so you wanna be a metalsmith, part one: resources, tools, and education

Hi! My name is Debbie (if you're here, you probably already know that) and I've been metalsmithing since 2014. I'm by no means an expert (one of my favorite things about jewelry-making is that I will forever be a student of the craft), but I have learned a few things along the way. I thought I'd create a blog series with some tips, tricks, and resources for you if you're just getting into the craft, or if you've been smithing for a while but would just like to pick my brain. 

So here's part one: resources, tools, and education. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but rather, a list of things I've personally found useful in my journey. 

Online education and tutorials

New Approach School 

Creative Side Jewelry Academy

Silvera Jewelry School

Rio Grande

Otto Frei

Jewelers Academy

Jewel School

Gem Packed

Kate Wolf wax carving tutorials 

Metalsmith Society 

 

In-person jewelry school directory

Metalsmith Society

 

Books 

Please note: I am linking each product listing from the most ethical website in which it is available (i.e. if a product is available on a small business website and Amazon, I will link the listing from the small business. However, if the product is only available on Amazon, I will link the Amazon listing). 

Eco Jewelry Handbook

The Complete Metalsmith

Soldering Demystified 

Metal Clay for Jewelry Makers 

Jewelry Wax Modeling

 

Metal, gemstone, and tool suppliers 

Rio Grande 

Otto Frei 

Stuller

Pepe Tools

GemPacked

Hopkins Opal

 

Beads and beading supplies

Sea of Beads

Fire Mountain Gems

Beadaholique 

Artbeads 

The Bead Factory

 

Chain suppliers

Silver Palace 

 

Tools and supplies I recommend

Please note: I am linking each product listing from the most ethical website on which it is available (i.e. if a product is available on a small business website and Amazon, I will link the listing from the small business. However, if the product is only available on Amazon, I will link the Amazon listing). 

Green Lion saw frame

Blazer GT8000 (*great torch option if you can't invest in a big torch. I use it for everything) 

Foredom Flexshaft with foot control (*super versatile; you can use it for drilling, polishing, stone setting, wax carving) 

Matt ring tube sizer (*great for easily sizing rings when working with wax) 

Reversible hand wax file (*perfect for smoothing out wax) 

Handy flux paste (*great for preventing/reducing fire scale while soldering. Please use a respirator and proper ventilation while soldering as it is toxic to your lungs) 

Kate Wolf wax carving tools 

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