Category Archives: Featured

The Rivited Portrait Pendant Trailer

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This is the trailer for my new full length project video:
The Riveted Portrait Pendant. If this looks like a project that you want to make, then I’ll show you how to make it! It’s a fun project and a fabulous piece! The video will be available soon for download, but in the meanwhile, go to my hompage and sign up for my FREE newsletter to get some great jewelry making tips, and to stay updated on the release of the new project video.
Thanks for watching!

What Video Would You Like to See?

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I was wondering if my YouTube subscribers have any particular videos they would like me to make. So I’m asking you: What jewelry tutorial video do you want to see? I want to know what YOU want to know! So please leave me suggestions and write them in the comment section below. Come up with your own idea or pick one of my ideas, and the video topic with the most “votes” (including comments and “likes”) will be the next video we make!

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As of 11/26/2012:
Well, the results are in and they were as varied and interesting as you, my dear viewers, are. There was an amazing 42 different categories with multiple variations within those categories.  I created basic categories even though some of you offered very specific subjects like: setting a heart shaped stone – in this instance I would record the vote under “Settings”. So, what I figure is that we’ve got lots of videos to make and I better get busy…

Oh, the winner?  Ahem..drum roll…..It was a tie, with 14 votes each,  between etching and hinge making.   Close on their tails (with 13 votes each) was Chasing and Repoussé and Finishing/Polishing.  Thank you all so much.  I loved reading your ideas and adored your enthusiasm and support.  Now, let’s hope you like the videos!  Thanks again!  Nancy

Here’s the results in order of votes per category:

14: Etching, Hinges

13: Polishing/finishing, Chasing repoussé

11: Harbor Freight

8: Mixed media/found, Enameling – torch

7: Steam punk

6: Settings – Cabs, Metal Clay, Projects, Settings – all shapes

5: Pin backs, Clasps – box/focal

4: Beg. Bench, Soldering – all forms, Flex shaft

3: Forging

2: Cold connections, Metal various, Charm construc., Molding, Engraving techniques, Granulation, Design/inspiration

1: Solder-less beads, Polymer clay molds, Wax work, Stone inlay, Clasps -Multi-strand, Settings -Flush Products,/bead, Pricing, Chain making, Filigree, Stone cutting, Texturing metal, ventilation – DIY, Protecting/sealing, Display/packaging, Rings-design/constr.

0: Other beads (obviously the big LOSER!)

 

How to Make a Domed Ring

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Published on Aug 25, 2012

Nancy shows you how to make a simple domed ring. If your husband is too cheap to buy you a ring you can make your own! Part one of a two part series.

Note from Nancy: Here is the link to the Ring Blank Sizing Chart:http://www.nancylthamilton.com/charts/ring-blank-sizing/ and another link, this one to my page about Pripp’s Flux:http://www.nancylthamilton.com/recipes/. That hammer, I couldn’t recall the material of, is a Urethane hammer by Bonny Doon. Here’s the link at Rio Grande Jewelry:http://www.riogrande.com/Product/Bonny-Doon-Urethane-Forming-Hammer/110903?pos=1.

Link to Dapping set at Harbor Freight:http://www.harborfreight.com/25-piece-doming-block-and-punch-set-93539.html $39.99 as of 10/12

Okay, I’ve got, yet again, another note: In the beginning of the video I say add a 1/4 ring size for comfort – if you were making a non-domed ring, add 1/8 size for comfort. I added 1/4 size because it was tight and I also knew that when I domed the ring it would shrink.
Once again, I apologize for my inability to recall the names of tools, objects and people and for not using a script or a teleprompter!

One more link: I was looking at the Bonny Doon Vertical Vise (http://www.riogrande.com/Product/Bonny-Doon-Vertical-Vise-Bench-Mount/115400?…) and thinking how much I could use it but, I’m cheap and didn’t want to spend 250.00 plus tax and shipping. I found this thing called a pipe vise or bench yoke vise and thought it would probably do fine for holding ring mandrels and bezel mandrels. So, I ordered one. I’ll check it out and let you all know. Here’s a link to one of the more inexpensive ones: I purchased this one: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CRBHTY/?tag=naltha-20. at 156.00. There are other, less (and more) expensive ones. This Shop-Tek one is only 29.99:http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0056HQ7X6/?tag=naltha-20. The Bonny Doon vise is beautiful and is great with the tools that they have designed for it. I was just looking for a new mandrel holder and thought I’d take a chance. Who knows, might be a return in my future.