I have a new toy, well maybe not so new, just never used this wonderful toy. Yes, I purchased a “Rotary Tumbler” sometime ago and never got around to learning to use the tumbler. Well, today I had some extra time, and decided I would finally open the box and see what tumbling jewelry was all about. A pound
of mixed stainless steel shot, a little water, and a squirt of dawn and I was off and running to see what tumbling would do for may copper jewelry.
I was amazed when I finished the first batch, just three copper bracelets, but what a difference the tumbling made. Everything is bright and shiny, with a special glow. So next I tumbled Naga Shell sterling silver earrings, again the tumbling made a beautiful shine.The next tumbling adventure was a Gold Parawire bracelet which included Lampwork beads, again a beautiful shine.I happened to have another similar bracelet,and could compare them side by side, amazing how beautifully the tumbled bracelet out shined it’s sister.
My next experiment was my “Springs & Loops” Necklace, this necklace features both Gold Parawire and Silver Parawire, wanted to see how the tumbling would effect two different color wires.Now I’ll experiment with tumbling my favorite copper necklace and some earrings. The necklace has a number of mixed gemstones, and the earrings have copper coils and bead dangles. Really made everything sparkle…
I love my new toy….
14 comments:
Very cool, Jill! Great pieces!
Hope things are going great for you!
Sounds like a great piece of equipment. I would have thought the lampwork beads would be in danger of breaking but obviously not as you had such success.
Hi Chezchani
I've picked up a few other tips about tumbling since I posted to my blog yesterday. I'll be trying other tumbling media in the future, which will give me more to blog about. Also might be getting a vibrating tumbler which was suggested and might be better for tumbling chains, and some other tips I'd like to try.
I love my rotary tumbler too, especially having gone through polishing buffs with nasty compounds. I will dream about getting a vibratory tumbler some day soon. Yes, they are better for chains.
Hi Theresa
Tumbling my Egyptian necklace today, can't wait to see the shine. Sure wish I had that vibrating tumbler...
Jill, I was EXACTLY the same as you....I had my new tumbler for almost 3 months before I used it the first time. But once you try it, that hand polishing stuff is OVER. I love it for my pendants -I haven't made chain but I hope to work on that next month and I'll bet it will be wonderful! Teri
http://www.sandtcreations.com
OOOH, a tumbler. what fun! i want i want!
Jamie
Creations by JAE
http://creationsbyjae.blogspot.com
Jamie
Just finished experimenting with different tumbling mediums. Now I need to get some photos taken and posted to my blog.
i love your blog it is so inspirational
jackie
I have a rotary tumbler too - theyre just the best :) Everything will be lovely and shiny!!! Enjoy :)
Now I want to try a tumbler too! These pieces are lovely.
Betty
Thank you! I simply love the tumbler.. Last night I took a watch apart, and tumbled just the two wired pieces. Boy the watch went from dull, to a bright shine...
I just got my tumbler for Christmas and tried it out yesterday for the first time.
It hardened and polished the pieces just fine, but now my copper is dark and I can't get back that "new penny" color with my usual methods.
What am I doing wrong???
Dana
I clean my copper in lemon juice with a pinch of salt, before I tumble. I fill a glass jar with the mixture and let it soak. Doesn't talk to long at all. Save the mixture, it can be re-used. I rinse well. Then put into my tumbler, with water and a squirt of dawn (regular) and tumble. Hope this helps.
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