Welcome to Stormflight Designs

www.StormFlightDesigns.com


If you've always wondered about how jewelry is made and fine craft is done, this is the blog for you! Our intent is to show you the step-by-step of creating jewelry from a silver-smith's and lampworker's point of view. We'll throw in some other interesting craft-work too. Consider this a "tutorial-light" blog in a way. You'll get to see the creative process from start to finish. Sometimes it may take a while to get to the finish, so please be patient! We often have to wait for the muse to strike--sometimes in the middle of a different project!

Monday, May 21, 2012

What You Can Do When You Put Your Mind To It...

Crazy Lace Jasper Pin in Argentium Sterling Silver
Do you ever find yourself just doing the same ol' same ol'... and not really challenging yourself?  I didn't really realize I was doing that until recently when I went back to what I like to call my "Art Camp" in May.

Every year my friend Jamie and I go down to William Holland School of Lapidary Arts for their week-long classes.  Its a long 12 hour drive but when you get there you relax and create (well, and drink a bit of wine too).  The school is located in Young Harris, GA, about 1 1/2 hours from Asheville NC.  Its up in the mountains with fresh air, great views and lots of people buzzing around from classroom to classroom.

This year I took a class on making jewelry Closures.  The biggest challenge was the size of the things were were making--pretty small to say the least.  That is where the personal challenge kicked in.  Although I have the skills, I never seem to push myself to make some of the items I can just purchase and add to my pieces.

I want to share the final project I made with you...a pin (pictured above).  Now, I would have just purchased pre-made items and soldered them on and Done!  And to be honest, when I was working on the little slider catch for the pin, I was thinking just that.  Especially after the 5th time of trying to solder on that *!* little cap, thinking I had it, and then it popping off.  Grrrr....at least I didn't melt it!


But, the funny thing is, when I finally finished it, and secured the pin, I was extraordinarily proud of myself.  It was so cool and tiny and unique that I can't help but be a tiny bit impressed with myself!  Others looking at it may not be as impressed, but that's ok...I know what it took to make it.




It certainly was a challenge to create and I may not make another one any time soon, but I will always have this to remind me that I do indeed possess some skills.  Sometimes we all need to be reminded of things like that.

It just goes to show you what you can accomplish when you really put your mind to it!
Close Up of the Pin Catch