Friday

Hello, busy week at work and no time for the shop. However it is Friday and I am only working a few hours. I am going to purchase a few more tools and practice my sawing and filing skills.

Gained more tools and practicing technique

Hello!

I hope your weekend was as good as mine! I bought a few more tools. I amid now the owner of a power punch kit (40% off might I add!), a rind mandrel, jewelers mini file, sand bag for hammering, and my first chasing hammer (15% off) love sales! The more I save the quicker I can get tools.

I bought a copper pipe so I can practice some ring techniques. I have practiced straight line cutting, jagged line, and wavy line. It is going well for my first time using a jewelers saw. The blade broke when I was almost done with the third cut. From what I have been reading, this is standard. I tried out the power punch and it works great! I will be trying some etching later too!

 Here are the new tools to add to the workshop.

Also just so I can track my progress here are my first attempts at cutting!

Now to practice sawing out negative spaces with an actual goal, not just free hand! 

Look!!!! I am so happy, it came out good!

First attempt at etching not bad!

3 brass bangles ready to etch!!!

setting up for an etching project!

I have an hour and a half before I head out so I am going to get everything set up and ready for the brass bangle bracelets tomorrow. I plan to prepare 3 tonight in the studio so I will be ready to etch them tomorrow.

We will see how they turn out and I will know if I need to try and change my technique or designs!

I am going to use two different rubber stamps and a free hand design. I will post pictures once I get them inked!

Getting started!

When I bought my house there was a basement with one finished room in it. It happened to be a small kitchen. I knew right then I had the perfect craft studio, little did I know it was going to start to fill up with metal smith tools!

So far I have my butane torch,

a metal disc cutter

a 1 pound brass hammer

Blank brass bangles to etch once I get tools

 Third hand, which we all need from time to time...

 And my new jewelers saw tool kit that just came in the mail!!! A little excited if you can't tell!

There are other tools I have already owned and am still working on putting together the assorted tool boxes for the different processes I am looking forward to learning!!!

Welcome

Hello,

My name is Audrey and I am on a journey. I invite you to follow along if you would like. I am going to teach myself how to metal smith and create fantastic pieces of jewelry. You may be curious how this began and maybe why I want to share this journey!

I have always been a crafter and artist at heart. It was never considered important enough in my past family to pursue this as a career or life goal, however, as time passes the calling becomes stronger and more intense. I really can't ignore this desire within to create! I stumbled across an apple application called Craftsy and watched my first how to video on metal work and how to use a torch. Can you say hook, line and sinker??? I was in love. I have seen beautiful hand made jewelry in the past, but never the process and I guess I just assumed it was way out of my league. This tutorial made me realize I CAN make metal pieces into the shapes and styles I wish.

I want to share this journey because I am absolutely excited to venture out on this path to find the fire within to wield its magick upon metal! Imagine a flat shapeless piece of metal turned into a beautiful work of art you can wear!

This is the reason I am calling this blog Brigid's Fire. Brigid is the Goddess of smith's, poet's, and healer's. I am a registered nurse and have been practicing the art of healing at work and on a personal journey for some time. I have written poetry, songs, and spiritual ceremonies as long as I can remember. I have always crafted with as many medium's as I can get my hands on. Now it is time to explore the smith-craft side of things. Brigid, also known as Bride is thought to inspire the smith to create things of beauty, elegance and strength. I consider it poetry in metal.

I desire to create pieces of jewelry that the wearer not only desires the look, but feels drawn to and helps to create a feeling of love, peace, and healing when worn. I look forward to sharing my journey with anyone who wishes to come along for the ride!