Metal Workshop on a Budget

This is how I made a functional metal workshop in a spare bedroom for about $200 (tools extra).  I've got everything I need to fabricate copper, brass, and silver into great jewelry packed into half of the spare bedroom.  The other half is my office.  Total room size is about 12' x 15', or around 180 square feet.

Being budget minded is especially important when you are just starting out.  Serious thought must be placed on what you want to invest your money in.  I've chosen to put more money into buying metals and tools rather than fancy furniture and workbenches.  I hope this post gives you some ideas for creating your own workshop.

Getting a Good Shine

I never was a big fan of shiny metal jewelry.  Mostly because of the extra care, cleaning and polishing you need to do to keep it looking nice.  Now as I am making jewelry, I have another reason not to like shiny metal.  It's hard to get a good shine on a piece!

But since there will be times where a nice shiny finish is exactly what a piece will need, I am working on improving my polishing skills.  The project presented below is made with 22 gauge red brass.

Fun times in Glendale, Arizona

I spent a good portion of the day today checking out a couple of physical selling sites in Glendale, Arizona.  This was a great lesson in scoping venues ahead of time, as the two could not have been any more different in both goods sold and audience attracted.

My first stop was the Public Market / Swap Meet at West Winds Drive-In Theater.  What a great way to spend a day - shopping for bargains.  I scored a nice oval file and a pair of tin snips for $5 total.  These will come in handy at the workbench!

First "Show" a success

Well, it's been almost three months since I started the metals/jewelry making class and boy, have I been having fun!  I just love taking a slab of metal and transforming it into beautiful little ornaments and adornments - i.e; jewelry.

The Studio where I took my class, Harold Studio, had a Holiday Show on the 16th.  It was the first time that I actually had our jewelry displayed in public and it was great fun.  Space was limited, so I brought a sampling of our newest stuff.  It was a nice variety that highlighted our work, with something there for everyone.  I felt as though people spent a little more time at our display because of the variety that we had.

Beaded necklaces, sets, metal pendants, and silver/turquoise ring.

Bracelets, seasonal earrings, and necklaces with metal work pendants.

The whole she-bang! 

I'm working now to prepare for the Annual Lost Dutchman Days Arts & Craft Fair coming up in February.  So stay tuned for a sneak peak at what is in the works.

As always, your input and feedback is welcome.