I did it?

Well, I learned a couple of things today while trying to recycle my silver scrap into sheet.

1. My mapp gas torch doesn't get hot enough to melt 2 ozt of silver and keep it hot enough to pour into an ingot.

2. I have some other options to use the ingot, but I'm not in the mood right now to figure it out. I'm thinking I could use the kiln, or bust out my oxy/propane set up to get the extra heating power.

3. I could have saved myself some $ since I ended up carving a rectangle into an old charcoal block to get the job done.





Before






After :-)

Except for the weird hole in one piece, I'm calling it a success!

Last but not least, I learned this is a very time consuming practice. Now that I know I can do it I will probably do it again when the scrap box gets full again!

My sinuses are killing me.  The weather here in NE Texas has been fairly warm for the middle of January.  My kids were outside all day long, all weekend long.  And today it is much colder.  And what with the fluctuating temperatures, my sinuses are screaming.  Screaming I tell you.  Accompanied by a wailing headache.  Okay, I may be exagerating a bit.  But just a bit.

I get these sinus issues several times a year, and I've managed to work out a pretty good combo of meds that will eventually control the pain.  But I still feel depressed and like my brain is only half working.  And tired. 

And all I want to do is play with metal.  I am literally never without an idea of something I want to make.  It is just finding the time to do it.  And today actually feeling well enough to do it!  I am trying to concentrate on working in sort of collections.  Like my last batch was all hand stamped.  I love to stamp, and I think I will go back to it again and again.  But I am ready to move on to something else.  The next collection...

Right now I am dreaming of enameled earings, and simple rings with beautiful stones.  But first!  First I am going to attempt to recycle my own silver scrap into sheet.  I got the last of the supplies I needed last week, and have been waiting for the girls to go back to school (four day weekend!!!) to see if I can do it. 

I'll keep you updated!