EtsyMetal Blog Carnival - 6.6.11 - Etsy Metal Studio Tour

Yay! It's EtsyMetal Blog Carnival time! This month's topic is:
Etsy Metal Studio Tour

Show us where you work!
Describe what you love about your work space and/or any changes you would like to make in the future.

This past weekend, I got an iPhone! and I am SO excited. I love some of the photo apps, particularly the one I've been playing with the most - Hipstamatic. I mean, it just makes my studio look so interesting doesn't it?!

Today I was doing a quick casting (very short burnout) and decided for the blog post, I would document the process, in addition to some other general studio photos of my work stations. I meant to get a photo of the thermometer today... some other day... There is no air conditioning and by the afternoon most days, it's near 100. ouch. and with the kiln going, it doesn't make it any better. ah, well, I think it's better than huge blizzards in the winter.

Here's my photo journal for today!

investment about to be mixed

investment about to be mixed

mixed!

debubbleddddd

more debubbbblingg

setting up

metal all weighed out!

flasks are ready (and normally, no, the door isn't wide open)

melting sterling

melting gold - sooo pretty! it's my favorite part!

cast!

cast and cooling

quenching

all cast and ready for clean up!

casting area and torches

soldering/fusing area

second workbench, mostly for engraving and mini drill press (hidden under the bag)

my main work bench - a total mess like most jewelers' I know!

So that was my studio! Hope you enjoyed the tour! Make sure to check out the other EtsyMetal members who are participating in this month's blog carnival!

Rebecca Bogan
Shirlee Grund
Elizabeth Scott
Cynthia Del Giudice
Michele Grady
Erin Austin
Nodeform
Evelyn Markasky
Kathryn Cole
2Roses
Lauren Anabela Beaudoin/Creative Dexterity

Snake on my foot

photo by JD Wilson

I had a snake fall on my foot yesterday, in my studio, in the middle of investing. It was a baby, and oddly felt soft and warm. Then again, I'm not sure how much feeling is actually in the top of your foot. It apparently slid off of the cardboard box of investment, not the kind I had used just a few minutes earlier.

I was quite proud of myself. I didn't even scream, but a quick reaction of shaking it off my foot and then watched it slither lazily off in the corner behind some boxes and other stuff - I was much more concerned with my investing and making sure it didn't get messed up.

There is something instinctual about knowing if a snake is venomous or not. At least for me and the few times I've had close encounters of the snake kind. I'm not necessarily a snake lover, but there was just something cute and gentle about this little guy. Apparently it must have been an eastern kingsnake, although I can't find a photo of that was exactly like mine. My attention was divided a bit though and maybe they weren't spots, but more like a stripe? Little, black with yellow spots on its back was what I saw, and its little pink tongue. Aww, baby snake on my foot. (ps, the photo is NOT the snake I saw, but it is an eastern kingsnake.)

'Gator Skin - not the real kind

I love this stuff. I only got it recently, but have quickly found that it that it helps to protect my fingers in just the way I need. I was hesitant about getting it because I really like to be able to 'feel' everything. It took a little experimenting to find what was most comfortable for me - wrapped enough to protect, but not too much to lose all sensation. I use it mostly when I am finishing up ring castings. Its great for gripping when sawing off sprues. Its nice to know that if I slip, my naked finger won't get cut, and the slight stickiness of the 'gator skin help to hold on to the ring as well.

When I'm finishing the insides of the rings, they quickly heat up. At least with my fingers a little protected, I can grind/sand/polish for longer before I have to move on to a second ring to let the first one cool down. Not only are my little fingers protected from cuts and burns, it also helps save some time! Before I used it, at the end of a finishing day my fingers would be so sensitive from essentially being slowly burned for hours. Now they are just fine! I've seen photos where they wrap it all the way down past the top two knuckles. I didn't like that as much, so I just make little finger tips. That way I can easily slide them off if I need to. I got mine from Rio Grande, and Gesswein carries it too.

In search of my perfect apron

Though until the past few days I've never thought seriously about getting an apron. I usually don't mind wiping my hands on my pants, or whatever I'm wearing. I mean, jewelry making is dirty and I don't wear anything 'good' to work in anyway. Now that it is hot though - my studio is extraordinarily hot and I find myself wearing as little as possible - most of the time a little dress that is cool, but has no pockets. And for a variety of reasons, I am thinking a nice little apron will be perfect. I can wipe dirty stuff all over it and maybe save some of my real clothes from getting incredibly dirty. It has to have pockets - at least one. i don't really know what for, but too often i need something. Also - it has to be an ipod holder. I have a clip on my ipod case, so it can clip to the top of the band if needed - but the arm band holster is just too hot to be strapped on my arm in the 95+ degree heat of my studio. talk about uncomfortable, ugh.

so my qualifications:
*nice colors, something fun that will make me happy
*something thin enough to not be too hot and bulky
*at least one pocket
*not too long - again - we don't want something that will add extra heat
*pliable as I will probably be using it to wipe out the insides of rings after i've sanded them, that sort of thing...
*but - durable enough to deal w/ the dirt of the studio...

so far - here are my favorites (oh and of course, i'm sure you'll notice the blue and green theme - they ARE my colors after all :)

Garden and Sky Artsy Craft Apron by anabelfuzz

Spring is in the Air - Upcycled Pillowcase Apron by motleyboutique

Spring Fever Utility Craft Apron by PunkiePies

Posey Vendor Apron by yoopers

Do you have a favorite? If you know me... does one seem to scream "This is perfect for Beth"? Do you have an apron that you wear and love?

Some people might think that I am indecisive. I know differently - I just like to think it through and find the 'perfect' one for me. Weigh all my options etc. Which is kind of strange considering there are plenty things in life I just do w/o thinking! Hm, I guess when it comes to spending money though - that is what makes me stop and think. And I think all of these are incredibly reasonable priced - so that doesn't actually factor in to my decision at all.