The next step here at Millstone Mercantile will be to offer classes where you can come in and make something.  Yesterday my sister and a group her friends volunteered to be my test subjects for the first class.  Everyone learned how to make enameled copper earrings,  overall the night was a success and I would like to thank everyone for helping me figure out how to best go about this.

Today a customer came into the store looking for something with a peace sign.  I didn't have what he was looking for so I offered to make something custom.  After a quick sketch and a tour of some other work in the store we decided what the piece should look like, and it's time to get to work.  Everything starts with some layout on the metal,

All the pieces are cut out by hand with a saw, and finished up with files.

Next its time to solder the pieces together, here you can see the solder chips placed on the base of the pendant.

Always wear you safety glasses.

I use silver solder because of the strong connection it will make between pieces, but that means much higher temperatures are required.  That's were my oxy/acetelyne torch comes in.  Here you can see that the metal is glowing red and the solder has flowed along the edges of the two pieces.

Now its time to clean up and finish the piece.  After soldering the piece goes into a light acid to remove fire scale and flux.  Next it's time to use a chemical patina to turn some areas darker, and then polish, polish, polish.

And finally the finished piece.  The bronze base has been left darker, and the brass peace sign has been polished to a nice shine that brings out the hamered texture.  Have an idea for a custom piece of jewelry?  Come in and say hi, and we can figure something out.  I like a challenge and I think you will find that my prices are more reasonable than you  might think.

They did a great job showing what is going on in the store, and making me sound like I know what I'm talking about.  Although hearing your recorded voice always seems wierd, especially if its coming out of the TV.

After some delays getting into the space,  the work finally starts.  I've been collecting and building various display pieces , and now I have to figure out the best way to show off all of the great products for sale.  Here we have prints and cards from Baltimore's Burdock and Bramble, and Incense, soap and other nice smelling things from California's Juniper ridge.

Spent some time fixing up this display case today.

Open a retail store? Why not!

We are expecting a trainload of great stuff any day now