gold-filled wire is different, because it’s a thin layer of gold over another metal (brass, I think) so if you melt it, the gold mixes with the core metal. So I probably wouldn’t do this with gold filled wire, but you could try if you don’t mind that the ball might be a slightly different color than the wire.

]]> By: Nina http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-15028 Nina Tue, 06 May 2008 16:09:21 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-15028 how do you make copper ball end headpins? Will the flux trick work on gold-fill wire to make gold headpins? Thanks for any info! how do you make copper ball end headpins? Will the flux trick work on gold-fill wire to make gold headpins? Thanks for any info!

]]> By: Administrator http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-6642 Administrator Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:19:38 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-6642 I do recommend taking a class if you can - it sometimes helps to have someone demonstrate a technique. I'm glad if my articles help though! I do recommend taking a class if you can – it sometimes helps to have someone demonstrate a technique. I’m glad if my articles help though!

]]> By: erin http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/ All about jewelry and creativity Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:45:22 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 Comments on: Jewelry 101: Making Headpins http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/ All about jewelry and creativity Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:45:22 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 By: Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-23758 Leah Sat, 16 Aug 2008 16:25:51 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-23758 Hi Kate - you know, I'm not sure if a gas burner would work - I actually don't know what kind of gas it uses, so I have no idea if it's hot enough. A tumbler is a machine, you've probably heard of rock tumblers that are used to polish rocks - it's the same idea, but used to polish jewelry. Mine is half full of stainless steel mixed shot, and I toss in the jewelry, cover with water, and add a pinch of tumbling powder (I've heard dawn dish soap works well if you don't have tumbling powder) and then run it for about 15 minutes. Hope this helps! Hi Kate – you know, I’m not sure if a gas burner would work – I actually don’t know what kind of gas it uses, so I have no idea if it’s hot enough. A tumbler is a machine, you’ve probably heard of rock tumblers that are used to polish rocks – it’s the same idea, but used to polish jewelry. Mine is half full of stainless steel mixed shot, and I toss in the jewelry, cover with water, and add a pinch of tumbling powder (I’ve heard dawn dish soap works well if you don’t have tumbling powder) and then run it for about 15 minutes. Hope this helps!

]]> By: Kate T http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-23751 Kate T Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:53:35 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-23751 Thanks for this article. I'm in the midst of trying to do this very thing with 24 gauge sterling silver wire. I don't have any type of torch. This might be silly, but... could I use the burner on the gas stove? And the other question I have is, what is a tumbler? Is it a machine I'd need to buy? Thanks for the info, Kate Thanks for this article. I’m in the midst of trying to do this very thing with 24 gauge sterling silver wire. I don’t have any type of torch. This might be silly, but… could I use the burner on the gas stove?

And the other question I have is, what is a tumbler? Is it a machine I’d need to buy?

Thanks for the info,

Kate

]]> By: Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-21809 Leah Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:42:14 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-21809 If you want to make solid gold head pins, you need a better torch than the one I have, and some flux. When I've worked with 14k gold, I used an oxy/acetylene torch, which gets hotter than propane. If you want to make solid gold head pins, you need a better torch than the one I have, and some flux. When I’ve worked with 14k gold, I used an oxy/acetylene torch, which gets hotter than propane.

]]> By: Rhianna http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-21808 Rhianna Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:39:31 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-21808 Hi - what if you want to make your own solid gold head pins? Flux? Thanks - your website's great. R Hi – what if you want to make your own solid gold head pins? Flux?

Thanks – your website’s great.

R

]]> By: Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-19981 Leah Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:27:28 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-19981 thanks Teresa! :) thanks Teresa! :)

]]> By: Teresa http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-19907 Teresa Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:29:59 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-19907 this article was just the push I needed to go ahead and finally do this! thanks! i'm posting about my triumph and your blog article on Etsy so you might get a little traffic! this article was just the push I needed to go ahead and finally do this!

thanks! i’m posting about my triumph and your blog article on Etsy so you might get a little traffic!

]]> By: Administrator http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-15042 Administrator Tue, 06 May 2008 19:20:23 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-15042 Copper has a higher melting point than silver, so you need a hotter/bigger flame to melt it, but it's basically the same process as with sterling silver. Gold-filled wire is different, because it's a thin layer of gold over another metal (brass, I think) so if you melt it, the gold mixes with the core metal. So I probably wouldn't do this with gold filled wire, but you could try if you don't mind that the ball might be a slightly different color than the wire. Copper has a higher melting point than silver, so you need a hotter/bigger flame to melt it, but it’s basically the same process as with sterling silver. Gold-filled wire is different, because it’s a thin layer of gold over another metal (brass, I think) so if you melt it, the gold mixes with the core metal. So I probably wouldn’t do this with gold filled wire, but you could try if you don’t mind that the ball might be a slightly different color than the wire.

]]> By: Nina http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-15028 Nina Tue, 06 May 2008 16:09:21 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-15028 how do you make copper ball end headpins? Will the flux trick work on gold-fill wire to make gold headpins? Thanks for any info! how do you make copper ball end headpins? Will the flux trick work on gold-fill wire to make gold headpins? Thanks for any info!

]]> By: Administrator http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-6642 Administrator Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:19:38 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-6642 I do recommend taking a class if you can - it sometimes helps to have someone demonstrate a technique. I'm glad if my articles help though! I do recommend taking a class if you can – it sometimes helps to have someone demonstrate a technique. I’m glad if my articles help though!

]]> By: erin http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-23758 Leah Sat, 16 Aug 2008 16:25:51 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-23758 Hi Kate - you know, I'm not sure if a gas burner would work - I actually don't know what kind of gas it uses, so I have no idea if it's hot enough. A tumbler is a machine, you've probably heard of rock tumblers that are used to polish rocks - it's the same idea, but used to polish jewelry. Mine is half full of stainless steel mixed shot, and I toss in the jewelry, cover with water, and add a pinch of tumbling powder (I've heard dawn dish soap works well if you don't have tumbling powder) and then run it for about 15 minutes. Hope this helps! Hi Kate – you know, I’m not sure if a gas burner would work – I actually don’t know what kind of gas it uses, so I have no idea if it’s hot enough. A tumbler is a machine, you’ve probably heard of rock tumblers that are used to polish rocks – it’s the same idea, but used to polish jewelry. Mine is half full of stainless steel mixed shot, and I toss in the jewelry, cover with water, and add a pinch of tumbling powder (I’ve heard dawn dish soap works well if you don’t have tumbling powder) and then run it for about 15 minutes. Hope this helps!

]]> Comments on: Jewelry 101: Making Headpins http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/ All about jewelry and creativity Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:45:22 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 By: Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-23758 Leah Sat, 16 Aug 2008 16:25:51 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-23758 Hi Kate - you know, I'm not sure if a gas burner would work - I actually don't know what kind of gas it uses, so I have no idea if it's hot enough. A tumbler is a machine, you've probably heard of rock tumblers that are used to polish rocks - it's the same idea, but used to polish jewelry. Mine is half full of stainless steel mixed shot, and I toss in the jewelry, cover with water, and add a pinch of tumbling powder (I've heard dawn dish soap works well if you don't have tumbling powder) and then run it for about 15 minutes. Hope this helps! Hi Kate – you know, I’m not sure if a gas burner would work – I actually don’t know what kind of gas it uses, so I have no idea if it’s hot enough. A tumbler is a machine, you’ve probably heard of rock tumblers that are used to polish rocks – it’s the same idea, but used to polish jewelry. Mine is half full of stainless steel mixed shot, and I toss in the jewelry, cover with water, and add a pinch of tumbling powder (I’ve heard dawn dish soap works well if you don’t have tumbling powder) and then run it for about 15 minutes. Hope this helps!

]]> By: Kate T http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-23751 Kate T Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:53:35 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-23751 Thanks for this article. I'm in the midst of trying to do this very thing with 24 gauge sterling silver wire. I don't have any type of torch. This might be silly, but... could I use the burner on the gas stove? And the other question I have is, what is a tumbler? Is it a machine I'd need to buy? Thanks for the info, Kate Thanks for this article. I’m in the midst of trying to do this very thing with 24 gauge sterling silver wire. I don’t have any type of torch. This might be silly, but… could I use the burner on the gas stove?

And the other question I have is, what is a tumbler? Is it a machine I’d need to buy?

Thanks for the info,

Kate

]]> By: Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-21809 Leah Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:42:14 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-21809 If you want to make solid gold head pins, you need a better torch than the one I have, and some flux. When I've worked with 14k gold, I used an oxy/acetylene torch, which gets hotter than propane. If you want to make solid gold head pins, you need a better torch than the one I have, and some flux. When I’ve worked with 14k gold, I used an oxy/acetylene torch, which gets hotter than propane.

]]> By: Rhianna http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-21808 Rhianna Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:39:31 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-21808 Hi - what if you want to make your own solid gold head pins? Flux? Thanks - your website's great. R Hi – what if you want to make your own solid gold head pins? Flux?

Thanks – your website’s great.

R

]]> By: Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-19981 Leah Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:27:28 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-19981 thanks Teresa! :) thanks Teresa! :)

]]> By: Teresa http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-19907 Teresa Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:29:59 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-19907 this article was just the push I needed to go ahead and finally do this! thanks! i'm posting about my triumph and your blog article on Etsy so you might get a little traffic! this article was just the push I needed to go ahead and finally do this!

thanks! i’m posting about my triumph and your blog article on Etsy so you might get a little traffic!

]]> By: Administrator http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-15042 Administrator Tue, 06 May 2008 19:20:23 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-15042 Copper has a higher melting point than silver, so you need a hotter/bigger flame to melt it, but it's basically the same process as with sterling silver. Gold-filled wire is different, because it's a thin layer of gold over another metal (brass, I think) so if you melt it, the gold mixes with the core metal. So I probably wouldn't do this with gold filled wire, but you could try if you don't mind that the ball might be a slightly different color than the wire. Copper has a higher melting point than silver, so you need a hotter/bigger flame to melt it, but it’s basically the same process as with sterling silver. Gold-filled wire is different, because it’s a thin layer of gold over another metal (brass, I think) so if you melt it, the gold mixes with the core metal. So I probably wouldn’t do this with gold filled wire, but you could try if you don’t mind that the ball might be a slightly different color than the wire.

]]> By: Nina http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-15028 Nina Tue, 06 May 2008 16:09:21 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-15028 how do you make copper ball end headpins? Will the flux trick work on gold-fill wire to make gold headpins? Thanks for any info! how do you make copper ball end headpins? Will the flux trick work on gold-fill wire to make gold headpins? Thanks for any info!

]]> By: Administrator http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-6642 Administrator Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:19:38 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-6642 I do recommend taking a class if you can - it sometimes helps to have someone demonstrate a technique. I'm glad if my articles help though! I do recommend taking a class if you can – it sometimes helps to have someone demonstrate a technique. I’m glad if my articles help though!

]]> By: erin http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-23751 Kate T Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:53:35 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-23751 Thanks for this article. I'm in the midst of trying to do this very thing with 24 gauge sterling silver wire. I don't have any type of torch. This might be silly, but... could I use the burner on the gas stove? And the other question I have is, what is a tumbler? Is it a machine I'd need to buy? Thanks for the info, Kate Thanks for this article. I’m in the midst of trying to do this very thing with 24 gauge sterling silver wire. I don’t have any type of torch. This might be silly, but… could I use the burner on the gas stove?

And the other question I have is, what is a tumbler? Is it a machine I’d need to buy?

Thanks for the info,

Kate

]]> Comments on: Jewelry 101: Making Headpins http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/ All about jewelry and creativity Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:45:22 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 By: Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-23758 Leah Sat, 16 Aug 2008 16:25:51 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-23758 Hi Kate - you know, I'm not sure if a gas burner would work - I actually don't know what kind of gas it uses, so I have no idea if it's hot enough. A tumbler is a machine, you've probably heard of rock tumblers that are used to polish rocks - it's the same idea, but used to polish jewelry. Mine is half full of stainless steel mixed shot, and I toss in the jewelry, cover with water, and add a pinch of tumbling powder (I've heard dawn dish soap works well if you don't have tumbling powder) and then run it for about 15 minutes. Hope this helps! Hi Kate – you know, I’m not sure if a gas burner would work – I actually don’t know what kind of gas it uses, so I have no idea if it’s hot enough. A tumbler is a machine, you’ve probably heard of rock tumblers that are used to polish rocks – it’s the same idea, but used to polish jewelry. Mine is half full of stainless steel mixed shot, and I toss in the jewelry, cover with water, and add a pinch of tumbling powder (I’ve heard dawn dish soap works well if you don’t have tumbling powder) and then run it for about 15 minutes. Hope this helps!

]]> By: Kate T http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-23751 Kate T Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:53:35 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-23751 Thanks for this article. I'm in the midst of trying to do this very thing with 24 gauge sterling silver wire. I don't have any type of torch. This might be silly, but... could I use the burner on the gas stove? And the other question I have is, what is a tumbler? Is it a machine I'd need to buy? Thanks for the info, Kate Thanks for this article. I’m in the midst of trying to do this very thing with 24 gauge sterling silver wire. I don’t have any type of torch. This might be silly, but… could I use the burner on the gas stove?

And the other question I have is, what is a tumbler? Is it a machine I’d need to buy?

Thanks for the info,

Kate

]]> By: Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-21809 Leah Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:42:14 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-21809 If you want to make solid gold head pins, you need a better torch than the one I have, and some flux. When I've worked with 14k gold, I used an oxy/acetylene torch, which gets hotter than propane. If you want to make solid gold head pins, you need a better torch than the one I have, and some flux. When I’ve worked with 14k gold, I used an oxy/acetylene torch, which gets hotter than propane.

]]> By: Rhianna http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-21808 Rhianna Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:39:31 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-21808 Hi - what if you want to make your own solid gold head pins? Flux? Thanks - your website's great. R Hi – what if you want to make your own solid gold head pins? Flux?

Thanks – your website’s great.

R

]]> By: Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-19981 Leah Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:27:28 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-19981 thanks Teresa! :) thanks Teresa! :)

]]> By: Teresa http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-19907 Teresa Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:29:59 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-19907 this article was just the push I needed to go ahead and finally do this! thanks! i'm posting about my triumph and your blog article on Etsy so you might get a little traffic! this article was just the push I needed to go ahead and finally do this!

thanks! i’m posting about my triumph and your blog article on Etsy so you might get a little traffic!

]]> By: Administrator http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-15042 Administrator Tue, 06 May 2008 19:20:23 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-15042 Copper has a higher melting point than silver, so you need a hotter/bigger flame to melt it, but it's basically the same process as with sterling silver. Gold-filled wire is different, because it's a thin layer of gold over another metal (brass, I think) so if you melt it, the gold mixes with the core metal. So I probably wouldn't do this with gold filled wire, but you could try if you don't mind that the ball might be a slightly different color than the wire. Copper has a higher melting point than silver, so you need a hotter/bigger flame to melt it, but it’s basically the same process as with sterling silver. Gold-filled wire is different, because it’s a thin layer of gold over another metal (brass, I think) so if you melt it, the gold mixes with the core metal. So I probably wouldn’t do this with gold filled wire, but you could try if you don’t mind that the ball might be a slightly different color than the wire.

]]> By: Nina http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-15028 Nina Tue, 06 May 2008 16:09:21 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-15028 how do you make copper ball end headpins? Will the flux trick work on gold-fill wire to make gold headpins? Thanks for any info! how do you make copper ball end headpins? Will the flux trick work on gold-fill wire to make gold headpins? Thanks for any info!

]]> By: Administrator http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-6642 Administrator Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:19:38 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-6642 I do recommend taking a class if you can - it sometimes helps to have someone demonstrate a technique. I'm glad if my articles help though! I do recommend taking a class if you can – it sometimes helps to have someone demonstrate a technique. I’m glad if my articles help though!

]]> By: erin http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-21809 Leah Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:42:14 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-21809 If you want to make solid gold head pins, you need a better torch than the one I have, and some flux. When I've worked with 14k gold, I used an oxy/acetylene torch, which gets hotter than propane. If you want to make solid gold head pins, you need a better torch than the one I have, and some flux. When I’ve worked with 14k gold, I used an oxy/acetylene torch, which gets hotter than propane.

]]> Comments on: Jewelry 101: Making Headpins http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/ All about jewelry and creativity Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:45:22 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 By: Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-23758 Leah Sat, 16 Aug 2008 16:25:51 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-23758 Hi Kate - you know, I'm not sure if a gas burner would work - I actually don't know what kind of gas it uses, so I have no idea if it's hot enough. A tumbler is a machine, you've probably heard of rock tumblers that are used to polish rocks - it's the same idea, but used to polish jewelry. Mine is half full of stainless steel mixed shot, and I toss in the jewelry, cover with water, and add a pinch of tumbling powder (I've heard dawn dish soap works well if you don't have tumbling powder) and then run it for about 15 minutes. Hope this helps! Hi Kate – you know, I’m not sure if a gas burner would work – I actually don’t know what kind of gas it uses, so I have no idea if it’s hot enough. A tumbler is a machine, you’ve probably heard of rock tumblers that are used to polish rocks – it’s the same idea, but used to polish jewelry. Mine is half full of stainless steel mixed shot, and I toss in the jewelry, cover with water, and add a pinch of tumbling powder (I’ve heard dawn dish soap works well if you don’t have tumbling powder) and then run it for about 15 minutes. Hope this helps!

]]> By: Kate T http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-23751 Kate T Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:53:35 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-23751 Thanks for this article. I'm in the midst of trying to do this very thing with 24 gauge sterling silver wire. I don't have any type of torch. This might be silly, but... could I use the burner on the gas stove? And the other question I have is, what is a tumbler? Is it a machine I'd need to buy? Thanks for the info, Kate Thanks for this article. I’m in the midst of trying to do this very thing with 24 gauge sterling silver wire. I don’t have any type of torch. This might be silly, but… could I use the burner on the gas stove?

And the other question I have is, what is a tumbler? Is it a machine I’d need to buy?

Thanks for the info,

Kate

]]> By: Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-21809 Leah Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:42:14 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-21809 If you want to make solid gold head pins, you need a better torch than the one I have, and some flux. When I've worked with 14k gold, I used an oxy/acetylene torch, which gets hotter than propane. If you want to make solid gold head pins, you need a better torch than the one I have, and some flux. When I’ve worked with 14k gold, I used an oxy/acetylene torch, which gets hotter than propane.

]]> By: Rhianna http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-21808 Rhianna Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:39:31 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-21808 Hi - what if you want to make your own solid gold head pins? Flux? Thanks - your website's great. R Hi – what if you want to make your own solid gold head pins? Flux?

Thanks – your website’s great.

R

]]> By: Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-19981 Leah Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:27:28 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-19981 thanks Teresa! :) thanks Teresa! :)

]]> By: Teresa http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-19907 Teresa Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:29:59 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-19907 this article was just the push I needed to go ahead and finally do this! thanks! i'm posting about my triumph and your blog article on Etsy so you might get a little traffic! this article was just the push I needed to go ahead and finally do this!

thanks! i’m posting about my triumph and your blog article on Etsy so you might get a little traffic!

]]> By: Administrator http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-15042 Administrator Tue, 06 May 2008 19:20:23 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-15042 Copper has a higher melting point than silver, so you need a hotter/bigger flame to melt it, but it's basically the same process as with sterling silver. Gold-filled wire is different, because it's a thin layer of gold over another metal (brass, I think) so if you melt it, the gold mixes with the core metal. So I probably wouldn't do this with gold filled wire, but you could try if you don't mind that the ball might be a slightly different color than the wire. Copper has a higher melting point than silver, so you need a hotter/bigger flame to melt it, but it’s basically the same process as with sterling silver. Gold-filled wire is different, because it’s a thin layer of gold over another metal (brass, I think) so if you melt it, the gold mixes with the core metal. So I probably wouldn’t do this with gold filled wire, but you could try if you don’t mind that the ball might be a slightly different color than the wire.

]]> By: Nina http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-15028 Nina Tue, 06 May 2008 16:09:21 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-15028 how do you make copper ball end headpins? Will the flux trick work on gold-fill wire to make gold headpins? Thanks for any info! how do you make copper ball end headpins? Will the flux trick work on gold-fill wire to make gold headpins? Thanks for any info!

]]> By: Administrator http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-6642 Administrator Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:19:38 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-6642 I do recommend taking a class if you can - it sometimes helps to have someone demonstrate a technique. I'm glad if my articles help though! I do recommend taking a class if you can – it sometimes helps to have someone demonstrate a technique. I’m glad if my articles help though!

]]> By: erin http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-21808 Rhianna Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:39:31 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-21808 Hi - what if you want to make your own solid gold head pins? Flux? Thanks - your website's great. R Hi – what if you want to make your own solid gold head pins? Flux?

Thanks – your website’s great.

R

]]> Comments on: Jewelry 101: Making Headpins http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/ All about jewelry and creativity Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:45:22 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 By: Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-23758 Leah Sat, 16 Aug 2008 16:25:51 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-23758 Hi Kate - you know, I'm not sure if a gas burner would work - I actually don't know what kind of gas it uses, so I have no idea if it's hot enough. A tumbler is a machine, you've probably heard of rock tumblers that are used to polish rocks - it's the same idea, but used to polish jewelry. Mine is half full of stainless steel mixed shot, and I toss in the jewelry, cover with water, and add a pinch of tumbling powder (I've heard dawn dish soap works well if you don't have tumbling powder) and then run it for about 15 minutes. Hope this helps! Hi Kate – you know, I’m not sure if a gas burner would work – I actually don’t know what kind of gas it uses, so I have no idea if it’s hot enough. A tumbler is a machine, you’ve probably heard of rock tumblers that are used to polish rocks – it’s the same idea, but used to polish jewelry. Mine is half full of stainless steel mixed shot, and I toss in the jewelry, cover with water, and add a pinch of tumbling powder (I’ve heard dawn dish soap works well if you don’t have tumbling powder) and then run it for about 15 minutes. Hope this helps!

]]> By: Kate T http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-23751 Kate T Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:53:35 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-23751 Thanks for this article. I'm in the midst of trying to do this very thing with 24 gauge sterling silver wire. I don't have any type of torch. This might be silly, but... could I use the burner on the gas stove? And the other question I have is, what is a tumbler? Is it a machine I'd need to buy? Thanks for the info, Kate Thanks for this article. I’m in the midst of trying to do this very thing with 24 gauge sterling silver wire. I don’t have any type of torch. This might be silly, but… could I use the burner on the gas stove?

And the other question I have is, what is a tumbler? Is it a machine I’d need to buy?

Thanks for the info,

Kate

]]> By: Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-21809 Leah Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:42:14 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-21809 If you want to make solid gold head pins, you need a better torch than the one I have, and some flux. When I've worked with 14k gold, I used an oxy/acetylene torch, which gets hotter than propane. If you want to make solid gold head pins, you need a better torch than the one I have, and some flux. When I’ve worked with 14k gold, I used an oxy/acetylene torch, which gets hotter than propane.

]]> By: Rhianna http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-21808 Rhianna Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:39:31 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-21808 Hi - what if you want to make your own solid gold head pins? Flux? Thanks - your website's great. R Hi – what if you want to make your own solid gold head pins? Flux?

Thanks – your website’s great.

R

]]> By: Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-19981 Leah Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:27:28 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-19981 thanks Teresa! :) thanks Teresa! :)

]]> By: Teresa http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-19907 Teresa Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:29:59 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-19907 this article was just the push I needed to go ahead and finally do this! thanks! i'm posting about my triumph and your blog article on Etsy so you might get a little traffic! this article was just the push I needed to go ahead and finally do this!

thanks! i’m posting about my triumph and your blog article on Etsy so you might get a little traffic!

]]> By: Administrator http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-15042 Administrator Tue, 06 May 2008 19:20:23 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-15042 Copper has a higher melting point than silver, so you need a hotter/bigger flame to melt it, but it's basically the same process as with sterling silver. Gold-filled wire is different, because it's a thin layer of gold over another metal (brass, I think) so if you melt it, the gold mixes with the core metal. So I probably wouldn't do this with gold filled wire, but you could try if you don't mind that the ball might be a slightly different color than the wire. Copper has a higher melting point than silver, so you need a hotter/bigger flame to melt it, but it’s basically the same process as with sterling silver. Gold-filled wire is different, because it’s a thin layer of gold over another metal (brass, I think) so if you melt it, the gold mixes with the core metal. So I probably wouldn’t do this with gold filled wire, but you could try if you don’t mind that the ball might be a slightly different color than the wire.

]]> By: Nina http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-15028 Nina Tue, 06 May 2008 16:09:21 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-15028 how do you make copper ball end headpins? Will the flux trick work on gold-fill wire to make gold headpins? Thanks for any info! how do you make copper ball end headpins? Will the flux trick work on gold-fill wire to make gold headpins? Thanks for any info!

]]> By: Administrator http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-6642 Administrator Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:19:38 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-6642 I do recommend taking a class if you can - it sometimes helps to have someone demonstrate a technique. I'm glad if my articles help though! I do recommend taking a class if you can – it sometimes helps to have someone demonstrate a technique. I’m glad if my articles help though!

]]> By: erin http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-19981 Leah Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:27:28 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-19981 thanks Teresa! :) thanks Teresa! :)

]]> Comments on: Jewelry 101: Making Headpins http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/ All about jewelry and creativity Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:45:22 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 By: Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-23758 Leah Sat, 16 Aug 2008 16:25:51 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-23758 Hi Kate - you know, I'm not sure if a gas burner would work - I actually don't know what kind of gas it uses, so I have no idea if it's hot enough. A tumbler is a machine, you've probably heard of rock tumblers that are used to polish rocks - it's the same idea, but used to polish jewelry. Mine is half full of stainless steel mixed shot, and I toss in the jewelry, cover with water, and add a pinch of tumbling powder (I've heard dawn dish soap works well if you don't have tumbling powder) and then run it for about 15 minutes. Hope this helps! Hi Kate – you know, I’m not sure if a gas burner would work – I actually don’t know what kind of gas it uses, so I have no idea if it’s hot enough. A tumbler is a machine, you’ve probably heard of rock tumblers that are used to polish rocks – it’s the same idea, but used to polish jewelry. Mine is half full of stainless steel mixed shot, and I toss in the jewelry, cover with water, and add a pinch of tumbling powder (I’ve heard dawn dish soap works well if you don’t have tumbling powder) and then run it for about 15 minutes. Hope this helps!

]]> By: Kate T http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-23751 Kate T Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:53:35 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-23751 Thanks for this article. I'm in the midst of trying to do this very thing with 24 gauge sterling silver wire. I don't have any type of torch. This might be silly, but... could I use the burner on the gas stove? And the other question I have is, what is a tumbler? Is it a machine I'd need to buy? Thanks for the info, Kate Thanks for this article. I’m in the midst of trying to do this very thing with 24 gauge sterling silver wire. I don’t have any type of torch. This might be silly, but… could I use the burner on the gas stove?

And the other question I have is, what is a tumbler? Is it a machine I’d need to buy?

Thanks for the info,

Kate

]]> By: Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-21809 Leah Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:42:14 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-21809 If you want to make solid gold head pins, you need a better torch than the one I have, and some flux. When I've worked with 14k gold, I used an oxy/acetylene torch, which gets hotter than propane. If you want to make solid gold head pins, you need a better torch than the one I have, and some flux. When I’ve worked with 14k gold, I used an oxy/acetylene torch, which gets hotter than propane.

]]> By: Rhianna http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-21808 Rhianna Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:39:31 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-21808 Hi - what if you want to make your own solid gold head pins? Flux? Thanks - your website's great. R Hi – what if you want to make your own solid gold head pins? Flux?

Thanks – your website’s great.

R

]]> By: Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-19981 Leah Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:27:28 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-19981 thanks Teresa! :) thanks Teresa! :)

]]> By: Teresa http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-19907 Teresa Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:29:59 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-19907 this article was just the push I needed to go ahead and finally do this! thanks! i'm posting about my triumph and your blog article on Etsy so you might get a little traffic! this article was just the push I needed to go ahead and finally do this!

thanks! i’m posting about my triumph and your blog article on Etsy so you might get a little traffic!

]]> By: Administrator http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-15042 Administrator Tue, 06 May 2008 19:20:23 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-15042 Copper has a higher melting point than silver, so you need a hotter/bigger flame to melt it, but it's basically the same process as with sterling silver. Gold-filled wire is different, because it's a thin layer of gold over another metal (brass, I think) so if you melt it, the gold mixes with the core metal. So I probably wouldn't do this with gold filled wire, but you could try if you don't mind that the ball might be a slightly different color than the wire. Copper has a higher melting point than silver, so you need a hotter/bigger flame to melt it, but it’s basically the same process as with sterling silver. Gold-filled wire is different, because it’s a thin layer of gold over another metal (brass, I think) so if you melt it, the gold mixes with the core metal. So I probably wouldn’t do this with gold filled wire, but you could try if you don’t mind that the ball might be a slightly different color than the wire.

]]> By: Nina http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-15028 Nina Tue, 06 May 2008 16:09:21 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-15028 how do you make copper ball end headpins? Will the flux trick work on gold-fill wire to make gold headpins? Thanks for any info! how do you make copper ball end headpins? Will the flux trick work on gold-fill wire to make gold headpins? Thanks for any info!

]]> By: Administrator http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-6642 Administrator Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:19:38 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-6642 I do recommend taking a class if you can - it sometimes helps to have someone demonstrate a technique. I'm glad if my articles help though! I do recommend taking a class if you can – it sometimes helps to have someone demonstrate a technique. I’m glad if my articles help though!

]]> By: erin http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-19907 Teresa Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:29:59 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-19907 this article was just the push I needed to go ahead and finally do this! thanks! i'm posting about my triumph and your blog article on Etsy so you might get a little traffic! this article was just the push I needed to go ahead and finally do this!

thanks! i’m posting about my triumph and your blog article on Etsy so you might get a little traffic!

]]> Comments on: Jewelry 101: Making Headpins http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/ All about jewelry and creativity Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:45:22 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 By: Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-23758 Leah Sat, 16 Aug 2008 16:25:51 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-23758 Hi Kate - you know, I'm not sure if a gas burner would work - I actually don't know what kind of gas it uses, so I have no idea if it's hot enough. A tumbler is a machine, you've probably heard of rock tumblers that are used to polish rocks - it's the same idea, but used to polish jewelry. Mine is half full of stainless steel mixed shot, and I toss in the jewelry, cover with water, and add a pinch of tumbling powder (I've heard dawn dish soap works well if you don't have tumbling powder) and then run it for about 15 minutes. Hope this helps! Hi Kate – you know, I’m not sure if a gas burner would work – I actually don’t know what kind of gas it uses, so I have no idea if it’s hot enough. A tumbler is a machine, you’ve probably heard of rock tumblers that are used to polish rocks – it’s the same idea, but used to polish jewelry. Mine is half full of stainless steel mixed shot, and I toss in the jewelry, cover with water, and add a pinch of tumbling powder (I’ve heard dawn dish soap works well if you don’t have tumbling powder) and then run it for about 15 minutes. Hope this helps!

]]> By: Kate T http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-23751 Kate T Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:53:35 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-23751 Thanks for this article. I'm in the midst of trying to do this very thing with 24 gauge sterling silver wire. I don't have any type of torch. This might be silly, but... could I use the burner on the gas stove? And the other question I have is, what is a tumbler? Is it a machine I'd need to buy? Thanks for the info, Kate Thanks for this article. I’m in the midst of trying to do this very thing with 24 gauge sterling silver wire. I don’t have any type of torch. This might be silly, but… could I use the burner on the gas stove?

And the other question I have is, what is a tumbler? Is it a machine I’d need to buy?

Thanks for the info,

Kate

]]> By: Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-21809 Leah Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:42:14 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-21809 If you want to make solid gold head pins, you need a better torch than the one I have, and some flux. When I've worked with 14k gold, I used an oxy/acetylene torch, which gets hotter than propane. If you want to make solid gold head pins, you need a better torch than the one I have, and some flux. When I’ve worked with 14k gold, I used an oxy/acetylene torch, which gets hotter than propane.

]]> By: Rhianna http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-21808 Rhianna Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:39:31 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-21808 Hi - what if you want to make your own solid gold head pins? Flux? Thanks - your website's great. R Hi – what if you want to make your own solid gold head pins? Flux?

Thanks – your website’s great.

R

]]> By: Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-19981 Leah Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:27:28 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-19981 thanks Teresa! :) thanks Teresa! :)

]]> By: Teresa http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-19907 Teresa Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:29:59 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-19907 this article was just the push I needed to go ahead and finally do this! thanks! i'm posting about my triumph and your blog article on Etsy so you might get a little traffic! this article was just the push I needed to go ahead and finally do this!

thanks! i’m posting about my triumph and your blog article on Etsy so you might get a little traffic!

]]> By: Administrator http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-15042 Administrator Tue, 06 May 2008 19:20:23 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-15042 Copper has a higher melting point than silver, so you need a hotter/bigger flame to melt it, but it's basically the same process as with sterling silver. Gold-filled wire is different, because it's a thin layer of gold over another metal (brass, I think) so if you melt it, the gold mixes with the core metal. So I probably wouldn't do this with gold filled wire, but you could try if you don't mind that the ball might be a slightly different color than the wire. Copper has a higher melting point than silver, so you need a hotter/bigger flame to melt it, but it’s basically the same process as with sterling silver. Gold-filled wire is different, because it’s a thin layer of gold over another metal (brass, I think) so if you melt it, the gold mixes with the core metal. So I probably wouldn’t do this with gold filled wire, but you could try if you don’t mind that the ball might be a slightly different color than the wire.

]]> By: Nina http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-15028 Nina Tue, 06 May 2008 16:09:21 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-15028 how do you make copper ball end headpins? Will the flux trick work on gold-fill wire to make gold headpins? Thanks for any info! how do you make copper ball end headpins? Will the flux trick work on gold-fill wire to make gold headpins? Thanks for any info!

]]> By: Administrator http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-6642 Administrator Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:19:38 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-6642 I do recommend taking a class if you can - it sometimes helps to have someone demonstrate a technique. I'm glad if my articles help though! I do recommend taking a class if you can – it sometimes helps to have someone demonstrate a technique. I’m glad if my articles help though!

]]> By: erin http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-15042 Administrator Tue, 06 May 2008 19:20:23 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-15042 Copper has a higher melting point than silver, so you need a hotter/bigger flame to melt it, but it's basically the same process as with sterling silver. Gold-filled wire is different, because it's a thin layer of gold over another metal (brass, I think) so if you melt it, the gold mixes with the core metal. So I probably wouldn't do this with gold filled wire, but you could try if you don't mind that the ball might be a slightly different color than the wire. Copper has a higher melting point than silver, so you need a hotter/bigger flame to melt it, but it’s basically the same process as with sterling silver. Gold-filled wire is different, because it’s a thin layer of gold over another metal (brass, I think) so if you melt it, the gold mixes with the core metal. So I probably wouldn’t do this with gold filled wire, but you could try if you don’t mind that the ball might be a slightly different color than the wire.

]]> Comments on: Jewelry 101: Making Headpins http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/ All about jewelry and creativity Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:45:22 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 By: Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-23758 Leah Sat, 16 Aug 2008 16:25:51 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-23758 Hi Kate - you know, I'm not sure if a gas burner would work - I actually don't know what kind of gas it uses, so I have no idea if it's hot enough. A tumbler is a machine, you've probably heard of rock tumblers that are used to polish rocks - it's the same idea, but used to polish jewelry. Mine is half full of stainless steel mixed shot, and I toss in the jewelry, cover with water, and add a pinch of tumbling powder (I've heard dawn dish soap works well if you don't have tumbling powder) and then run it for about 15 minutes. Hope this helps! Hi Kate – you know, I’m not sure if a gas burner would work – I actually don’t know what kind of gas it uses, so I have no idea if it’s hot enough. A tumbler is a machine, you’ve probably heard of rock tumblers that are used to polish rocks – it’s the same idea, but used to polish jewelry. Mine is half full of stainless steel mixed shot, and I toss in the jewelry, cover with water, and add a pinch of tumbling powder (I’ve heard dawn dish soap works well if you don’t have tumbling powder) and then run it for about 15 minutes. Hope this helps!

]]> By: Kate T http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-23751 Kate T Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:53:35 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-23751 Thanks for this article. I'm in the midst of trying to do this very thing with 24 gauge sterling silver wire. I don't have any type of torch. This might be silly, but... could I use the burner on the gas stove? And the other question I have is, what is a tumbler? Is it a machine I'd need to buy? Thanks for the info, Kate Thanks for this article. I’m in the midst of trying to do this very thing with 24 gauge sterling silver wire. I don’t have any type of torch. This might be silly, but… could I use the burner on the gas stove?

And the other question I have is, what is a tumbler? Is it a machine I’d need to buy?

Thanks for the info,

Kate

]]> By: Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-21809 Leah Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:42:14 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-21809 If you want to make solid gold head pins, you need a better torch than the one I have, and some flux. When I've worked with 14k gold, I used an oxy/acetylene torch, which gets hotter than propane. If you want to make solid gold head pins, you need a better torch than the one I have, and some flux. When I’ve worked with 14k gold, I used an oxy/acetylene torch, which gets hotter than propane.

]]> By: Rhianna http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-21808 Rhianna Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:39:31 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-21808 Hi - what if you want to make your own solid gold head pins? Flux? Thanks - your website's great. R Hi – what if you want to make your own solid gold head pins? Flux?

Thanks – your website’s great.

R

]]> By: Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-19981 Leah Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:27:28 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-19981 thanks Teresa! :) thanks Teresa! :)

]]> By: Teresa http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-19907 Teresa Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:29:59 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-19907 this article was just the push I needed to go ahead and finally do this! thanks! i'm posting about my triumph and your blog article on Etsy so you might get a little traffic! this article was just the push I needed to go ahead and finally do this!

thanks! i’m posting about my triumph and your blog article on Etsy so you might get a little traffic!

]]> By: Administrator http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-15042 Administrator Tue, 06 May 2008 19:20:23 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-15042 Copper has a higher melting point than silver, so you need a hotter/bigger flame to melt it, but it's basically the same process as with sterling silver. Gold-filled wire is different, because it's a thin layer of gold over another metal (brass, I think) so if you melt it, the gold mixes with the core metal. So I probably wouldn't do this with gold filled wire, but you could try if you don't mind that the ball might be a slightly different color than the wire. Copper has a higher melting point than silver, so you need a hotter/bigger flame to melt it, but it’s basically the same process as with sterling silver. Gold-filled wire is different, because it’s a thin layer of gold over another metal (brass, I think) so if you melt it, the gold mixes with the core metal. So I probably wouldn’t do this with gold filled wire, but you could try if you don’t mind that the ball might be a slightly different color than the wire.

]]> By: Nina http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-15028 Nina Tue, 06 May 2008 16:09:21 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-15028 how do you make copper ball end headpins? Will the flux trick work on gold-fill wire to make gold headpins? Thanks for any info! how do you make copper ball end headpins? Will the flux trick work on gold-fill wire to make gold headpins? Thanks for any info!

]]> By: Administrator http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-6642 Administrator Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:19:38 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-6642 I do recommend taking a class if you can - it sometimes helps to have someone demonstrate a technique. I'm glad if my articles help though! I do recommend taking a class if you can – it sometimes helps to have someone demonstrate a technique. I’m glad if my articles help though!

]]> By: erin http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-15028 Nina Tue, 06 May 2008 16:09:21 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-15028 how do you make copper ball end headpins? Will the flux trick work on gold-fill wire to make gold headpins? Thanks for any info! how do you make copper ball end headpins? Will the flux trick work on gold-fill wire to make gold headpins? Thanks for any info!

]]> Comments on: Jewelry 101: Making Headpins http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/ All about jewelry and creativity Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:45:22 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 By: Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-23758 Leah Sat, 16 Aug 2008 16:25:51 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-23758 Hi Kate - you know, I'm not sure if a gas burner would work - I actually don't know what kind of gas it uses, so I have no idea if it's hot enough. A tumbler is a machine, you've probably heard of rock tumblers that are used to polish rocks - it's the same idea, but used to polish jewelry. Mine is half full of stainless steel mixed shot, and I toss in the jewelry, cover with water, and add a pinch of tumbling powder (I've heard dawn dish soap works well if you don't have tumbling powder) and then run it for about 15 minutes. Hope this helps! Hi Kate – you know, I’m not sure if a gas burner would work – I actually don’t know what kind of gas it uses, so I have no idea if it’s hot enough. A tumbler is a machine, you’ve probably heard of rock tumblers that are used to polish rocks – it’s the same idea, but used to polish jewelry. Mine is half full of stainless steel mixed shot, and I toss in the jewelry, cover with water, and add a pinch of tumbling powder (I’ve heard dawn dish soap works well if you don’t have tumbling powder) and then run it for about 15 minutes. Hope this helps!

]]> By: Kate T http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-23751 Kate T Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:53:35 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-23751 Thanks for this article. I'm in the midst of trying to do this very thing with 24 gauge sterling silver wire. I don't have any type of torch. This might be silly, but... could I use the burner on the gas stove? And the other question I have is, what is a tumbler? Is it a machine I'd need to buy? Thanks for the info, Kate Thanks for this article. I’m in the midst of trying to do this very thing with 24 gauge sterling silver wire. I don’t have any type of torch. This might be silly, but… could I use the burner on the gas stove?

And the other question I have is, what is a tumbler? Is it a machine I’d need to buy?

Thanks for the info,

Kate

]]> By: Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-21809 Leah Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:42:14 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-21809 If you want to make solid gold head pins, you need a better torch than the one I have, and some flux. When I've worked with 14k gold, I used an oxy/acetylene torch, which gets hotter than propane. If you want to make solid gold head pins, you need a better torch than the one I have, and some flux. When I’ve worked with 14k gold, I used an oxy/acetylene torch, which gets hotter than propane.

]]> By: Rhianna http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-21808 Rhianna Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:39:31 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-21808 Hi - what if you want to make your own solid gold head pins? Flux? Thanks - your website's great. R Hi – what if you want to make your own solid gold head pins? Flux?

Thanks – your website’s great.

R

]]> By: Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-19981 Leah Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:27:28 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-19981 thanks Teresa! :) thanks Teresa! :)

]]> By: Teresa http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-19907 Teresa Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:29:59 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-19907 this article was just the push I needed to go ahead and finally do this! thanks! i'm posting about my triumph and your blog article on Etsy so you might get a little traffic! this article was just the push I needed to go ahead and finally do this!

thanks! i’m posting about my triumph and your blog article on Etsy so you might get a little traffic!

]]> By: Administrator http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-15042 Administrator Tue, 06 May 2008 19:20:23 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-15042 Copper has a higher melting point than silver, so you need a hotter/bigger flame to melt it, but it's basically the same process as with sterling silver. Gold-filled wire is different, because it's a thin layer of gold over another metal (brass, I think) so if you melt it, the gold mixes with the core metal. So I probably wouldn't do this with gold filled wire, but you could try if you don't mind that the ball might be a slightly different color than the wire. Copper has a higher melting point than silver, so you need a hotter/bigger flame to melt it, but it’s basically the same process as with sterling silver. Gold-filled wire is different, because it’s a thin layer of gold over another metal (brass, I think) so if you melt it, the gold mixes with the core metal. So I probably wouldn’t do this with gold filled wire, but you could try if you don’t mind that the ball might be a slightly different color than the wire.

]]> By: Nina http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-15028 Nina Tue, 06 May 2008 16:09:21 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-15028 how do you make copper ball end headpins? Will the flux trick work on gold-fill wire to make gold headpins? Thanks for any info! how do you make copper ball end headpins? Will the flux trick work on gold-fill wire to make gold headpins? Thanks for any info!

]]> By: Administrator http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-6642 Administrator Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:19:38 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-6642 I do recommend taking a class if you can - it sometimes helps to have someone demonstrate a technique. I'm glad if my articles help though! I do recommend taking a class if you can – it sometimes helps to have someone demonstrate a technique. I’m glad if my articles help though!

]]> By: erin http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-6642 Administrator Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:19:38 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-6642 I do recommend taking a class if you can - it sometimes helps to have someone demonstrate a technique. I'm glad if my articles help though! I do recommend taking a class if you can – it sometimes helps to have someone demonstrate a technique. I’m glad if my articles help though!

]]> Comments on: Jewelry 101: Making Headpins http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/ All about jewelry and creativity Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:45:22 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 By: Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-23758 Leah Sat, 16 Aug 2008 16:25:51 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-23758 Hi Kate - you know, I'm not sure if a gas burner would work - I actually don't know what kind of gas it uses, so I have no idea if it's hot enough. A tumbler is a machine, you've probably heard of rock tumblers that are used to polish rocks - it's the same idea, but used to polish jewelry. Mine is half full of stainless steel mixed shot, and I toss in the jewelry, cover with water, and add a pinch of tumbling powder (I've heard dawn dish soap works well if you don't have tumbling powder) and then run it for about 15 minutes. Hope this helps! Hi Kate – you know, I’m not sure if a gas burner would work – I actually don’t know what kind of gas it uses, so I have no idea if it’s hot enough. A tumbler is a machine, you’ve probably heard of rock tumblers that are used to polish rocks – it’s the same idea, but used to polish jewelry. Mine is half full of stainless steel mixed shot, and I toss in the jewelry, cover with water, and add a pinch of tumbling powder (I’ve heard dawn dish soap works well if you don’t have tumbling powder) and then run it for about 15 minutes. Hope this helps!

]]> By: Kate T http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-23751 Kate T Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:53:35 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-23751 Thanks for this article. I'm in the midst of trying to do this very thing with 24 gauge sterling silver wire. I don't have any type of torch. This might be silly, but... could I use the burner on the gas stove? And the other question I have is, what is a tumbler? Is it a machine I'd need to buy? Thanks for the info, Kate Thanks for this article. I’m in the midst of trying to do this very thing with 24 gauge sterling silver wire. I don’t have any type of torch. This might be silly, but… could I use the burner on the gas stove?

And the other question I have is, what is a tumbler? Is it a machine I’d need to buy?

Thanks for the info,

Kate

]]> By: Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-21809 Leah Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:42:14 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-21809 If you want to make solid gold head pins, you need a better torch than the one I have, and some flux. When I've worked with 14k gold, I used an oxy/acetylene torch, which gets hotter than propane. If you want to make solid gold head pins, you need a better torch than the one I have, and some flux. When I’ve worked with 14k gold, I used an oxy/acetylene torch, which gets hotter than propane.

]]> By: Rhianna http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-21808 Rhianna Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:39:31 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-21808 Hi - what if you want to make your own solid gold head pins? Flux? Thanks - your website's great. R Hi – what if you want to make your own solid gold head pins? Flux?

Thanks – your website’s great.

R

]]> By: Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-19981 Leah Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:27:28 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-19981 thanks Teresa! :) thanks Teresa! :)

]]> By: Teresa http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-19907 Teresa Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:29:59 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-19907 this article was just the push I needed to go ahead and finally do this! thanks! i'm posting about my triumph and your blog article on Etsy so you might get a little traffic! this article was just the push I needed to go ahead and finally do this!

thanks! i’m posting about my triumph and your blog article on Etsy so you might get a little traffic!

]]> By: Administrator http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-15042 Administrator Tue, 06 May 2008 19:20:23 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-15042 Copper has a higher melting point than silver, so you need a hotter/bigger flame to melt it, but it's basically the same process as with sterling silver. Gold-filled wire is different, because it's a thin layer of gold over another metal (brass, I think) so if you melt it, the gold mixes with the core metal. So I probably wouldn't do this with gold filled wire, but you could try if you don't mind that the ball might be a slightly different color than the wire. Copper has a higher melting point than silver, so you need a hotter/bigger flame to melt it, but it’s basically the same process as with sterling silver. Gold-filled wire is different, because it’s a thin layer of gold over another metal (brass, I think) so if you melt it, the gold mixes with the core metal. So I probably wouldn’t do this with gold filled wire, but you could try if you don’t mind that the ball might be a slightly different color than the wire.

]]> By: Nina http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-15028 Nina Tue, 06 May 2008 16:09:21 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-15028 how do you make copper ball end headpins? Will the flux trick work on gold-fill wire to make gold headpins? Thanks for any info! how do you make copper ball end headpins? Will the flux trick work on gold-fill wire to make gold headpins? Thanks for any info!

]]> By: Administrator http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-6642 Administrator Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:19:38 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-6642 I do recommend taking a class if you can - it sometimes helps to have someone demonstrate a technique. I'm glad if my articles help though! I do recommend taking a class if you can – it sometimes helps to have someone demonstrate a technique. I’m glad if my articles help though!

]]> By: erin http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/comment-page-1/#comment-6637 erin Thu, 25 Oct 2007 15:35:10 +0000 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/08/08/jewelry-101-making-headpins/#comment-6637 There are so many expensive classes to learn how to make jewellery in my city but I am so excited to come acros this website, the information is priceless I can't wait to get started, thank you so much There are so many expensive classes to learn how to make jewellery in my city but I am so excited to come acros this website, the information is priceless I can’t wait to get started, thank you so much

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