Calm of the Workshop

[The Justified Sinner]

After the thrilling storm of international politics at the weekend!

Finally finished the 15th piece for the show in Wales next month:

Made from discarded sewing-machine needles found in a derelict sweatshop in Clydebank, Scotland, silver, psilomelane, natural black spinel and quartz.

The psilomelane was custom cut and has a really beautiful patterning:

I also completed a couple of pieces which I am exchanging for the sapphires which I received and blogged last week:

I'm quite looking forward to having a few weeks where I can just play with my own ideas again!

[The Justified Sinner]

I have a PUK 3, which is a micro-tig machine. It is very easy to use and comes with a special shuttered microscope for welding tiny items. I just used it to repair a stainless steel watch strap today for a customer, something I would previously have rejected as being impossible!

This is the one we bought.

[2Roses]

We're currently considering adding a TIG welder to the arsenal. Seems like it would really speed up the production. Any recommendations, advice?

[The Justified Sinner]

Thanks for your support. I absolutely LOVE using these needles. They are a complete pain to do, however, as every needle needs to be soldered twice to secure the jump ring on top, then each jump ring has to be closed with a micro-TIG welder! The effect is well worth it, however.

[2Roses]

Dauvit, your spectacular vision and use of industrial found objects is amazing. Love the sewing needles.