Sarah Bratsch

Pendants and Briolette Wraping: 2pm-6pm

2010-04-01T19:15:00.000-07:00

Today ended up being a really fun modge-podge of activities. I started out working on creating some cute pendants for Angie Star and then took a break with Erica to learn briolette wrapping. I feel like such a geek but the pendants were a blast! I will put closed jump rings on them next week and do some other unique finishing touches.

Two Sisters: 2pm-5pm

2010-03-25T18:22:00.000-07:00

Kira and I worked together on these cute little necklaces. As I haven't yet learned how to use the torch, Kira soldered the jump rings closed while I did the stamping. She taught me a great technique for getting straight letters and I think that this was my best stamping yet!

To Infinity and Beyond: 2pm-5:30pm

2010-03-18T16:14:00.000-07:00

I feel like my sessions at Angie Star fly by way too fast. Today I had the pleasure of working with Erica. I worked on this special order, creating the infinity symbol from thick gold wire. I loved this piece as it holds very special meaning. Each of the pearls represents a grand child. How creative and thoughtful!

The Finished Bezel: 2pm-5:30pm

2010-03-13T16:08:00.000-08:00

Miranda did a wonderful job today teaching me how to secure the aquamarine into the bezel setting. It was a lot more work than I had imagined! My fingers are quite sore from pressing down the edges of the bezel wire... Mostly just from slipping with the tool. It was still a ton of fun though. I have to say, I am quite pleased with how this turned out! Thanks Miranda!

My First Bezel!: 2pm-5pm

2010-03-11T17:54:00.000-08:00

I have wondered for quite some time now, how one might go about creating a stone setting. Today Angie taught me how to create a setting for an aquamarine cabochan using bezel wire. We didn't quite finish the project but Miranda will be helping me with the rest of the setting on Saturday, which I am really looking forward to.
Should be fun!

We still need to scrunch down the edges to hold the stone in,
but this should give you a bit of an idea as to
how it will look when its finished.

Pisces Pendant: 2pm-5:30pm

2010-03-06T21:21:00.000-08:00

There were several repairs today, but this special order was really fun... Perhaps only because I LOVE making things shiny. I feel like I learn new and wonderful techniques every day I spend at Angie Star. My mentors all have unique skills and are wonderful teachers. Thanks for another wonderful day of silversmithing!

Sing, Dance, Teach: 2pm-5pm

2010-03-04T18:32:00.000-08:00

These copper doughnuts were such a fun project I had to post 2 pictures! Cutting out the middle of the discs was quite tedious, but once I found my rhythm, the task ended up being rather relaxing.

Starting on Copper Doughnuts: 2pm-5pm

2010-02-27T19:24:00.000-08:00

Today I continued to learn and practice the art of sawing. Angie started me on a "special project" using the jeweler's saw to cut copper doughnuts that will be stamped with fun words. Pictures of this project are yet to come.

Sawing Metal at Angie Star: 2pm-5pm

2010-02-25T18:14:00.000-08:00

I spent the day learning how to use a jeweler's saw to cut straight lines. Who knew it would be so difficult! After much patience and some touch up filing, I ended up with nicely finished 6X3 inch pieces in both sterling silver and copper.

I heart stamping!: 2pm-5:30pm

2010-02-20T19:23:00.000-08:00

This has been one of my favorite projects so far.
I had so much fun doing the finishing touches on these
pendants, making the final product a
beautiful and personal keepsake in silver and brass.

There was something very wonderful about crafting this shiny "A."
It seemed at one point that I would never eliminate all of the scratches to create the smooth, mirror-like finish.
Yet, with the right tools and a little persistence, viola!
I couldn't even take a good picture without
capturing my own reflection!

I think that's it for now!

Adventures in French Wire: 2pm-5pm

2010-02-18T21:41:00.000-08:00

Today I learned several tricks for stringing and finishing beaded necklaces and bracelets... From delicate french wire and softflex to end caps and silk cord,who knew there were so many ways to sharpen up a project and make it look like a million bucks?

Bliss: 2pm-5pm

2010-02-06T16:46:00.000-08:00

I was able finish Thursday's project, which I think will end up being a cuff of some sort.
I cannot wait to see the final product!

I also got to do my first fun pendant, a special order.

And I made a little Valentine treat!

All in all, it was a good day at Angie Star.

Let the Stamping Begin!: 2pm-5pm

2010-02-04T16:37:00.000-08:00

I feel like the biggest nerd, but I was so excited to start stamping! First, however, I got to learn all about making jump rings... The right way. Then Angie brought out some copper and handed me a wonderful adage from her afternoon tea bag so I could start tapping out letters. I didn't quite finish, but this project will be continued in my next post...

Dun, dun, duuuuuun.

Bailing Continued: 2pm-5pm

2010-01-30T19:33:00.000-08:00

Today at Angie Star I got to work with Miranda. I finished the necklace at a fun 22 inches and then set to work learning how Angie Star runs sales transactions and take special orders. I am finding that there are a lot of little important details to running the business. How fun to learn both the craft of jewelry design and small business operation!

Pearls and Bailing: 2pm-5pm

2010-01-28T18:28:00.000-08:00

Today I had the privilege of working with Erica who set me to the task of bailing with the end result to be a beautiful pearl and silver necklace. At the end of the session, I have 3 inched to go... Can't wait to see how it turns out!

Old Habits Die Hard: 2pm-4pm

2010-01-21T15:54:00.000-08:00

And on my second day at Angie Star...

Angie reintroduced me to the finger-cramping art of wire wrapping via head-pins. I love going back and relearning the basics... the right way! Throughout this lesson I found myself in a place of greater mindfulness, actually thinking about the work I was doing rather than spacing out or allowing my brain to jump forward to the billion other projects I am in the middle of. It was nice to be present and I was able to work out a few of the kinks I've struggled with in past head-pin intensive projects.
Thanks for a great day!

Day 1, 2pm-3pm

2010-01-14T16:00:00.000-08:00

What a fun introduction to the Angie Star apprenticeship experience! I spent my first day with Angie learning about the community and what I can expect to learn during my time here. I feel so privileged to have this opportunity and cannot wait to meet everyone and get my hands dirty!