What I found out is that soldering is hard. Really hard! My first piece was so bad that I didn't even take a picture, although I will keep it because someday when I finally get good at this, I can look back at where I started.
For Lucy or anyone else who wants to try their hand at soldering, the hardest thing is to resist the temptation to overwork the solder. Every time I'd think I'd just 'touch up' one little area, I ended up making it worse and then having to fix everything. I know that like everything, getting good at this is just a matter of practice, but darn it--I want to be good now, on the first try! Hmmph!
And because I'm shameless, here's a photo of my my third charm. After I took this photo I used my tiny file to smooth the bumps and rubbed some solder polish on it and though it does look better, I've a long way to go! Sally Jean need not worry about competition from me anytime soon.
Those are cute! I have thought about trying that myself, but have never done anything about it.
ReplyDeleteWOW, another undertaking! I think they look pretty darn good Heidi. I admit I had NO idea what soldering was until I saw the pic at the bottom. You always take on new and adventurous skills. Props to you!
ReplyDeleteWell i think they look brilliant!
ReplyDeleteWow now that is ambition! I think they are cute.-
ReplyDeletehey one quick side note-do you remember when Katrina was learning to do this in college? I still feel bad about the night I yelled at her through my half slumber on the couch because she was trying to do it at the kitchen table in the middle of the night and had turned on the light-
I too am guilty of receiving a soldering iron for Xmas (though, several years before you got yours!!)and still have not 'christened' it! I need somebody to show me step-by-step!! I'm not sure if you've inspired me (because your creations look GREAT) or scared me more (because if H thinks it's hard, and she is good at everything, it's gonna be REALLY HARD for me!!)... and as your charm states THERE'S TIME
ReplyDeleteIt turned out very cute. I have a soldering iron as well and haven't been brave enough to try it. Maybe once I get the sewing room organized, then I can have a little room to work. Did you cut the glass too or did you find precut glass?
ReplyDeleteoh, I love those. I have always wanted to try, but have never made the purchase. I've always kind of wanted to make little charms with photos in them. I don't know what your'e talking about though...I think those look awesome, and I bet try one and two are better than you're telling us! Besides, it's the imperfections that make them so real, and cute.
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to try these too. I thought about taking a class on them but then I remembered I have too many hobbies already and too little time! Maybe one of these days. I'm like you though - I'd want to be good at it on the first try!
ReplyDeleteThese are really cute!
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to learn to solder. I love the look of soldered pendants.
Now, I'm scared to try! You're so great at crafty things, and if you say it's hard, that makes me nervous. :) Maybe someday, I'll give it a whirl. I don't even have a soldering iron yet...
I think you are doing better than you think! I flew to Portland and took a class from Sally Jean. The trick she shared was to float your solder. Meaning don't let the tip of your iron touch what you're soldering. You want to float the solder between your iron and your piece. It took me a ton of practice, but it works! And.... to get her infamous shine try using metal polish. You can only find it at auto supply shops (not Wally World or Target) and a little goes a VERY very long way. just brush it on with an old toothbrush and buff it off with a papertowel (the blue hardware store ones work fabulously). Great job!!
ReplyDeleteI'm like everyone else - I've wanted to try that too, but haven't taken it on YET. I think yours are lovely!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you were brave for the both of us..no make that so MANY of us who want to try this awesome craft. I think you've done a beautiful job for your first tries!! Practice makes perfect says she who has her pretty little solder gun still snug in her plastic bed..lol. I will try this BEFORE my birthday rolls around in December.It would be a pure shame to have something for a year and not use it@@
ReplyDeleteI think you did great on your first ones. I am also still in the learning stagesb ut as they say practice, practice, practice.
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