Fundametals.net Blog

Holiday Specials!

2010-12-06T10:45:00.002-05:00

Wishing everyone a very happy holiday season! Everything in the shop is 15% off. Please use code DISCOUNT 15% in comments to receive your credit after purchase.
Additional Sales!
Greek Alphabet Set-25% off. Please be sure to leave DISCOUNT 25% in comments to receive your credit after purchase! No other discounts can be applied to this purchase.
Wire Winder is discounted by 20%. Please be sure to leave DISCOUNT 20% in comments to receive credit after purchase!
Specials are valid until December 31st. Keep checking back for more specials!

Follow New Blog to hear about weekly specials

2010-04-16T13:17:00.000-04:00

For the next few weeks, once a week, fundametals is going to choose one product and reduce it anywhere between 15-20%, for only 24 hours. The sale notice will be posted on the fundametals blog, though not this blog, but the new fundametals blog. To subscribe or google connect to fundametals new blog please click on New Blog and refer to the right side banner. Until next week! Thanks!

New blog..

2010-04-14T14:46:00.000-04:00

I have switched to a wordpress blog and no longer will be updating this one. If you would still like to follow my blog, please visit www.fundametals.net and click on BLOG at the top of the page and rejoin my google friends at bottom right hand side. Thanks so much!

Pure Copper Charms and Pendants

2010-04-12T19:08:00.000-04:00

I can't tell you how hard I have searched for pure copper charms. Not copper coated, but PURE copper. I was at Bead Fest Wire this past weekend and found a supplier that carries pure copper charms. I was only able to snag a few of each....you can find them under cool stuff!

Tool Time Tuesday-Tube Cutting Jig

2010-03-31T08:33:00.000-04:00

This weeks tool tutorial is about the tube cutting jig-a tool which will make your life so much easier when it comes to cutting metal tubing! Please click on the image to be taken to the tutorial. Thanks Melissa.

Beadcap tutorial is up!

2010-03-23T18:56:00.002-04:00

Please go to Jeanette Blix.com for tutorial. Thank you!

Creating your own beadcaps with your dapping block and hole punch!

2010-03-23T13:51:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone! I will get this posted today..I am having a heck of a time posting it on my fundametals blog, so I am going to post it on my personal blog. I will let you know when it's up and provide the url. Thanks for your patience.
Jeanette

What's so cool about a dapping block?

2010-03-20T14:53:00.001-04:00

Stop by for Tool Time Tuesday and I will show you how you can make your own beadcaps with the remarkable dapping block! In addition, I will include some other images of jewelry pieces that you can create with this tool! See ya then.

Finally!! A multi-hole punch plier-punch up to 16 gauge!

2010-03-17T11:44:00.000-04:00

EuroPower Multi-Sized Hole Punch!

Can you say Muscle? This new Beefy hole-punch has the Power to punch 7 different Large sized round holes ranging from 3/32 up to 9/32" in soft metal up to 16 gauge all in one tool! Let the tool do all the work, the specially designed compound action and hardened cutting dies punch through thick metal with ease, you will not believe what this tool can do until you try it. Hard sided carrying case included. Hole sizes are 3/32, 1/8, 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, ¼ and 9/32".

I only have a limited amount of the EuroPower Hole punch in stock at this time! They really do punch heavy gauge metal with ease! Click on any of the images to be directed to page to purchase.

Tool Time Tuesday-Catch up!

2010-03-05T09:29:00.000-05:00

Tool Time Tuesday-Disc Cutters By Melissa Muir

When I decided to get serious about jewelry just 3 1/2 short years ago I quickly found that having the right tools made my job much easier and much more efficient. I wanted to work with some discs and circles, domed or flat, but I quickly found that I had a very difficult time getting a perfect circle with my jewelers saw and files. Not only that, but they took much more time than should be reasonable to be practical and profitable. Below, you will see the four disc cutters I will be talking about in this edition of Tool Time Tuesday. The back two are economy disc cutters, we will talk about those first. The one on the right is my Pepe disc cutter and the one on the left is a Swanstrom disc cutter on loan to me by my friend Jeanette from Fundametals.net. To read the rest of the article to click on the photo above.

******************************************************************************

**TOOL TIME TUESDAY-OUNCE TO OUNCE, HOW DOES IT COMPARE, by Melissa Muir**
This Tool Time Tuesday topic is one that you might find helpful and will hopefully learn some new things that will make ordering your metal a little easier.

Here in the United States we have a few different ways to measure volume and weight. Today we will be talking about measuring the weight of our metal. CLICK HERE TO READ REST OF ARTICLE
******************************************************************************
**TOOL TIME TUESDAY-ANNEALING FINE WIRE by Melissa Muri
Have you ever worked with your fine gauges of wire until they were so stiff that you didn't know what to do with them? Generally mine end up in my scrap pile. Even when there is still some good workable length. Or have you ever opened your wire to find that it was so stiff that it was a nightmare to work with? That happened to me just recently. Even though I had ordered "Dead soft" wire, it is anything but dead soft. Springy wire can be dealt with in a number of ways. Today's Tool Time Tuesday will introduce a way for you to anneal your really fine gauges of sterling wire without melting it into a big blob. The same concept can be used for other metals as well. CLICK HERE TO READ REST OF ARTICLE.

The Amazing Swanstrom Disc Cutter

2010-02-26T09:25:00.001-05:00

fundametals is a huge fan of Swanstrom Tools. They strive to create tools that are innovative while maintaining exceptional quality. Here's the latest Swanstrom Disc Cutter demo-creating seamless rings! Just imagine how you can create bezels-an alternative to purchasing metal tubing. All Swanstrom tools are made in the USA. Click on the image above to view demo!

If you are interested in purchasing a Swanstrom Disc Cutter, click here! We ship via USPS flat rate!

Belle Armoire Jewelry, Spring 2010 Issue-awesome

2010-02-24T08:49:00.000-05:00

We just received the newest issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry, and it is an awesome issue. I was pleasantly surprised to see many wire pieces in this issue. Of course, there's a little bit of everything..probably one of my favorite issues thus far! As always, free shipping to all fundametals customers!

New Hole Punch Pliers-Square and Oval

2010-02-18T11:53:00.000-05:00

I was really excited to receive Eurotool's new hole punch pliers that punch out oval and square shapes. For me, I was imaging using them as more of a decorative tool to snip around edges of metal such as beadcaps rather than a tool for connecting components. I quickly played around with them and I will share with you my personal opinion.

I played around with 24 gauge copper blanks. When I used the square punch in the metal, it left a jagged edge sticking up on the other side. If you are accustom to working with metal, you could probably work with it, snip the little piece of metal sticking up, then use your mallet to flatten the disc and file.

With the oval hole punch, it definitely left an imprint on your metal and I am not sure if I really liked the look of the oval hole impression. But then again, like I said, I didn't want to carry these pliers in my shop for this reason, but to use them as a decorative tool for metal. Refer to photos below..keep in mind I did not clean or sand the metal. I quickly punched around the entire edge if circular blank to show how cool these tools can be for adding a cool design element to beadcaps, cold-connection designs etc. So, for this reason alone, I think they are worth the value!

Restocking...

2010-02-11T18:02:00.000-05:00

We have restocked our enamel washers, a variety of colors available.

We are now carrying copper and brass tubing for cold-connections.

We are now carrying bronze wire, the very hard to find, true bronze wire. Composed of 95% copper and 5% tin. Available in soft-temper.

Thomas Mann in the shop!

2010-02-04T08:50:00.002-05:00

We now carry some of Thomas Mann's wonderful products, starting with his newest found object sandwich creation, this lovely heart locket....To purchase or to learn more about the other Thomas Mann products we carry, please click on the photo below...

Infinity Design Stamp on Sale

2010-02-03T09:39:00.000-05:00

I have reduced the price of this particular design stamp from $25 to $15. Hand-engraved by Infinity Stamps. Click on photograph above to be directed to listing. Thank you.

Tool Time Tuesday-Essential Soldering Setup

2010-02-02T14:54:00.000-05:00

This week Melissa has written a great tutorial about everything you need for the essential set-up for soldering. Please click on the image to be directed to tutorial. Thank you, Melissa!

Tool Time Tuesday-Rolling Mill Textures

2010-01-26T21:04:00.001-05:00

I don't know if you will feel the same way, but after reading this tool-time Tuesday edition by Melissa Muir, I wanted to get on-line and order a rolling mill! Enjoy the article and feel free to ask questions or leave comments.
Jeanette and Melissa

Tool Time Tuesday-Sanding and Preparing your metal

2010-01-19T19:38:00.000-05:00

Melissa wrote another awesome tutorial which I think many will find helpful, especially for those who are new to metalworking. With Melissa's latest tutorial she discusses the importance of sanding your metal before creating your jewelry piece. Thank you, Melissa!

Fabulous Found Object Pendants w/Richard Salley-Workshop

2010-01-14T10:38:00.000-05:00

Introducing a new workshop in the Washington Metropolitan area on Monday, May 24th with Richard Salley! Registration opens Sunday, January 17th at 3:00pm. For more information about the workshop visit our Workshop Page.

Tool Time Tuesday-Store Your Metal

2010-01-12T19:50:00.000-05:00

It was my week to write up the tool time for this Tuesday, but I dropped the ball. My dear friend Melissa saved the day...thank you Melissa. If anyone has any suggestions of a particular tool or subject you would like us to share for Tool Time Tuesday, we are open for suggestions..otherwise, we hope to find something fun and helpful to share.

Our "Painting with Fire Workshop" with Barbara Lewis has sold out. No worries, we hope to have Barbara back again soon!

**We will be announcing another exciting workshop with another amazing instructor...so stay tuned! **

Painting with Fire Workshop with Barbara Lewis

2010-01-07T13:34:00.000-05:00

Cindy Wimmer with Sweet Bead Studio and myself are hosting a fabulous workshop in March-Painting with Fire, with Barbara Lewis. For more information about the class, please click on the image attached.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Cindy or me. Thank you.

Tool Time Tuesday by Melissa Muir

2010-01-05T19:34:00.007-05:00

fundametals will be adding some new features to the blog, one being Tool Time Tuesday. Our goal is to feature a tool and or product review once a week. Our first Tool Time Tutorial is written by Melissa Muir (fundametals design team member) with www.melissamuir.com. Click on the photo below to be directed to tutorial.

Tool Time Tuesday-Liver of Sulfur and Silver Black.

Enjoy the tutorial and I hope you find it helpful. Thank you, Melissa!

More Enamel Washers added to shop

2010-01-02T20:01:00.000-05:00

I have received a shipment of enamel washers...I only have one or two sets of each color. There is always more on the way. Visit Cool Stuff to check out the enamel washers and beads in stock! Happy New Year!

Under Construction

2009-12-30T16:22:00.000-05:00

We are making some changes and additions to the blog..

New in shop

2009-12-15T15:10:00.015-05:00

Fretz Chasing Hammer:
Vintaj Altered Art Blanks ranging from 3x3 inches to 4x5 inches
Vintaj rivets

Restocked:
All Vintaj Blanks
Copper bracelet Blanks

New Metalworking Tutorials

2009-11-26T10:16:00.005-05:00

We have added new metalworking tutorials to the shop.....check them out! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Belle Armoire Jewelry December 2009 Issue

2009-11-24T19:27:00.010-05:00

is now in shop!

Click here to purchase!

New Products in Store

2009-11-19T19:05:00.006-05:00

We have restocked our shop with liver of sulfur gel. The last batch sold out very quickly..

We added to our etching category by offering the E3 etch dual system that etches and electroforms. We have also restocked other products in this category such as UV Resist Paper.

Some Cool Stuff Arrived Today...

2009-10-28T15:49:00.004-04:00

Beautiful Enamel Moroccan Lantern Beads. Check them out under "cool stuff."

Cool Stuff

2009-10-22T13:56:00.008-04:00

I have added a new category to the site called "cool stuff." Under "cool stuff" you will be able to find unique beads and components handcrafted by fundametals.net remarkably creative customers (mores stuff on the way). You will also find anything else that is a little different and/or unique to use in your jewelry designs.

Fundametals is now carrying Sherri Haabs E3 Etch kits,which offers a non-hazardous solution for electro-etching. Sherri will be holding a live on-line class November 2nd, at 8:00pm EST. This would be a great class to see if you are curious to learn more about etching or to improve techniques and address etching "myths." Copy and paste this link in your browser for more info: http://www.craftcast.com/masterclass/sherri_haab_etching.html

Enjoy your day.
Jeanette

Enamel Washers have arrived!

2009-10-03T15:38:00.005-04:00

You can find these under "cool stuff."

Appears quiet, but lots going on behind the scenes

2009-10-01T22:07:00.006-04:00

I haven't updated my fundametals blog in ages. All is great, just busy getting ready to introduce a bunch of new products to the shop. As soon as they arrive, I will update the blog and let ya all know.

I still have a few September issues of Belle Armoire Jewelry. I understand it's an expensive publication (though well worth it, in my opinion), so I thought I would offer free shipping for the remaining issues I have in stock (anywhere in the continental US). They will be shipped by way of media mail. You can find the magazine in the Misc Stuff Category.

Have a great one!
Jeanette

For the Love of Fonts Newsletter/Vacation

2009-08-28T19:48:00.005-04:00

I sent out the first "for the love of fonts" newsletter lastnight. If you didn't receive the newsletter or would like for me to email you a copy, please let me know.

fundametals will be closed from Saturday, August 29th until September 7th. Any orders placed during this time will be shipped when I return. This will be a working vacation for me, so please don't hesitate contacting me any anytime.

Before I close, I wanted my customers to know that I am having a blog give away at jeanetteblix.com. Check it out..there's a tool or two I will be giving away plus lots more goodies and by other artisans too!

Have a great weekend.

Jeanette

Fundametals now carries Belle Armoire Jewelry

2009-08-24T14:24:00.020-04:00

I am such a big fan of this publication, I have decided to carry it in my shop. If you would like the September Issue of Belle Armoire, order today and I will ship out immediately!

There's no place like home...

2009-08-18T20:08:00.003-04:00

New York was fun! I am back. More tomorrow!
Jeanette

Heading to NYC for the weekend.

2009-08-13T16:56:00.003-04:00

My very best friend and I are heading to New York City tomorrow afternoon for the weekend to celebrate our birthdays. I am leaving the laptop behind, so I won't be able to return any emails beginning Friday morning until Sunday evening.
Have a great weekend!
Jeanette

Happy Customer!

2009-08-11T12:27:00.002-04:00

One of my dear customers just emailed me an image of a beautiful component/piece that she made using the Swanstrom Disc Cutter along with the positioning plugs. Beautiful work, Helen. This is what she had to say:

"I had been using a different disc cutter...there is no comparison. This is the Rolls Royce of disc cutting experience!

I LOVE the positioning plugs, too....making my own beads will now be a breeze!"

Helen, thanks so much for sharing. Disc cutter or no disc cutter, I am a huge fan of your work! I understand the Swanstrom Disc Cutter is a large purchase and I am pleased you think it's worth every penny.

For the Love of Fonts Newsletter

2009-08-09T20:28:00.002-04:00

I am working on it right now and hope to send it out tomorrow or by Tuesday the latest!
Also, those of you who are interested in placing an order for a custom alphabet stamp, all orders are due by this Thursday, August 13th! More later.
Jeanette

Tool Tutorial for Swanstrom Center Positioning Set

2009-08-05T21:40:00.004-04:00

I was asked by several people if I would write up a tutorial on how to use the Swanstrom Center Positioning Set with the Swanstrom disc cutter to punch out washers. You can find the tutorial on home page under the new category, TOOL TUTORIAL. I hope to add more tool tutorials in the future. If there is a particular tool or product in my shop that you would like for me to demonstrate, please let me know.

I also stocked the shop with square and circle copper blanks, rectangle blanks and some copper bracelet blanks. I have more "stuff" to add to my shop, hopefully tomorrow.

I really need to work on the "for the love of fonts" newsletter. I really wanted to get it out this week.

All orders for the custom alphabet stamps are due by next Thursday. So, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate contacting me.

Have a great evening.
Jeanette

2009-08-03T21:02:00.021-04:00

I have finally returned from vacation. Thanks for everyone's patience while I was away. All orders will be shipped tomorrow!

Have you heard about the newsletter "for the love of fonts" that fundametals.net will be introducing hopefully this week? If you enjoy creating stamped jewelry, then you may enjoy this newsletter. My goal is to offer a newsletter that can be enjoyed and appreciated by all levels of stampers-those who are just beginning this fun and rewarding journey to those who have mastered creating beautiful stamped jewelry. I am very appreciative to everyone who has offered to share their experience and trade techniques to help you achieve your creative goals.

The first newsletter will include advice and recommendation from Infinity stamps of what you should take into consideration when choosing a font for a custom alphabet stamp set for metal stamping.

We will also include another alternative to using a black sharpie and drawing a straight line onto the metal when trying to stamp a name or word in a straight line, if this is the goal! We love the whimsical look too!
We will also offer our feedback when it comes to design stamps..how the heck does one transfer the full impression of the design stamp onto the metal...!!

The first newsletter will be emailed to all our newsletter subscribers, though if you wish to continue to receive future newsletters, we will ask for you to confirm that you do. Have a wonderful evening.

More coming soon!

Jeanette:)

2009-07-28T13:51:00.003-04:00

Fundametals is on vacation this week but we are not completely closed! We are unable to ship any packages but if you have any questions or need to contact us, we are here to answer any of your questions!

The store will re-open on Monday, August 2nd(I believe this is the correct date)and will ship all orders then.

Thanks so much,

Jeanette

New Design Stamps are now in stock & more!

2009-07-17T22:10:00.013-04:00

fundametals now has 8 new design stamps in stock. We are very pleased with them and hope that you like them too. These design stamps are superior quality, manufactured by Infinity Stamps. Beautiful, clear impressions and fine details. These will also be a limited edition series.

Interesting, while I was playing around with a new set of alphabet stamps that I recently purchased, something on my work bench caught my eye and I instantly realized it would be a perfect aid in stamping in a straight line! My gosh, look at my first attempt! There's too much space between the two letter "t"'s, but I think I was so excited that this was actually working I just wanted to finish stamping out my name! It is stamped perfectly straight, the metal was on a slant. What do you think? I am going to play around with this a little while longer before I share with you what I used! I want to try this new technique out with economy stamps also.. I can't image why they wouldn't have the same results.

What else..oh, we are going to start a newsletter called "for the love of fonts." This is going to be a cool and informative newsletter for all levels of stampers. I will go into detail of what exactly this newsletter will be all about within the next week or two.
If you are interested in receiving "for the love of fonts' newsletter, please email info@fundametals.net and asked to be added to this newsletter.

Custom alphabet stamp update!

2009-07-10T20:08:00.002-04:00

I have extended the deadline to place your order for custom alphabet stamps to Wednesday, July 15th. For $254 you can choose any font you wish (www.myfonts.com) and up to 3/16 character size.
In addition, I have two upper case American Typewriter alphabet stamps that are available for purchase and ready to be shipped today!! One set measures at 3.6mm high character and the other upper case measures at 3mm high character. If you would like to grab these, please contact me! $254 and does not include shipping.

I still have a beautiful, elegant font in stock, upper and lower case at 1/8 character size. These will be ready for shipping next Wednesday! If you wish to see a proof of this beautiful font, please contact me. I prefer to sell the upper and lower case as a set for a total of $508.00.

And lastly, we still have the Bradley Hand Italic in stock, lower case, 2.7mm. This set has been used only twice! $254.00.

Have a great weekend!

Jeanette

Gently Used & New Infinity alphabet stamps available!

2009-07-08T17:02:00.003-04:00

This is a quick post about some superior infinity stamps that are available for purchase. We have a gently used Bradley Hand ITC italic set, 2.7mm, lower case. This set has been used only a few times. Retails at $359 and available for $254 plus shipping. We can provide a pdf proof.

We also have a gently used Corky font, upper and lower case, 1/8. This set has been used a few times, fairly new. $254 a set and both sets must be purchased for $508.00

We also will have an elegant script font, upper and lower case at 1/8 available for purchase. This set will be in stock next week. Total for both sets is $508.00 plus shipping. Again, these are the superior infinity stamps.

Please contact Jeanette at metalstamps@fundametals.net if you are interested in purchasing. Thank you!

Lots of cool things coming soon.

2009-06-28T21:56:00.005-04:00

I hope everyone had a great weekend. I want to begin my post this morning with introducing our final runner up to the Copper Washer Challenge, Debbie Dixon with Beadles and Stones. I love how Debbie incorporated the washers into her enamel pieces. She domed the copper washers, enameled them and then fired them into the enamel pendant. Thanks so much Debbie for participating in the challenge and to see more of Debbie's lovely work, please visit her shop, Beadles and Stones!.

Fundametals has 8 new designs stamps in the works and should arrive in the next week or two. I worked with Infinity Stamps, so these stamps will be the superior quality, same as if you were to purchase a logo stamp through them. Beautiful, clear impressions. These stamps will be retailing at $25, though they are worth every penny. I only had a certain amount made of each design, so please be sure to subscribe to my newsletter if you wish to be the first notified when they are available for purchase!

I have great news about the Swanstrom disc cutter. The prototype has been made and tested and now you will be able to purchase "a tool" that can be used in conjunction with the Swanstrom disc cutter and punch out washers in no time! I think this is great news for Swanstrom, because not only is it the best disc cutter on the market, this added feature will make it even more of a "must have tool." That's all I can really say at this time, I don't have the pricing on the additonal "tool", but hope to very soon.

And lastly, just a reminder all custom alphabet stamp orders are due by July 11th! If you have any questions, please contact me:)

Have a great day!
Jeanette

Tutorials can earn Tools at fundametals

2009-06-25T15:11:00.008-04:00

fundametals is looking to add more tutorials to offer to our customers. We are looking for tutorials pertaining so stamping, riveting, metalworking and wire. We do not want to go into the tutorial business, but we would love to offer some intro level tutorials for customers who are interested in learning a new technique for creating beautiful wire and metal jewelry.

And here's the cool part. All money earned from the purchased tutorial goes directly to you. We can bank your earned profits and they can be applied towards future purchases at fundametals, or, if you prefer, the money earned would be sent directly to you after each purchase. For more information, please contact info@fundametals.net. Thank you.

We do have one more runner-up to the Copper Washer Challenge to feature tomorrow. I feel bad for the delay, though check back tomorrow.
Have a great day.
Jeanette

**the above tutorial is written by cindy wimmer with sweetbeadstudio.com

Copper Washer Challenge Runner Up..

2009-06-19T09:49:00.011-04:00

As promised, here's another lovely piece that was created and submitted for the copper washer challenge. This piece was created by Helen Bergner with Busy Lizzie's. This piece has been hammered, stamped and riveted! Very cool. To see more of Helen's beautiful pieces, please visit her website.

The sterling silver pendants have arrived and I was up late listing them in the shop. They are very nice pendants, a nice weight to them. I listed them under the stamping tools and supplies category. You can check them out there.

Have a wonderful weekend!
Jeanette

Custom alphabet stamps

2009-06-17T16:59:00.009-04:00

Fundametals will be taking custom orders for alphabet stamps. All orders are due by July 11th. The deadline was initially for July 24th but changed to July 11th because I will be out of town. I want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to review and approve their proof so that the stamps are ready to go into production before I leave. For more information about the custom alphabet stamps, please click here. If you have any additional questions, please contact me at metalstamps@fundametals.net.
Tomorrow I will post an image of another runner-up for the copper washer challenge, so please check back.
Jeanette

A runner up to the Copper Washer Challenge

2009-06-16T09:47:00.009-04:00

For the next few days, I will post an image of some of the runners up to the Copper Washer challenge. The bracelet above was created by Cindy Wimmer with Sweet Bead Studio. It's great to see different ways these washers can be incorporated in your jewelry designs. Thanks so much Cindy for participating. To see more of Cindy's beautiful jewelry, please visit her etsy shop here!

Fundametals is now carrying sterling silver ball chain. We are carrying a few different lengths of 2mm ball chain. We will also be carrying sterling silver blank pendants for stamping. These pendants have a nice weight to them too.

Have a great day,
Jeanette

The Copper Washer Challenge Winner

2009-06-15T10:36:00.004-04:00

I was happy when our final judge returned from Asia. I could finally announce a winner to our copper washer challenge. Honestly, it was tough for the judges to choose, to pick a winning piece. Though, it's with great pleasure I announce the winner of the copper washer challenge, Ellen Chappelle with Limelight Designs. To view more of Ellen's beautiful jewelry, please visit her website! Congratulations, Ellen! Ellen has won a $50 gift certificate to shop at fundametals.
However, everyone wins here at Fundametals and the other participants will receive a free gift as a thank you for participating and creating a cool piece using the copper washers. I am going to mark the washers down to $6.00 a box this week if anyone would like to take advantage of this little sale.
Thanks again to everyone! Enjoy your day.
Jeanette

Sharing a few more finds..

2009-06-04T22:02:00.007-04:00

I ordered a center finder from Amazon. When taking Connie Fox's riveting class at Bead Fest Wire, I asked her how she lines up or center the holes in her metal so nicely. She told the class she uses a tool called a center finder and it can be purchased from amazon. It arrived today, and it's an awesome little tool. And it's very inexpensive. Only $3.30. For example, it can be used to find the center of a disc to make beadcaps or if you are doing any kind of riveting, this tool is definitely a must have. The one I ordered is the same one pictured above, it's made out of yellow hard plastic. To purchase or read more about it log on to Amazon and type in "center finder."
And lastly, if you do not subscribe to the etsy metal blog, they have a cool tutorial for learning how to etch on metal. Well written with great photos! I purchased the etching solution a few weeks ago, but I have not had the time to play around with it. I can't wait to try this cool technique and texture my metals.
Have a great evening!
Jeanette

Sharing my finds..

2009-06-03T17:18:00.005-04:00

Hi, I had Amy with Bean Sprout Studio, do some custom work for me. I needed some labels designed, business cards and a logo for my etsy shop, though my etsy shop is completely empty right now. It's a shop for my jewelry.
Anyway, I initially found her on etsy, where I find all my amazing designers to help me with whatever I need. If you are looking to have business cards made, a logo, banner, etc, check out her site! It's no wonder her graphic designs caught my eye:)
Have a great evening,
Jeanette

Foredom products and gothic font sizes

2009-06-02T16:24:00.008-04:00

I finally took a little time lastnight and punched out some copper discs-penny size, and stamped a few letters of each size we carry in our shop.

Starting from the left, the smallest letters stamped into the penny-size copper is 1/16. The next size is 3/32, then 1/8 and now a new size, 3/8. I love this 3/8th size! A great size for initial pendants or charms. The only mistake I made was to order the 3/8 in alpha-numeric sets. I don't think numbers at 3/8 would be useful. So, I returned the 3/8 alphabet and number set and will be carrying just the alphabet sets. I hope to have them in stock by Friday-retailing at $95.00.

Fundametals is officially a Foredom distributor! We have listed a few products in our shop under our new category, Foredom Tools. Though if you are looking for anything Foredom and you don't see it in our shop-we can help you. Just let us know:)

Have a great evening and happy creating.
Jeanette

Do we have a winner for the Copper Washer Challenge?

2009-05-28T23:21:00.003-04:00

I thank everyone who participated in the 110 Copper Washer challenge! One of our judges is in Asia and I am still waiting to hear from one other. I hope to be able to announce a winner sometime next week.
Have a great evening.
Jeanette

Superior Alphabet Stamps

2009-05-25T10:57:00.004-04:00

If you have been looking or wanting a set of Superior alphabet stamps, we do have a few options here at fundametals that you may be interested in hearing about. Fundametals will be carrying the American Typewriter Font in upper and lower case in 3/32 character size. A perfect size, not too big, not too small. The features to our premium stamps are as follows:
* These stamps are made in the USA
* Comes with a clear plastic holding case for easy selction and convenient storage
* Hand-engraved letters
* Rounded Top End, a feature that prolongs the stamp integrity
* Stamp Face is beveled up to the character for marking with precision
* A groove on the front lower section of the stamp indicates correct orientation
* Shank size at 3 inches in length

These sets are available at $264 a set, (retailing else where over $350) either upper or lower case and we are also carrying a set of symbol stamps that include a comma, dash and ampersand.

In addition, we are also carrying limited edition alphabet stamps. By only offering 12 sets of a new font every few months, you now have the opportunity to purchase a unique font that isn't available to the masses. Currently, we are offering a font we refer to as Elegant Script Font. This set is available in 1/8 character size. Feel free to contact us if you wish to see a proof of this font or the American Typewriter font.

Fundametals also carries other grades of alphabet stamps. Depending upon your needs, we should be able to help you out!

Having fun with silverware...

2009-05-19T19:04:00.003-04:00

I am having so much fun taking old silverware and making jewelry. I recently purchased a book by Stephanie Lee called Semiprecious Salvage and it has inspired me to work with found objects. Mixed media jewelry is not an area I work in a lot, but I thought working with the silverware would be fun way to practice stamping, sawing and texturing metal. To work with silverware, it needs to be annealed first before you can shape it. I use the jumbo butane torch and annealing pan with pumice for the annealing process. This piece I made for my mother, a huge Bob Dyan fan, his lyrics stamped in the spoon.
So, if you have any old silverware hanging around the house, look at it with fresh eyes and imagine making pendants, necklaces, bracelets etc!
More tomorrow.
Jeanette

A little update is better than no update at all..

2009-05-12T11:46:00.002-04:00

I don't have a huge update regarding the American Typewriter font and Chinese Symbol Design stamps, but I thought I would post what I do know, because some news is better than no news.
The stamps are being heat treated today and shipped out tomorrow. The stamps I am referring to are the Chinese Symbol metal stamps and the test set of the American Typewriter font. I should have the Chinese Symbol stamps in my hands by Friday and I will ship them out on Monday. Ana should receive the American Typewriter font by Friday and will have something to show us by Tuesday the latest. She is aware that there are many of us anxious to hear from her! We will be sure to send out a newsletter with our findings and will also update the blog.

Thanks so much for your patience.
Jeanette

It's not too late to enter the Copper Washer Challenge!

2009-05-07T09:36:00.009-04:00

It's not too late to enter the copper washer challenge! Create a piece of jewelry with the 110 copper washer kit, photograph your piece, and then email your image to me! I will then have our four judges choose the winning piece by choosing the piece of jewelry based on creativity and craftsmanship. The winner will receive a fundametals.net gift certificate for $50.

The only rule to the contest is you must use copper washers from a 110 copper washer component kit. You can purchase from my site or from any other supplier. I am really interested in seeing all the cool jewelry that can be designed with these washers.

All entries must be submitted to me by May 20th, 2009. If you have any questions, please contact me at jeanetteblix@verizon.net and also use this email address to submit your entry. Best of Luck!

Jeanette

Back from Bead Fest Wire

2009-05-05T20:16:00.003-04:00

Yes, I was away for the weekend attending Bead Fest Wire. All my classes were excellent. Bodacious Bangles with Kim St.Jean was great, the bangle bracelet above was made from her class. I embellished my bracelet by coiling wire around the bangle and spiraling up the ends. It's made of 6 gauge copper wire. Copper this thick in gauge needs to be annealed before you can work with it. I am going to try and make one at home and see if the Jumbo Butane Torch is hot enough to anneal the 6 gauge wire. I will share my results!
Connie Fox's class was amazing. I have been playing around with cold connections for a short while and wanted to spend a full day with one of the experts and soak up all that I could learn from her. It was an amazing class.
And lastly, an intro Resin class with Tracy Stanley. That was a lot of fun.
What does this all mean? New products coming to Fundametals soon. If you enjoy working with cold connections and resin, I hope you will be happy with the new addition of products within the next few weeks.

What else...oh yes, the custom alphabet stamps and Chinese Symbol Design Stamps. The Chinese Symbol stamps will be in stock and ready to be shipped early next week. All pre-orders will be shipped immediately. Regarding the American Typewriter font, Ana, our tech support, will receive them early next week and start stamping away and will share with us her findings. We feel confident that these stamps will be the quality that we were promised, but we don't feel comfortable selling the stamps to our customers until we take them for a "test drive."

That's about it. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions! Have a great evening.
Jeanette

Custom alphabet stamps

2009-04-30T13:18:00.004-04:00

I've been receiving several emails inquiring about the American Typewriter font and Elegant Script. Everything is coming along very nicely. We should have a set in our hands next week and Ana will make a few sample stamped pieces for us to look at and then I will have her share her feedback. We feel very confident that the stamps will be wonderful. Again, these are hand-engraved stamps, tapered tips, very little empty space around the letters which is necessary for stamping jewelry.
As previously mentioned, we will be offering 10 sets of the Elegant Script font and then it will be discontinued. Since this is a limited set, I may have to ask that both the upper and lower case be purchased, not just one or the other.

With the American Typewriter Med Font, if you just wish for either upper or lower case, it's not a problem. I plan on offering the American Typewriter at 1/16 in upper case only. So, shoot me an email if you haven't already and let me know if you may be interested in this size.

I will be away from Friday afternoon to Sunday evening and unable to respond to emails.
Have a great weekend.
Jeanette

Free Shipping on Swanstrom Disc Cutters

2009-04-29T07:56:00.003-04:00

I'd have to say my favorite tool at the moment is my Swanstrom Disc Cutter. I am having so much fun with it and I can do so much with it. Besides punching out discs, I enjoy punching out washers (though, this takes practice), punching out smaller discs and making my own beadcaps (dome them with dapping tools)and toggles. For example, I took the copper daisy blank from my shop, punched a hole in the center and turned it into a toggle. If you have been eyeing the Swanstrom disc cutter for some time, I am offering free shipping until supplies last.

UPDATE: FREE SHIPPING OFFER HAS ENDED AS OF MAY 4, 2009.
Jeanette:)

Hooked On Wire Retreat 2009

2009-04-28T07:30:00.002-04:00

Wow, I really like the projects Hooked on Wire will be teaching this year. This is a 3 day retreat right outside of San Francisco. Each day you spend a full day with an instructor and work on a wire project designed by them. I love them all, especially Lisa Niven Kelly's bracelet pictured above. I love the combination of wire and metal. I attended this workshop a few years ago and had a great time. I recommend it highly. A great, great time.

Fundametals will be closed for a few days, from Friday to Sunday evening. Shouldn't slow down the process of shipping orders but I won't be able to respond to any emails.

Tool Time Monday one day late!

2009-04-20T09:20:00.003-04:00

Tool Time Monday will be actually making it's debut tomorrow, on Tuesday. I fell a little behind....though the following Tool Time Mondays will actually fall on Mondays.
I hope everyone had a great weekend....

Jeanette

Oh My Gosh!

2009-04-19T12:08:00.003-04:00

Look at these amazing earrings made by Cristine with mariecristine jewelry! These were made with the Chinese Character Symbols!! Another amazing pair of earrings that can be created with these awesome stamps, though just as much credit goes to the artist who created them!! Thanks so much for sharing, Cristine (and if you have not seen Heather Gill's earrings created with these stamps, scroll down)!

Washer Contest Submission

2009-04-18T20:44:00.003-04:00

Looks like I left out a major detail regarding the copper washer contest..where to submit your image! Please email it to me directly at jeanetteblix@verizon.net and I will then forward to the judges. I received the first entry today! It's so cool to see what can be created with these washers!

I will be receiving more Chinese Symbol stamps in a few weeks and in addition to the three symbols I have been carrying, Love, Good Fortune and Happiness, we are adding Peace and Family. The new price for the symbols will be $20 each. Reduced from $25 each.
As I mentioned, I only want to sell a certain number of each character and then it will be discontinued. I will be ordering between 15-25 more each of the love, happiness and good fortune and then I will be discontinuing these three symbols. However, I will be carrying more of the other two additions, peace and family. I may take pre-orders but I will wait until they actually go into production before doing so!

Until Tool Time Monday!

Argentium S-Clasps by Bill Fretz

2009-04-17T20:55:00.005-04:00

Bill Fretz has done it again! Just like his incredible hammers, he is now making beautifully handcrafted findings. Check out these beautiful S-Clasps made of Argentium Silver. Each clasp also includes a little latch which will prevent this beautiful finding from ever falling off the jewelry piece it is attached to.

I think Fundametals is the first to offer these beautiful clasps and they will be available from other suppliers very soon.

Today I had a lovely day. Jennifer Casady with Jewerly by Jennifer Casady and I just recently discovered we live 6 miles apart. How's that for a small world. You can imagine the majority of our conversations was about jewelry and tools etc. Fun fun. If you aren't familiar with Jennifer's jewelry, please visit her etsy shop here!

Have a great weekend!

Jeanette

Judges for Washer Contest

2009-04-16T18:27:00.003-04:00

I am excited to have these ladies as the judges for the Washer Contest.

Heather Gill with Cherry Creek
Ana Talukder Simpson with the pretty peacock
Melissa Muir with Melissa Muir Jewelry
Cristine Lund with MarieCristine

I have decided not to be a judge though I am looking forward to giving the winner their gift certificate!

To quickly review, deadline is May 20th. We are judging craftsmanship and creativity. Please submit image of your piece by deadline. Thanks so much! I look forward to seeing all the creations.
Jeanette

Contest! Create with Copper Washers!

2009-04-15T15:28:00.003-04:00

I love these copper washers that come in this kit, 110 Copper Washers components. I'd love to see what kind of jewelry creations others can come up with using these washers as the leading components in a piece of jewelry. Deadline to submit your piece is May 20th, 2009. Please feel free to mix metals, wire, whatever you wish. The winner will receive a $50 gift certificate to my shop.
Rules: The copper washers used in your piece piece must be the washers from the 110 washer components kit. You can purchase them from me or you can purchase from another supplier. If you have any questions, please ask! I can't wait to see what you gals and guys come up with!

Jeanette

It's Tool Time Monday-and why I love this tool!

2009-04-14T10:16:00.008-04:00

Every Monday, I am going to dedicate a thread to "Tool Time" and choose a tool in my shop and share with you why I think it's such a cool tool to have. Step by Step photos will be included to demonstrate how I use it and I will share with you "my" thoughts of why I love a particular and why I think it makes a great tool to own.

I am off to the workshop to pick out the first tool to have its first 15 minutes of fame.

Have a great day.
Jeanette

Possible New Alphabet Stamp Supplier!

2009-04-13T20:49:00.003-04:00

We are excited that we "may" have found a new stamp supplier to work with for future custom font orders. I was told their stamps are superior quality/hand-engraved. I am going to receive some sample stamps to play around with and then I am going to send them to Ana, our awesome stamping support tech and she will let us know if they really meet the quality we look for in superior alphabet stamps. We hope to provide the results next week!

Have a great evening.
Jeanette

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T15:13:00.004-04:00

Mema (grandma) is visiting for Easter and the kids are very excited. Me too! As mema kept the kids occupied with her company and games, I snuck downstairs to make a copper metal bracelet. I rarely get time to make jewelry these days and I become frustrated if I am away from my tools more than a few days. Anyway..

Ingredients to make this bracelet:
22 gauge copper sheet
1 copper flower metal stamping
16 gauge copper wire
14 gauge copper wire
Liver of sulfur
3m sandpaper
110 piece copper set

Tools:
Disc cutter
Dapping block and punches
hole-punch pliers
1 or 2 lb brass hammer
embossing hammer
Round Nose pliers
Chain Nose Pliers
Flat Nose or Bent Chain Noise Pliers
Flush Cutters

With my disc cutter, I stamped out 10 circular discs. If you don't own a disc cutter, you can purchase the circular discs, but you do need a dapping block to shape the discs into cup shapes. After I punched out the 10 stamps and sanded each side, I then textured each one on a anvil with a small embossing hammer. I then punched a hole on each side of the disc and then shaped each one in the dapping block. I attached all the components with a jump ring and used the small copper washer components (sanded)between each handmade copper beads.

For the clasp, I punched a hole in the center of the flower with my disc cutter and made a handmade clasp. This is just a brief description of my process but makes a great project for entry level metalworking. To give the bracelet an "old-world" look, I oxidized it with liver of sulfur. It's my first time making this bracelet, it's not perfect, but I love it and it's fun to wear and lies nicely on the wrist.

Gotta go!

Chinesedots by Heather Gill

2009-04-06T17:27:00.003-04:00

Aren't these just amazing! I think so. Heather Gill with CherryCreek.etsy.com purchased these Chinese Character Symbol stamps from my shop and shared with me these darling earrings she made with them. Heather creates beautiful jewelry pieces and I am thrilled to see these Chinese symbols added to her design collection. Thanks so much for sharing the photo, Heather.
If you are interested in placing an order for these stamps and other Chinese Symbols to be added to this unique collection, please be sure to visit the speciality design stamp page and click to be notified when the stamps are back in stock. They sell out pretty quickly and I am thinking of only selling a certain quantity and then discontinue the stamp. Once they are gone, they are gone!

I am thrilled to announce that another talented jewelry artisan, Ana Talukder Simpson, with The Pretty Peacock has joined our tech support team. She specializes in creating beautifully unique hand-stamped jewelry. If you have a moment, please visit her website... we are so lucky and excited to have her join fundametals.net..and she also tells me she loves working with PMC!
I have not added Ana's information to the the tech support page on the website as of yet, though this should be done within the next 24 hours.

Have a great evening,

Jeanette

Riveted Charms

2009-03-28T22:38:00.009-04:00

Now that the site has finally been launched, I am looking forward to spending some time in the studio making some wire and metal jewelry! If I am away from my tools and wire for more than a few days, I get cranky! I want to create...
A few weeks ago I made this riveted charm. I really like the charms that have the raised edges and I wanted to figure out how I could make my own without soldering. I thought about creating a charm using cold connections and came up with this riveted charm. I took a piece of sheet metal and used my Swanstrom Disc Cutter and punched out a circular disc and washer. I stamped my design (Chinese symbol for love) and then used my metal hole punch pliers and punched the holes and then riveted the two pieces together. I love it. I plan on making some more in the next few days...maybe some riveted brass charms. Make some riveted pendants, a charm bracelet....earrings......gotta go!

TOOL TIME TUESDAYS

2009-03-28T10:00:00.003-04:00

To be announced

New site launch!

2009-03-27T10:40:00.005-04:00

Yeah, my new site is launched! I am really happy to have a website that is user friendly for my customers and me. If you have a few moments, take a look around the shop. There are some new supplies and tools that have been added and more to come in the future. I will write again soon..