In flux

I now have a better understanding of the terms “flux”.  In silversmithing, flux is an agent - usually liquid - that is applied to a join before it is soldered.  Flux is pretty cool- it dissolves oxides on the surface of the metals (keeps it clean), and helps the solder to flow.

So if one was to be in a state of flux – it would be in a state of flow, or change, which yields positive results.  What a great description for my creative quest.

This week I worked with “reticulation” on silver.  Sorry for yet another definition, but stay with me.  Reticulation is when base metal silver is heated to the point where it becomes molten, and is then cooled.  As you repeat this many times, the silver gains a unique texture of ridges and valleys. 

Taking the metal to the molten state was totally amazing, and almost thrilling.  The trick is to make it very hot without actually melting the silver.  The results are unpredictable, so you sort of get what you get.  That in itself is kind of freeing.

Silver sheet before reticulation

Completed earrings made with reticulated silver, and tube set gems which, although you would think
the gems would be simply glued on - no.  They're actually bezel set just like larger stones. 

Matching pendant.  Notice the edges which have been slightly melted
for a free-form look

My next project will be a multi-link hammered bracelet.  Before work begins on metal, it is first annealled (heated up to soften it) so that it is easier to work with. Then, in the process of being worked on, the metal hardens.  

(Could there by an analogy to life?  If we’re soft, we gain strength by being worked or tested?  Hmmmm)

Starting with sterling silver wire, it is formed into circles, soldered then reshaped.
The round and square links will be hammered with a texture then joined together
with jump rings to form a bracelet (at some point in time!).

This will be my last silversmithing experience until the end of summer.  It’s just too pleasant outside to be indoors.

Now I’ll turn my attention to the garden … and the quest to design aesthetically pleasing planters.  

In the past this has been a bit challenging for me, and stressful too since I have a very creative gardening-goddess neighbour.  I'm going to try a different approach this year.  I'll either plan a lot, or not at all.  Should be interesting.  Stay tuned.

Down to Work (or Deb Learns to Play With Fire)

Enough rambling – time to get to work and actually make something.  

I’ve taken a few silversmith classes by now, but I have to say that the first few were sort of disheartening.  There were 8 of us in the introductory class – various ages – and I was excited to learn technique.  Learn how to do it first, I thought, and then let the creative juices flow.

Fair enough.  However, 6 of the (younger) students started right off with lovely creative pieces … and the other student and I felt like we were, well, not so creative.  

We left the first few classes with works that, had we been younger, we would have taken home to our mothers for them to display on a window ledge or tape to the fridge.

However, I’ve persevered, and have completed a few pieces that I’m actually relatively proud of … and might even wear. 

Basic bezel setting with cabochon stone pendant & custom designed bail

The first set of classes was through the City Arts Centre, and I learned a lot of hands-on fundamentals.  I’m surprised that I actually enjoy the work.  

Usually the activities I like are “big and quick”, and silversmithing is definitely not that.  It’s finicky and time-consuming.  However, it’s very satisfying to work with a metal and take it from its base form to something entirely different.  

Silver textured band with bezel setting around this
 cabochon stone (which I believe is petrified dinosaur bone)

I now have a tool box with saws, files of various sizes (I even know what a “bastard file” is), and, surprise surprise, I have overcome my fear of the gas torch.  

This is a huge accomplishment considering that when we modified our BBQ from propane to gas, I was so stressed out I had to leave the house and wait down the street in the park until the work was completed.  

I was freaked out that our house would blow up.

I’m much better now.  At the very least, in this respect, I have grown.

Balling the tip of silver wire.
This will become an earring hook.

Muddy Waters

What does it mean to be creative?  That’s a big question.  I think it’s a question that I need to consider, however, since it sort of forms the basis of my quest.  Good to know what it is you’re looking for.


As I determined the name of my blog, I did some googling and thesaurus-searching for “creative”, which actually just muddied the waters a bit.  Here’s one example of what I found:

“Everyone likes to think that he or she is creative, which is used to describe the active, exploratory minds possessed by artists, writers, and inventors (a creative approach to problem-solving). Today, however, creative has become an advertising buzzword (creative cooking, creative hair-styling) that simply means new or different.  Original is more specific and limited in scope. … Imaginative implies having an active and creative imagination, which often means that the person visualizes things quite differently … The practical side of imaginative is inventive; the inventive person figures out how to make things work …  where an inventive mind tends to come up with solutions to problems it has posed for itself, a resourceful mind deals successfully with externally imposed problems … Someone who is ingenious is both inventive and resourceful, with a dose of cleverness thrown in”.

                 - Mac OS X Dictionary App

Nice …

OK, so it’s important to chose the right word …  original, imaginative, inventive, resourceful, ingenious.  All that aside, I’m sticking with creative – an active, exploratory mind.  At the very core of our being, I think that’s what we have.  It’s just a matter of tapping into it – getting it to flow.  

The waters of creativity are definitely muddy – can’t really see where I’m going, or what’s around to help. It’s a bit of a messy journey but, at the same time, it’s kind of fun to get dirty.

- - - - - 

(Why the "Creative Bug”? Well, it feels like I’ve got a bit of a bug – an itch – to explore my creativity. Also, I happen to be a big fan of bugs. Black beetles, especially. Go figure.)

Picture of actual Black Beetle

pictionary version of black beetle