My studio is filled with all sorts of tools of the trade. I keep them in their relative workstations so I can grab them quickly when inspiration strikes. Although, I don't consider myself a gadget girl. In fact, to create my beads I use only my pasta machine, cutting blade, two small mirrors and dental pick. (Along with stamps, molds and paintbrush too.) I have been slowly adding to my tool collection.A few new tools I picked up this month from Rings & Things (as one of their blog partners):
A hole punch - how I did I live without this thing! You just twist those screw things and viola, holes in metal!
metal shears - watch out, I can cut shapes out of metal, I'm scared!
cup bur - I want to make my own earwires and this is so handy for smoothing those rough edges on metal.
Tools I can't live without:
My Lindstrom pliers. How long did I suffer without my set. I know, you look at the price and think "come on, how can they be that different from my ol' cheap-o's. You have no idea how comfortable they are and how much they are worth every penny! Put them on your wish list.
Dapping block - a new edition to my tool box, can you tell I love this little thing!
Bench block and ball peen hammer - opens up a lot of possibilities with wire.
On my wish list:
A torch! a small butane torch will be my next acquisition. I want to make those ball headpins so bad.
An embossing hammer for create some great textures on metal.
Next prize:
Brass earrings with golden branch beads. This design was also inspired by the book 101 Wire Earrings. Visit the Art Bead Scene for a review of the book.How to win: tell me what tool you are itching to add to your tool box?
I will draw a random winner from the comments to this post at 3pm.
I will announce the 1st winner from the previous post in just a few moments...
26 comments:
I want one of those cup bur thingies too!!!! I'd like to make my own headpins - think I can use my oxy/propane torch instead of the smaller one?
Ooh...Tools...I was just thinking about tools when I was on vacation. I am trying to get more comfortable working with wire, so I want/need a couple more kinds of pliers and a hammer/mallet for flattening wire...
While I'm at it, I am probably going to upgrade the pliers that I already have...Mine aren't awful, but if I am going to be playing with wire more and getting more serious with it, I need some that are better quality...
Heck, Thomas has come up with flimsier excuses for his new toys, so that should be enough of one to get me some new toys :o)
I want a Bead Spinner. A really pretty all-wood Bead Spinner. It sure would make stringing seed beads A LOT easier!
- Marcie
I just love those earrings! They are soooo cute! I just went to Amazon.com to look at the book, 101 Wire Earrings...you can look inside. I saw so many cute designs, I had to order it!
I got so excited about the book, I forgot to mention tools. I really really could use a good Lindstrom set of pliers. I just have some cheapies. They are a pain to use.
I'd love to have a bead crimping cutter plier!
I need to buy two more lindstrom pliers. I really like them too!
For me it's a tie between the dapping block and the metal punch. In true bead addict fashion I simply must have them both!
I too just purchased a hammer and steel block to be able to work with wire and metal. I need the cup burr and some files to go with it.
Your studio looks great!
well, the question is what isn't on my wishlist it seems somedays. I just picked up a used vibrating tumbler for a song and I'm about to start testing it for sanding polymer clay beads. the capacity is huge though so first I have to make a whole bunch of beads that i won't mind if they get wrecked.
Blog, Tweet, FB -- all of them will hear from me today.
I just got two new tools -- a circle punch and a dapping block. I need a bench block and would LOVE some texturing hammers. I'm spreading my wings, beadlings. I need to add some metal to the seeds!
theresa
Hi Heather
I've been playing with some new tools lately too...a disc cutter and dapping blog. On my wishlist is a custom set of alphabet stamps. I'd sure love to pick out my own fonts so they won't look everyone else's out there! :-)
well, i've had my eye on one of those burr cups too. but if i had tons of money i'd get the dream machine from polymer clay express.
Just blogged about your AMAZING creations! and Studio Tour at:
http://burridraw.blogspot.com
Heather, your beads are beautiful and the earrings are stunning! I'm really dying for a dapping block and a tumbler. I've been making do creating texture, but a tumbler would be fabulous.
I can't wait until after I have this next baby to start to fool around with Resins... Also a tool bench clamp to work with for riveting would be a nice addition some day...
LOVE the earrings - great color combination!
Great tour of the toolshed, Heather! I like your brief, useful descriptions of what each item is for. I can vouch for the coolness of the metal hole-punch...so easy to use, just turn the screws. (I think I just invented a slogan!)
--Dave
Hi Heather! I definitely need a new set of pliers! They are on my wish list! I just did a twitter update about your studio tour, and a blog update, which will also pull into Facebook in a couple of hours. :)http://www.humblebeads.blogspot.com/
Love the studio! It looks great and it's so organized! :)
I'd love to get a minor bench burner and a small kiln for annealing beads, but that probably won't be for a while.
even though i am a half hour too late, i agree... a torch is feeling like a necessity... and thanks for the info on the tools (brand)... your studio looks great...
Oh, I would LOVE to have a bench block someday soon. Am itching to play with stamping on copper. :)
I would love to play with fire! A blow torch, that is!
First: love your blog and your work. Second: I would really love a dapping block. The thought of easily bending filigree makes me giggle with glee!
I'm wondering what you use the two mirrors for? Making those little balled headpins is so much fun! You've got to get a torch.
Too late for an entry but - oh goodness...After salivating over Rio Grande rock star Mark Nelson's lining techniques on Beads, Baubles, and Jewels, I'm dying to get my hands on that Beadliner Kit!
I would love a Dapping Block , I love working with wire and any kind of metal. My favorite would be copper! I have a few tools and I keep adding as I gain the experience as how to use them but haveing the right tools is a big deal it makes all the difference in the world to how your project turns out. Thanks Heather!
Hug's Debra
dgibson@bak.rr.com
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