I've Got Skillz

I've taught myself a few new things in the past couple weeks, and I'm really happy with how they turned out. For one, I made a new style of ring and also post earrings (100% handmade except for the mother of pearl beads) for my uncle's fiance. I can't claim the idea; she came up with it, but I'm glad she did! I really like the look of the posts and I think I'll try them with a few different stones. The ring is similar to the others I've made, but there are more wraps around the bead, so it sits higher up.

All pictures can be enlarged by clicking on them.



Next, I worked on my soldering skillz and made this heart with sterling silver wire, leather cord, and swarovski crystals:



And finally, today I learned to work with discs. I did not cut them myself because I discovered I can buy them pre-cut cheaper than I can cut them from raw sheet metal. I did, however drill the holes by hand. Literally. My electric drill had a dead battery, so I used the bit sans drill. *grin* Then I hammered in an impression, slightly domed them, tumble polished, and gave the high notes a satin finish to bring out the design. I put them on handmade hoops. They're about 1 1/4" from top to bottom. I'm sooo happy with how these turned out!




I'm lovin' my new amateur metalsmith skills. What do you think?