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Sunday, January 6, 2008

An informal poll - what should my next free tutorial be?

My first two free jewelry making tutorials* were well received, and I think it's time to publish another. I'm torn between writing a basic soldering tutorial (for beginners on a budget, with minimal tools) or writing instructions to make these ornate beaded earrings:


So I thought, who better to help me decide where to focus my efforts than the people who actually use my tutorials? So tell me please, what's your vote? Leave a comment on this post and after a few days' worth of votes have accumulated, I'll start working on whichever one you guys choose.

And speaking of leaving comments, where the heck have you all been lately? I'm feeling unloved. My site is getting more hits than ever but hardly anyone is commenting. Shower me with attention please, I feel neglected.

* If you haven't already seen them, the two tutorials I've posted before are handmade earwires and rosette wire ring. Enjoy!

20 comments:

Sara said...

I vote for soldering! Let's get together soon for lunch or something :).
Sara

Robin Marie said...

I have no preference for tutorials, they both sound amazing! I came across some awesome pictures of rough labradorite that I thought a fellow addict might enjoy! http://jessa1155.deviantart.com/journal/16170962/#journal they're really colorful!

JudyM said...

I can't comment on your tutorials, as I don't make any jewelry, but I do think it's great that you share your talents and skills this way.
And, yes, I'm guilty of "lurking" as I've been reading since we got home, but just haven't taken the time to comment. I really do love your new rings; using an open or silver back for the rings really seems to make the stones stand out more. I especially like the lemon quartz shown in your Jan 3rd post. The scroll work on the silver is really pretty, too.
Love, Judy

Julia said...

My vote goes for soldering, and then a follow up tutorial on bezel setting ;)

felicakes said...

Oooo Handmade ear wires Please. I bought some from you and they are so beautiful.

Tamara said...

feli, I've actually already posted a tutorial for the earwires. :-) If you click the link above, you can get it for free!

Vegan Girl (Roni Seabury) said...

I hope I have been commenting enough. I love everything you do! That tutorial was very cool about the earwires. I don't make my own but now that I see how easy it is, perhaps I will. I would like to read your tutorial on soldering because I am not to familiar with it. Your blogs rock!

Roni (vegan girl)

Anonymous said...

Another vote for soldering! I love all the rings you have been making, especially the ones with polka dot bands!

Vegan Girl (Roni Seabury) said...

Okay, I know this is my second comment but I just happened to have 20 guage wire and I made my own ear wires just like you said and they came out perfect. Great idea. That will save some money rather than buying Sterling Silver french hooks and put a different look to an earring. Thanks for sharing!

BetteJo said...

I really just want to see how you're making your rings. What your metal working area looks like, etc. What does it take to do that kind of thing. I'm afraid I couldn't afford the tools - but I'd love to see it!

Lotta said...

Hi Tamara, a basic soldering tutorial would be much appreciated, I want to start soldering in 2008 :) I like your rosette wire ring tutorial, but I haven't gotten around to trying it yet. All the best, Lotta

Kirsten said...

msbellee would love to learn soldering.

Anonymous said...

The soldering one please!! I'm considering getting some cabs from you, but I'm probably putting the cart before the horse as my first metalsmithing class starts today and the cabs may sit until I get experience.
See ya around
~Sharon

Gemheaven said...

OHH I don't mind I just love your jewellery :D

Anonymous said...

Another vote for soldering! And then bezel setting! And then those earrings! What a nice thing to do for people!

Lotta said...

Hi again, I didn't see until now you've changed the blog's appearance - it looks good! /Lotta

LoveMeKnot Creations said...

hmmm... earrings maybe?
ahh i'm torn...

Manoa Road said...

I second the comment from julia below, soldering and then bezel setting. Your pieces are absolutely stunning!

Tamara said...

It looks like the winner is soldering. :-) I'll get to work on it and attempt to have something together in a few weeks. Stay tuned...

Fran Selinger said...

I'm branching off into earrings, so i would really like a tutorial on ear wires.