Karen Ferrante's Page

I learned this great tip from Tim McCreights “Complete Metalsmith”. In order to organize your sheets of sandpaper and to provide a solid surface for sanding, cut out three pieces of Masonite or Plexiglass 12 inches x 9 1/2 inches (or have the pieces cut out for you at a home improvement center). Mount the sandpaper on the front and back of each board using a spray adhesive glue. Organize by course, medium and fine grit. You can also drill a hole in the corner of the sanding boards, tie them…

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Many people people think that it is illegal to incorporate coins into jewelry making. This is not true. It is illegal to deface US currency if the intent is continue to use it as legal tender after it has been altered. The purpose of the law is to prevent counterfeiting and fraud and does not apply to objects made out of currency whether for sale or not. If it were illegal to squash pennies, the souvenier machines that you find at various landmarks, museums and amusement parks would be…

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Hi everyone! Did you see that Chris Simmons is creating a Jewelry Makers Network Etsy Treasury? How exciting! If you want to be considered to be in it please send her the item # or your url and she'll choose an item featured in your etsy store!

If you use a Jump Ringer to make rings for chainmaille, here is a quick tip that will help to enhance the shine of your masterpieces. Right after I cut the coil I string a piece of thin copper wire through the rings leaving enough room to twist the two ends together. I then toss this ring of cut rings into the tumbler. This will help to clean and shine the rings before using… Continue

Are you stuck when it comes to using color creatively to enhance your jewelry designs? The paint store or home improvement center is a great source for discovering new color schemes. Many paint companies will provide cards or brochures with recommended color combinations. They may even provide descriptions regarding the moods created by different colors. For example, warm colors… Continue