A couple of weeks ago I splurged and ordered
this set from Interweave. I was lucky enough to see a FB post reminding me that the
Interweave Store was offering a limited 40% off sale. Wow, I thought that was too good to pass up.
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| My physical haul from the kit...plus my earrings! |
The kit arrived and included everything you see here...the first obvious perk is a wonderful little Fretz riveting hammer. I have to admit, this is my 1st Fretz and it is so sweet! It also included the DVD by Tracy Stanley, Making Jewelry with Metal Tubing, a Bead Smith punch and riveting tool, 2 packages of hollow rivets to use with the tool and a variety of Vintaj blanks to play with.
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| Earrings made from Vintaj blanks and brass stampings...riveted with sterling. |
The kit also included 3 digital products, Making 3 Perfect Rivets and Riveted Earring Project, both by Tracy Stanley, and Bodacious Copper Bangle Project by Kim St. Jean.
Now, I have done rivets before, but am by no means a pro at it. Tracy made it look so easy and was really engaging in the videos. I had to put it all on hold until I got back from my beach vacation, but this week I played a bit. The above earrings are Vintaj blanks from the kit, raw brass stampings I had on hand that I riveted with sterling wire following Tracy's instructions. The Fretz hammer worked like a dream and I think made all the difference. These are still a bit rough!
Next, after watching the Tubing DVD, I decided to try a bracelet, but didn't want the dangles, so I opted to streamline and make a bracelet bar with chain. I had 1/4 inch copper tubing on hand, so that is what I used.
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| My 1st riveted bracelet! |
I flattened the tubing and textured it as in the instructions. I opted to shape the ends, rather than folding over, as Tracy did in the DVD. I was going to create the chain with my own links, but when I found this big copper rolo chain, I opted to use it instead, just adding my own sterling connector links and clasp.
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| Wow, the Fretz hammer even makes a great prop!!! |
I didn't want this novice piece to be blingy...I knew it would be staying with me, and I don't really do bling! Mixed metals? Yes, please :) I decided to add 3 of my white copper metal clay components,,,2 flowers and a heart. As you can see, they are askew, but Tracy says in the DVD, "you meant to do that"!
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| How it hangs on my wrist...don't like the big jump rings at the sides....must. fix. |
I have to admit, these wire rivets were harder to do than I remembered from ages ago. A couple of things I would take away from the DVD and Tracy's other video...make sure your hole punch and wire match! The wire should barely fit in the hole! I made a few mistakes and am not showing the back side because of that!
I didn't use the punch/rivet setter yet...I wanted to on the brass earrings I showed earlier, but rivets in the kit were not long enough. Tracy also suggests using brass escutcheon pins/nails for taller stacks, but I didn't have any in my stash.
I lucked out and got a great discount on this set. I think right now it is marked down to half price, but the DVD alone is a great resource. Now, I am off to practice!
***Disclaimer...this is just my 2 cents on this kit!***
