The last couple years I have continued to add to my skillset as a jeweler. Like any good craftsperson I also have an ongoing wish list of tools I'd love to add to my studio. Some are to make certain jobs easier and some to add a whole new technique to my repertoire. Some are easy to pick up with a little extra money leftover, some get added to my Christmas or Birthday list (to make gift giving super easy! ) and some are a saving, waiting, and watching for a sale or used item to come up purchase.
My latest acquisition falls along the last category there, and it's been on my list since nearly the beginning. I knew it would be an amazing thing to work towards and would make some tedious but tiny tasks so much easier.
Welcome home to my new Orion mPulse 30 Pulse-Arc Welder! Although I have wanted to learn the traditional types of welding for years, (think yard ornaments and metal furniture) I haven't had the time. Now instead I'm learning the art of using a micro pulse arc welder. I can use this tool for all the tiny jobs that I would normally use my acetylene jewelers torch for. So now, instead of soldering a jump ring to hold a clasp onto a chain to finish a necklace; I can weld that ring in a fraction of a second with no risk of melting the jump ring or the chain. There are plenty of other particular tasks that will be amazing to do with this tool as well, I'm looking forward to learning a lot.
Now... onto the fun part for how my shiny new tool is going to be a direct benefit to my customers! I get to offer a new service, permanent jewelry! If you haven't seen this service around in the last year or so you're missing out. The gist of it is, instead of buying a bracelet, anklet or necklace with a clasp, you buy a custom length of your chosen chain and I apply this to your wrist, ankle or around your neck and close it with a tiny weld. No taking it on or off, just wear it all the time. Now... don't worry, it's painless, I'm not going to do anything to risk hurting anyone. Also, if you HAVE to remove it (like for a medical procedure), it's doable with a sturdy pair of scissors or pair of wire cutters. Save your chain and it can be rewelded on at a later date.
One of the best parts of this service is the experience. I obviously have to do this in person, so I can set up a pop-up at your favorite shop or boutique, in your home for a private party with your friends, at a bridal party, or bachelorette party, or at market events. Every time I set up will be a fun event!
I cannot wait to start getting out and getting everyone outfitted with gorgeous chains, and (of course) handmade add ins, like charms and links. I plan on offering custom pieces, like hand stamped charms or bars with names or words on them.
Fill out the contact form here on the website or message me through facebook or instagram to set up a booking, I'll be accepting dates beginning March 24th. Watch for updates, as I post dates I'll be set up, and what I'll be offering for chain and add in choices!
Love and Light,
Bonnie Jean
