Yet another new skill!

So to make strong circle links and things of this nature, I decided it was important for me to learn how to solder. I have soldered in the past. Well, alright, just once or twice in Industrial Arts class back in middle school. Of course this was about 17-18 years ago (God when did I get that old??) So this soldering thing was a bit more nerve racking for me then the earwires, I'll admit. I was intimidated by the heat and melting of metals. I wasn't sure I would be successful at it. But you know what, it really is much easier then I thought it would be!! Don't get me wrong, I've still got a lot of practicing to do and so far my works not always the prettiest...but at day two I've already seen improvements in my work. How encouraging is that!

I was lucky to have a handy husband who could show me the steps. I think it would be a lot harder to learn just by reading a forum post or blog post. In fact, I think that's why I was so intimidated by it. I was also lucky in the fact that my father-in-law, who is awesome by the way, just happened to have an old soldering iron laying around his workshop. So double excitement. Not only am I saving money making my own circle links, but I also didn't have to spend a bunch of money on tools to do it!!!


And the feeling of accomplishment when I finished all the components to this bracelet was just amazing!! I made every link and the clasp on it by hand. Formed, hammered, and soldered by me :) Now my next adventure will be oxidizing this bracelet with the egg method...wish me luck, and make sure to check back in a few days! I'll let you all know how it goes and will post a picture of my completed bracelet.