Paddle chain tutorial, fusing sterling silver

This is a full-length tutorial on how to fabricate my paddle chain. We build on the fusing techniques shown in my barbell chain tutorial from three weeks ago.
Feel free to comment or ask questions and I will do my best to answer. 

[@KealyCorene]

I just found you on KZbin today and have binge watched every video! The small amount of time that you share with us is overflowing with needed tips, tricks, and troubleshooting that saves time, money and heartbreak. You are adorable!! I love your studio setup, too. You are a gem 💎. Thanks for sharing!

[@zirphie]

💯

[@ringgoldnic]

What a beautiful thing for you to say! I am so glad! And thank you!!

[@alicerosa6766]

Oh, mine... I loveeeee it, it is so cute! I am definitely going to make it. Thank you so much. It is very unique and stylish. Love all your designs ❤.

[@weirdlywiredjewelry]

Fusing non-flush cut metal?! 🤯 LOVE the chain, the clear instructions and your confident, concise execution. I hope you’re saving some of these wonderful lessons for your book, I very much look forward to receiving it.

[@ringgoldnic]

Yes, some of these are in my book but there's SO much in the book that won't be included here. Thank you!

[@redlantern3371]

Such a cool chain! Thank you for sharing the details of how to make it. Such a generous gift to others. And let me say that you are (hands down) one of my very favorite silversmiths. Looking forward to having your book!

[@ringgoldnic]

What a sweet comment, thank you!!

[@Nickscreativestuff]

Very nice Nicole, love your unique style of chain making. Your confident, concise and coherent voice overs make your videos a pleasure to watch … N

[@ringgoldnic]

Fabulous! Thank you so much for your feedback!

[@aumi.jewels]

Yes, I love the paddle chain❤❤❤, and yes, I will most definitely give you a shout out when I make one of your chains. I really do love this chain too. Big hugs 🤗, Michelle

[@PatriciaGomes-np7nt]

Wow, I don't know how you popped up on my screen, but, boy am I glad you did. This is absolutely amazing and beautiful! You're obviously a very talented lady and have worked hard to establish your art. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I will be watching many more of your reels.

[@ringgoldnic]

Thank you so much!

[@davidschmidt6216]

Thank you for your videos. I just found you also and I am so inspired to get back to the bench!!

[@ringgoldnic]

Excellent! Clear out those cobwebs. Feel free to share what you create!

[@Shukarr]

Your articulated work blows my mind. I have no idea how you made that hollow hummingbird for the life of me I can’t even guess how you did it. Your work is truly inspiring. You are the real deal.

[@ringgoldnic]

Thank you!

[@sherriewilson768]

Thank you! I’ve been following you on instagram, it’s great to be able to see you in action. I’ve made both chains today, and I definitely see the need to upgrade from my plumber’s torch 😂

[@ringgoldnic]

Awesome! Way to go! How did it work with your current set up?

[@christinabeanqueen]

Great tutorial! I can wait to try this! Thank you for sharing. ❤

[@ringgoldnic]

Great! I would love to hear how it goes.

[@delcopeland]

Beautiful! And very clear instructions again! 🥰

[@ringgoldnic]

Oh good! Thank you!

[@juliaholdcroft8134]

Thank you so much for your generosity in sharing your process. It seems to me you’ve revolutionised silversmithing. Hoping to be able to get on your course when you come to the Uk this year.

[@ringgoldnic]

Thank you! I hope I get to meet you there! Details should be coming out soon.

[@juliaholdcroft8134]

Great I can’t wait 🎉

[@lauramccaslin2876]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!! Keep 'em coming. Soooooooooooooo helpful!!!! ❤❤❤

[@ringgoldnic]

Yay! Thank you!

[@donnaedgley9466]

Love it! I soooo look forward to your videos! What size tip are you using on your smith torch?

[@ringgoldnic]

I use the #6 for 95% of my work. I move to the #7 for larger-scale pieces.

[@rochellebg]

Oooh, i like this! ❤️‍🔥 You explain your process here so clearly and concisely. Can't wait to get back to the bench to play! 👏 I preordered your book back in October & I am so looking forward to the release Nicole!

[@ringgoldnic]

Thank you!

[@ovidiuolaru2518]

Hi! All I can say is BEAUTIFUL, you are a great artist, compliments! ❤️👏

[@ringgoldnic]

Thank you!

[@MrsLeguyader]

WOW! Fusing is a necessary skill. This will be my next thing. Thank you for sharing!

[@ringgoldnic]

Excellent!

[@sburnett158]

Awesome. I must try this. Thank you so much for sharing. Excellent instructions.

[@ringgoldnic]

Thank YOU!

[@marian1576]

Really interesting chain! Thanks for the instructions.

[@ringgoldnic]

Awesome, thank you!

[@Shukarr]

That would be great. Yes I got the flashback arresstors. It is nonsensical my trepidation. I’ve used map gas and propane gas so I guess it’s just newbie nerves lol

[@garibuergin7442]

I do not have a little Smith which other torch can I use that might work?

[@amarilisdominguez6648]

❤

[@Shukarr]

Brilliant! Thank you! I dislike sawing jump rings

[@ringgoldnic]

haha! No doubt!

[@Shukarr]

I really admire how because you are self taught, you made your own rules and found that certain “ rules” actually need not be adhered to. I finally have a smith little torch. For some reason I have a bit of nerves about firing it up for some inexplicable reason. I guess a part of my brain wonders if I’ll blow up hahahaha

[@ringgoldnic]

I plan on adding (to my KZbin channel) a full walk-through on setting up and using the Little Smith, so that may help. You should be ok as long as you have flashback arrestors on your tanks.@@Shukarr

[@user-up1rw3zu6n]

Hi 😊 Love your work and your videos! I have a question.... Can you join multiple rings by fusing... like the chain with large links you introduce at 3:00, or are they soldered? Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Belle

[@ringgoldnic]

I fuse half of them, and then I use the other unfused half to join/solder the fused ones together. Does that make sense?

[@margocher99]

I love your work and style! I definitely have to try to do this. Also I have a question: why do you heat the chain before applying liver of sulfur? Thank you so much!

[@ringgoldnic]

You can either heat the LOS and dip your silver into it, or you can leave your LOS at room temperature and heat your piece. I do the latter because the LOS lasts up to a week rather than just one day.

[@margocher99]

Thank you!🙏

[@JenniferCohen-tv1oe]

I want to learn how to fuse! You use a small smith torch tip and you hold the heat so close to the silver? Is that to focus it? I “was taught” to keep the torch an inch or so away.

[@ringgoldnic]

Were you taught that technique with the Little Smith? I find that holding the Smith 1-2" away from my metal isn's nearly as effective.

[@noellek7156]

Hi Nicole, can you show us the clasp you use for this necklace?

[@ringgoldnic]

Do you mean show you how to make the clasp?

[@sadafmaneval9274]

Votre travail est magnifique. Je regarde avec admiration vos créations(animaux,fleurs et objets) depuis un moment maintenant. Est ce due le "sterling"silver est identique à "notre"argent 925? Merci Nicole pour ces merveilles.

[@ringgoldnic]

Oui! Sterling silver is .925.

[@jeanneatkin2757]

Hi Nicole, Just got your book and loving your videos, thanks for your generosity. Question - can I use soft sterling or fine silver? Is there a reason for half hard? I am used to fusing fine silver and wondering if there is a difference. Thank you~

[@ringgoldnic]

@@jeanneatkin2757 the fusing in my book requires sterling silver. And it’s important to separate out your sterling and fine silver scraps. You can build with sterling, but fine silver puddles.

[@ringgoldnic]

@@jeanneatkin2757 also, the type of sterling is not important, just that it’s .925

[@jeanneatkin2757]

@@ringgoldnic thank you!

[@chandra-gr8ft]

Fantastic tutorial, Nicole! I'm looking forward to your book. I have a question about fusing sterling silver. Every time I try this, my silver becomes pitted and brittle and is ruined. I'm not sure why this happens. Any thoughts? I'm using a propane Orca torch. Thanks for any advice.

[@ringgoldnic]

Generally that means you've got your torch too hot and you're holding it too far from the silver.

[@chandra-gr8ft]

Ok, thanks Nicole. I'll keep trying!

[@ringgoldnic]

let me know how it goes. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have more questions.@@chandra-gr8ft

[@littleflower.business]

Can you do this with a propane torch on a reduced flame?

[@ringgoldnic]

Good question. That might not be precise enough. Of course, I encourage you to try and let me know!