I need a Filing Fiend. Anyone who works in polymer clay has probably remarked at some time or other about how great it would be to have a “Sanding Slave”. Now that I have moved into metalwork, I have to say I’d rather have a “Filing Fiend”. I hate filing. I really really hate filing metal. The two pin frames I am currently working on are very irregular shapes and they require cutting out a pair of identical shapes for each pin. Now that I am at the filing stage I have to say that I am truly motivated to try to saw more accurately. I’m not too bad with a jeweler’s saw generally, but these shapes have a lot of bends. I also used a heavier gauge metal and the pieces were much more challenging to saw. I’ve said it before, metalworking is hard!
On the bright side, I have a new favorite tool: my ring clamp. That’s the funny looking wooden object balanced on the bench pin. It’s a very low tech contraption designed to hold pieces securely without marring the surface. It was the perfect thing to hold the not-so-matching pieces together while I filed them into more matching shapes.
So, obviously I have managed to spend some time in the studio the last few days. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I’ll be able keep it up. I am really excited to see how these two pins develop. I’ve got to make and bake the polymer sections and then rivet everything together. The polymer clay portion is turning into the biggest challenge portion for me. I chug through the process of constructing the metal portion of a piece, and then I find I have to go through several iterations of the polymer portion. I wonder how many options I’ll have to go through with these pins. Any guesses?
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Debbie Goodrow 10.14.07 at 10:23 pm
Not a clue. But it sure would be interesting to know! I believe you mentioned earlier about how new clay artists will come to you admiring something you’ve made, then ask how to make it - in 3 simple steps and one try. *shrugging* I was guilty of the same in the beginning.
I’m kinda thinking even the simplest polymer clay work is rather like making pie crusts. The ingredients are simple, the way to do it is reasonably simple… but the length of experience you have had actually DOING it makes a big difference in the finished quality. *grin*
So… hoping you’ll tell us how long DOES it take, and how many steps WAS it, and how many rejects happened before your final, happy finished piece?
Libby 10.15.07 at 6:38 am
Actually I don’t think I was the one who said that, though I have heard it asked of teachers. Polymer clay can be so easy to get started in, I think some people assume it’s all easy.
And, Deb, I can’t make pie crust at all! I love your analogy though.
For the record, I have already scrapped one iteration in polymer clay for the larger of the two pins.
Kathi 10.15.07 at 9:53 am
I am going to take a wild guess of 5. Do I win something if I guess right? I can’t wait to see the new pretties.
Libby 10.15.07 at 10:48 am
LOL Sorry Kathi, no prizes this week. In addition to finishing these pins, I’ve got jewelry to make for a wedding we’re going to this weekend. You know the drill, new out fit needs new jewelry.
Trina 10.15.07 at 3:04 pm
I have the feeling not too many shoppers have any idea of the time and work that goes into “hand crafted” whether it be Polymer, metal, sewing, crochet, etc. And when that time is reflected in your price (as it should be) they think it is overpriced. Good thing we love what we do.
Kathi 10.15.07 at 6:37 pm
well, thats ok…I don’t really *need* a prize. Hey….I don’t mind filing. tell you what…you do my sanding and I will do your filing. Sounds like a fair trade to me