Now I want a blow torch.

If I had a blow torch, I could make all kinds of these:

I've been married to my best friend for 12 years today, so I thought I'd give him the first ring I've ever made. It didn't fit, but he liked it. Guess I'll get to learn how to resize next Saturday.

It's copper. After I soldered it (and coated it with flux), I skipped the pickling and kept the rough finish. (See the seam on the second photo?) I've always thought the best thing about copper is its patina. I'll have to play with varnish or clear coat on the inside of the ring to see if I can keep it from turning his finger green.

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I'm taking the Silversmithing at CityArts. I really like my teacher who believes in learning by doing. She is letting me ask lots of questions and try the things I want to try! I was worried I was going to have lots of cabachon settings, instead I get to try making the designs that have been in my sketchbooks for years.

Yesterday I learned how to make the sterling silver sequin/spangles that I saw embroidered on the silk costumes in Hong Kong. Who knew piping hot silver rolls into a ball all on its own? As I hammered the silver balls into dots, my teacher came over and moved the anvil to the tree stump that sits in the corner. She said something like, "You can even do it this way sometimes.". I looked at her and smiled and said, "Is it quieter on the stump?" She laughed and said, "You weren't supposed to catch on to that."

Thank God I found a teacher who has a sense of humor and celebrates curiosity! More to come....