Recent Entries

  • From The Mailbox - Virtual classes with Metalwerx

    Virtual classes!! I love them - learning right in your own studio, who could ask for anything more. I have taken many over the Covid time out. Now, its become very popular.   New virtual classes just added! View in your browser ...
  • News from Idaho - Delia Dante Studios

      Learn More about FireFusion Classes or Register       BEGINNING METALSMITH CLASSESGroup Classes ar...
  • New Members

    To All the NEW members, Thank you for coming to Grains of Glass web site . This site has been working for 15 years and is filled with a great deal of information for you to browse. It was my intention as of the New Year to retire the site, as so many artists are now using social media, but I find ...
  • Nihon shippo RED!! order it now!

          EnamelArtSupply.com Goddess Red 103 is back! She’s back!! Our new favorite color, this luscious Red from Nihon Shippo, is back in stock! This luscious red gem t...
  • From the Mailbox - Oregon - with Alisa Looney

          Beauty of Fall, Brings New Art ... art that inspires care for our planet and each other  Red Cup Coral Celebration, Enamel on Steel Sculpture with Ponderosa Bark Base, by Alisa Looney New enamels have been developing to bring attenti...
  • FROM THE MAILBOX - Delia Dante's New Series

    This just came to my  Desk from my colleague Delia Dante Studio in Boise, Idaho- So many metalsmith techniques to include in your enameling repertoire.     ...
  • Call for Entries -Rio Grande

    2023 competiton is calling you!   Rio Grande Jewelry company -is having a Fall Contest - open to all jewelry artists- The entries are varied in techniques and style - the rules are in this link. https://m.cmpgn.page/8MtbjM?utm_campaign=ftlojfalldesignchallengeishere&utm_medium=organic&_hsmi...
  • Silver - It Never Stops Giving Back

    Every day is another chance to learn something new, I always say, and this latest issue from the Silver Institute is brimming with knowledge.   Enjoy the read: https://www.silverinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SNOct2023.pdf
  • ARE ALL ENAMELS THE SAME?

    A Question all Newbies to enamel art ask?   Most books on the subject of enameling are pretty general on the scientific makeup of vitreous enamels: A blend of flint, sand, potash, soda, lead and metal oxides. Nothing further, no bells or whistles, no mention of secret formulas.   When ...
  • From the Mailbox - The Silver Institute Report

    Besides all the information the Silver Institute provides on the activities of the silver market , this report gives us the history of Soldering and Brazing dating back to 4000 BC. Enjoy the read!   https://www.silverinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/SilverInBrazingAndAlloyMateri...
  • Silver Never Stops Giving Back!

      I always enjoy reading about the Silver Market and this amazing metal that contributes so much to our world.   Here is an update : https://www.silverinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/SNApr2022.pdf
  • In India with Ritu Sangal

        Hi Everyone, In case you did not see the Grains of Glass Facebook page, I am in India visiting with Ritu Sangal. I have been here nearly 21/2 weeks - starting out in Delhi to attend the wedding of her daughter  Smitri - It was the most wonderful wedding. I spent a full day wi...
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  • Rhodolite - The New Kid on the Block

    From the Mailbox -  The Beauty and rich color of Rodolite garnets -  Rhodolite was named after the pink rhododendron flower that is native to North Carolina, where it was first discovered. But like those other pink-hued stones, rhodochrosite and rhodonite, and, indeed, rhododendrons, the...
  • Black Patina on Metal

      For those of you who go to the DARK SIDE!     How to get the Blackest Patina on Metal - by Kerry Bogert   https://www.interweave.com/article/jewelry/get-blackest-black-patina-metal/
  • SEALING CRACKS IN GEMSTONES

    This article will be kept in Groups under "Gems" -   Home » Learning Center » Gemology » Gemology Articles and Videos » Sealing Cracks in Gemstones Sealing Cracks in Gemstones - Gary Dawson An old lapidary taught me an excellent trick for sealing cracks in ge...
  • RUBY RUBY - How did you get so RED?

      Knowledge is a journey - Pass it on!   RUBY, RUBY - How did you get so RED!         Painting the Ruby July 04, 2017 | Author: Sharon Elaine Thompson   If you know your Alice (as in Wonderland), you know the Red Queen’s demand that her minions p...
  • Silver- It's NOT Always About Making Jewelry

    Today, silver is everywhere. Jewelry and fashion designers are turning to silver like never before, using it to create the big, bold looks that are so popular today. New, sustainable energy forms rely on silver and emerging technologies often require silver’s unique properties. Silver is every...
  • Make your Own Perfect Videos

    Barefoot Tools are Back! The Art and Innovations of Scott Bouwens - "The Steady Boom" I came across this very interesting Tool and Lamp worker in my emails and gave a looksie into the web site of another "great Mind" at work- I especially liked his new invention for making your own tutorials ...
  • Faberge Eggs now on DVD

      New film celebrates the genius of Peter Carl Fabergé The scope of the Russian jeweller’s output was dizzying and the creators of Fabergé: A Life of its Own have gained access to some of his finest creations.   http://www.thejewelleryeditor.com/...
  • From Africa with LOVE- Diamonds

    The Rock Star that Got Stage Fright at Auction!           Touted as “the find of a lifetime”, the world’s largest uncut diamond to be discovered in more than a century failed to sell at Sotheby’s London auction on 29 June. Estimated to fetch...
  • ARGENTIUM SILVER - All you need to know.

      From Silver News...     Elizabeth Hunt is Operations Director at Allied Gold, Ltd. in London, owner of the patents and trademarks for Argentium Silver, and has worked in the jewelry and giftware trade for over 30 years. Her career has encompassed international product deve...
  • Silver- It's NOT Always About Making Jewelry

    Here is something I bet you didn't know!   Every time I read another article on Silver , its nanopartices and its use as a catalyst, I am astounded at the impact it has on science and technology. Its everywhere!!! We use this metal everyday in our jewelry designs never realizing it has an e...
  • FROM THE MAILBOX - Green Jewelry News - Christine Dhein

          Green Jewelry News Growing the Green Jewelry Movement July, 2014       Dear Trish,   This month I will be teaching several classes at the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts, sharing my passion and knowledge about eco-friendly and ethical jewelry ma...
  • NOTEBOOK-pedia

    Hi Folks,   After 25 years of going to metalsmith/enameling workshops starting as a novice, I have written a multitude of notes that would rival the Library of Congress. Scratchings and scribblings put to paper as I frantically recorded the pearls of wisdom flying past me from every instructo...
  • Silver Powder Gives Luxury Watch Dials their High-End Finish

      From the Silver Institute..   Silver Powder Gives Luxury Watch Dials Their High-End Finish   For generations, luxury watchmakers relied on a treatment known as ‘graining’ to produce an aesthetically pleasing finish and also to protect the base metal dial from ru...
  • In The Loupe: Advertising Diamonds, Gemstones and Pearls

    If you advertise or sell jewelry, the claims you make about the products must be accurate. The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC's) Jewelry Guides offer specific information on how to describe jewelry products truthfully and non-deceptively and how to disclose material information to consumers. This b...
  • Gemstones, Diamonds, Pearls

    Before you buy gemstones, diamonds, or pearls, it’s a good idea to learn about them so you can recognize differences that might affect their value. For example, the value of gemstones can be affected by their size, whether the stones are natural or lab-created, and whether they have undergon...
  • Gold & Silver Manufacturing Terms

      Gold and silver jewelry have a vocabulary all their own. Some terms, like “solid gold” or “gold-plated,” might not mean what you think. Understanding the terms used to describe gold and silvery jewelry can help you avoid paying too much.   Gold Jewelry Karats ...
  • Making an Enamel Watch by Leszek Kralka, Poland

    The Making of an Enameled Watch by Leszek Kralka - Poland     Tarcza "Rybki ". Diameter 36 mm. Silver 999.                          
  • What will Technology think of next?

    What will technology think of next? It is moving faster than we can peddle to keep up and I am exhausted already! I came across this article by Emili Veislind, Senior Editor of JCK, and thought I would share -   "This App Pays People When their "LIKED" items sell on Social Media"   &n...
  • AMAZON'S CONTRACT OWNS YOU!

    WHO is WORKING FOR WHO???   AMAZON'S "HANDMADE" CONTRACT STATES:   License: You grant us a royalty-free, non-exclusive, worldwide, perpetual, irrevocable right and license to use, reproduce, perform, display, distribute, adapt, modify, re-format, create derivative works of, a...
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  • WHAT I DIDN'T KNOW about ELECTRUM

      Thanks to Rudolph Molnar emailing me about the use of Electrum in his studio, I went on a further search to learn about a Metal Alloy I had never heard about in all my years of metalsmithing. Just goes to show, "I don't know EVERYTHING!!   ELECTRUM THIS ALLOY OF GOLD IS NATURALLY FOU...
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  • More on AMAZON challenging Etsy

      I recently posted a link to an article announcing that Amazon was challenging Etsy by creating their own Homemade marketplace. Since then, information has been coming in from members and I think its important before anyone jumps the gun to read the fine print. Rudolph Molnar has applied an...
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  • BUSINESS TIPS - Update

    From Fire Mountain Gems     Measuring Your Company's Success on Various Social Networking Websites           As an entrepreneur, you'll want to try various mediums in order to get the word out about your jewelry-making supplies or finished designs. Thi...
  • Notes from the Road - SLOVAKIA

    This week I flew out to Slovakia to meet our member, Rudolph Molnar and his family - I am staying in the old town in Bratislava - with  narrrow streets lined with pastel buildings decorated with ornate faćades - restaurants and pubs, and open walking for tourists -  My first day, we attend...
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  • Why We Changed to a New Site

    A few members have voiced concern that the new site is not as workable as the old. Back in the beginning of the year, I announced that we would be moving to a new site and all the reasons why.  The NING network provider had been taken over twice -by bigger companies - chaos, programmers leaving...
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  • An Extraordinary Artist - Poland's Josef Ostoja-Kotkowski

                                                 LOOKING BACK at an EXTRAORDINARY ARTIST!         From Poland to Australia           &nbs...
  • PINK SILVER- New Kid on the Block

    How I discovered Pink Silver! After working for days etching, sawing, sanding and preparing copper pins for the Enamelist Society pin swap I thew up my hands in exasperation. There was no way I could make enough quantity in time with all that work to be done. That's when the light bulb in my brain ...
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  • John Killmaster circa 1977

      A "KILLER" Killmaster on the Streets of Portland, Oregon!          Circa, 1977 Porcelain on Steel   Owner:  City of Portland (http://racc.org)   Date:  1977   Placement:  sidewalks   Collection: &nb...
  • How To Sell Jewelry On Line e-book by Cathleen McCarthy

    Start growing your jewelry business with help from Cathleen McCarthy!       Download Now How to Sell Jewelry Online By Cathleen McCarthy Join Cathleen McCarthy for How to Sell Jewelry Online, a new article collection eBook that compiles all 17 of Cathleen's "Net Profits columns fro...
  • Ricky Frank's New Line

          
  • ETSY - HOW ETSY ALIENATED ITS CRAFTERS AND LOST ITS SOUL

    GRACE DOBUSH 02.19.15 1:00 PM wired.com   ABOUT Grace Dobush is a freelance journalist in Cincinnati, where she writes about design, tech, politics and culture. She also organizes an indie craft show and wrote the Crafty Superstar craft business guides. Follow her @gracedobushtogo.   HOW ETSY ALI...
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  • Cloisonné Project PDF - Jennifer Jordan Park/Cindi Kuchler

    Want the full project? Jennifer Jordan Park and Cyndi Kuchler’s article, “Keep Your Colors in Line,” was featured in our January 2008 issue. Get the issue | Get the project PDF
  • Tricks of the Trade - from Metalwork

    A GIFT FROM "METALWERX" TO ALL OF YOU! "Tricks of the Trade" A compilation of Metalworking advice from their Experts! http://www.metalwerx.com/pdf/2014MetalwerxTricksOfTheTrade.pdf?utm_source=2014+Holiday+Wishes+Special+Bulletin&utm_campaign=2014+Holiday+Bulletin&utm_medium=email
  • GEMSTONES: BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF A RIO GEMOLOGIST

    October 28, 2014GEMSTONES: BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF A RIO GEMOLOGIST Written by Chris Hoffman Posted in News & Events, Tools & Techniques Beautiful royal purple AAA-Grade faceted amethyst available at Rio Grande. Gemstones are gorgeous. And, as a gemologist, I can tell you they’re even mo...
  • Argentium Silver: Inventor Peter Johns - join his Podcast

    Argentium Silver: Hear the Story Direct from Inventor Peter Johns Jun 9, 2014   Argentium is popular for its working characteristics as well as its brilliant white color and resistance to tarnish. If you're a lover of the amazing properties of Argentium® Silver or if you've heard anything about Arg...
  • KNOW YOUR TARGET MARKET - Silver and the 20-40 female groups

    As we continue to discuss "How to break into the Jewelry business?" the key question you need to ask yourself  is "Who is going to be YOUR Target audience?" That means doing your homework like the Retail industry- 73% of the  silver jewelry retailers reported increased sales last year, according t...
  • PRICING vs TIME vs PRODUCTION

    Lets hear what you think about Production pricing vs Time and Value.
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  • THE MANY USES FOR SILVER

    Industry’s Growing Appetite for Silver Focus of Silver Industrial Conference (Washington, D.C. – November 20, 2013) -The growing industrial demand for silver and its multiple uses throughout the world was highlighted at the 2013 Silver Industrial Conference, recently held in Washington, D.C. The wel...
  • Consumer ALERT- Know the facts about undisclosed SYNTHETIC DIAMONDS

    I just received this informative blog from Rio Grande about Synthetic Diamonds - Since many of us use gems in our work, we need to be smart about what we are buying. Read our latest post at: http://riograndeblog.com/2013/11/consumer-alert-know-the-facts-about-undisclosed-synthetic-diamonds/
  • Platinum - Did you know?

    Besides passing Gold in today's market - here is a little tidbit I found in "Forbes" about Platinum. “When first discovered [in the mid-18th century],” says a dusty old book for coin collectors, “platinum was highly prized because it could be produced only in small quantities. [Yet] less than a ce...
  • A NEW APPROACH TO ENAMELING - Buddhist Monks, Chanting, and a Sacred Sifter

    I once was privileged to watch a group of Buddhist Monks make a Mandala out of butter with just their fingers - and it never melted -  but watching them sift grains of sand through a pen sifter, was an enlightening moment - I realized that perhaps with a little chanting, a few monks and some vitreo...
  • Citric Acid - the safer way to Pickle!

    At long last -- a gentle and environmentally-friendly pickle! Introducing Citric Acid Pickling Solution.  Forget worrying about which pair of tweezers you are putting in the pickle pot. With Citric Acid, you can use any tweezers when removing your items and your work will never be plated an odd ...
  • RESIN JEWELRY - PRESENTED IN A BETTER LIGHT and my LETTER TO THE EDITOR

    Dear Tammy, As an Enamelist and owner of a global network of over 1200 Enamel Artists and 55 countries, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for writing about "Resin Jewelry" as just that, and not calling it "Cold Enameling". Today's Jewelry Making Daily comes on the heels of a works...
  • COLD ENAMELLING TERMS NEED TO BE STOPPED!

    While I was browsing workshops to attend when I make my pilgrimage to the Tucson Jewelry Show this February, I came across this description of Cold Enameling vs. Hot enameling - as if there was a comparison-  I was amazed how far another professional artist can take the term "glass like" to compare ...
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  • Jewelry Photos from your SMART PHONE

    At Last!! a DVD by Jim Lawson, photographer for Lapidary Journal on how to use your Smart Phone to photograph jewelry. I have used my iphone several times to photograph pieces that I posted to the site and I have been amazed how great they came out - (altho you may all disagree) - Now with some ne...
  • Pierrette LeClaire - Enamelist

    http://pierretteleclaire.ca/english/enamels/index.html
  • CONFLICT MINERALS RULE - from Securities and Exchange Commission

    MJSA Member Alert: SEC Releases Conflict Minerals Rule   Dear MJSA Member,   On Aug. 22, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) voted to adopt a rule implementing the conflict minerals provision of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, Section 15...
  • How to Find a Craft Show -

    Notebook #2 - Art & Business
  • The Argentium Silver Revolution - Rio Grande Blog

    I found this article to be very informative on the discovery of Argentium Silver and the different types. The Argentium Revolution Argentium International has implemented a continuous research and development program to better understand the properties of Argentium silver alloys and learn how to op...
  • Recycled vs. Mined Silver - Eddie Bell - Rio Grande

    Who knew? I didn't about the metal refining and mining business, but thanks to this blog posted by Eddie Bell from Rio Grande, you will have a great incite into the silver you use and buy everyday. Rio Grande was founded more than 60 years ago by my father, Saul Bell. A jeweler for more than 80 yea...
  • NEW GROUP - ART & BUSINESS -Notebook #2

      Creativity and Business go hand in hand but not without the act of thinking! As you know I like thinking - I like creative thoughts, I like knowledge, I like to know what makes people tick, I like to know how to run a successful business, and I like to take failure, learn from it and turn it int...
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  • CONSERVATION CONFERENCE IN MILANO, ITALY

    FROM Agnès Gall-Ortik   Dear Colleagues, Please find enclosed the program of an interdisciplinary study day on the Pace of Chiavenna, kindly sent by one of our members and speakers of the 2012 meeting, Chiara Maggioni. Post-prints will be published in Arte Lombarda, magazine of the Instituto per...
  • A Day with HAROLD BALAZS - by Delia Delapp

      COMING FULL CIRCLE - by Delia Delapp -Four years ago, while spending an afternoon at John Killmaster's studio in Middleton, Idaho, I spied a wonderful little table-top enameled copper sculpture. I didn't even know copper could be welded and I was immediately attracted to the piece. I realized it ...
  • Does Anyone have information about this site?

    This question was sent in by Lyndan Blackman - Australia - perhaps one of our members from Japan may have the answer. This link used to take one to the Japanese site where you could buy Cattleya enamels, and look at bowls and other enamel related paraphernalia.  http://www.biso.co.jp/
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  • John Killmaster's TUTORIAL - Painting with Oil Based Enamels

    For all you painters out there, John Killmaster, Professor of Art, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, has posted a very informative tutorial "Oil and Water Do Mix - In Enamel Painting" -  NOTEBOOK #1, Painting & Grisaille Group.   It doesn't get any better than this!
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  • United Kingdom - Guild of Enamellers - Craft Design Magazine

      What's hot?      News from The Guild of Enamellers  News section  Enamelling in Craft & Design Magazine (by DEC, published Wednesday, 02 November 2011 09:13)  Putting the spotlight on Enamelling   in craft&design magazine       We’ll be putting our annual spotlight on ENAMELLIN...
  • SCOTLAND - Tell us the Mystery Artist please!!!

        Sometimes, our news is not just about enamel artists, but artists in general. Who Left A Tree, Then A Coffin In The Library?by Robert Krulwich- October 31, 2011 http://www.npr.org/blogs/krulwich/2011/10/28/141795907/who-left-a-tree-then-a-coffin-in-the-library?sc=17&f=1007   This story wa...
  • 2nd Tutorial by Chris Heirholzer - Torch Enamel with Graphite

     I have just posted the 2nd in the Torch Firing series created by Chris Heirholzer  using graphite - Check out Notebook 2 - Torch Firing.
  • ADVERTISING and SELLING PRODUCTS ON THE WEB SITE

    Several members have asked me about Selling and Advertising on this site. What can be sold and if I am considering selling ad space.  While I continue to keep the site "Membership Fee Free" and absorb the cost to run Grains of Glass, I also realize the value of sales and profit.   Here are some guid...
  • Saul Bell Finalist Marianne Hunter- speaks about her piece

    Thanks for following up on this. The piece in the finals is # 2552 “Kabuki Kachina dips her brush in Rainbows” .. I just found the complete description, so here it its!:Title: Kabuki Kachina dips her brush in Rainbows*Registration #2552Birds as subjects for this figurative piece were my immediate im...
  • MODERN MASTERS WORKSHOPS - SCHEDULE

    FLORIDA SOCIETY OF GOLDSMITHS Modern Masters Workshop   Merry Lee Rae- Cloisonné Enameling for Beginners and Beyond Chris Darway – Hydraulic Press for Production ~ Cutting & Forming Dies Tom Muir–Creative Mechanisms: Hinges, Catches, Swivels, Gears, and More Phil Renato – Polymer Chain Reactions...
  • THE UPCOMING BAN ON LEADED JEWELRY - sent in by Pat Johnson- British Society of Enamellers

    The British Society of Enamellers would like everyone to know of the proposed EU directive banning the production and sale of jewelry that has been enameled with lead bearing enamels. This legislation is under discussion, but the consultation will end on May 28, 2011. The directive bans all jewelry ...
  • A Tribute to My Best Friend - Joseph Osina - 2011 - GOGS Member

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IT IS NEVER EASY SAYING GOODBYE.... and for me this final farewell is the hardest and closest to my heart. My dearest friend, studio partner, family member and Grains of Glass artist has passed away.JOSEPH ...
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  • THE LAST OF THE AUTHENTIC SCOTCH STONES - Scotland

    The "Tam O Shanter Hone" with its celebrated red label scotch mark is not being produced any longer by the Water of Ayr and Tam O Shanter Hone Works ltd. Used by the most eminent firms of Watch and Clock manufacturers, Lithographers & c.&c. and a favorite abrasive stone used by enamelers - c...
  • PROFESSIONAL GUIDELINES - by Harriete Estel Berman

    LOOKING FOR AN ANSWER?   Harriete Estel Berman, metalsmith has authored "Professional Guidelines", a reference to help everyone in the arts and crafts community to learn how to handle common but important situations that may arise. These documents are basic tools for improved and equitable busines...
  • MEETING OF THE MINDS - Unstable Enamels at The Victoria & Albert Museum - Paper #3

    -------------------------------------------------------------------- Curious About How The Conservationists Deal With Unstable Enamels at the Victoria and Albert Museum?       Come on in for another " MEETING OF THE MINDS "- Paper #3 at the 3rd Biennial Experts' Meeting on Enamel on Metal Conserva...
  • "A MEETING OF THE MINDS " Experts Meeting on Enamel on Metal Conservation- Paper #2

    Let's get academic....                                 A Meeting of the Minds – Paper #2                                                     At the Frick To refresh everyone’s mind, on October 8 2010 I had the opportunity of attending an Experts’ Meeting on Enamel on Metal Conservation, which was...
  • "A MEETING OF THE MINDS" - Scientific Analysis of Medieval Limoges Enamels - Paper #1

    A MEETING OF THE MINDS                                                     Paper #1     On October 8, 2010, I had the opportunity of attending an Experts’ Meeting on Enamel on Metal Conservation, which was held at The Frick Collection in New York City.   It was the first meeting in the United State...