S1E02 The Silver Feather- Silversmithing Tutorial

[@Archtops]

Having been a silversmith since 1973, I can see how knowledgeable and skilled you are. Your bench and tools look like they’ve been used. I enjoy your tutorials very much. The flow/process is easy to watch and your kind voice is easy to listen to. I’m just returning to the bench after almost two decades being away and needed to brush up on all the things I’d forgotten. With the help of your excellent lessons I’m sure I’ll get there. Thank you! All the Best, Don

[@melaniekline4895]

Thanks for your note! Good luck. It'll all come right back.... first you'll do bad work and then it will change. The important thing is getting those tools in your hands and just starting. The rest will follow.

[@meowsaidthecat5338]

@@melaniekline4895I'm a bit in the same position as Don, and also starting again after two decades of doing something else. Somehow there was no room for this. I'm now making a mini workbench for the small mill I ordered. I did buy a small goldsmithing table a few years back. I will adjust your tutorial a little bit as I wanted to make a leaf, which is very similar to this,

[@allanconnor1013]

Beautiful result. I know solder follows the heat but never have I seen such a convincing demonstration. Thank you.

[@melaniekline4895]

Allan Thank you for taking the time to send me that awesome comment!

[@TheLalastein]

Thank you very much for this lesson. You are such an amazing teacher, very clear and easy to follow . ❤

[@melaniekline4895]

Thanks for writing and telling me you watched and enjoyed

[@zenjennmeditations823]

Thank you for being such an incredible teacher. Not to mention incredible talent. I am new at this and you are helping to inspire.

[@bilalahmedbhatti3097]

Best jewelry making tutorial on KZbin. Please continue making more. There r gem.

[@melaniekline4895]

Thanks! So glad you watched and enjoyed it

[@jodyconnolly8502]

You took the words right out of my mouth...Best tutorial on KZbin...Best teacher

[@melaniekline4895]

@@jodyconnolly8502 thanks for watching and for writing. Keep in touch!

[@customcraft1]

Melanie, this is the fourth time I have watched this video since you published it and Each and every time I watch it I am more in awe over your smithing abilities and your teaching skills. Thank you so much for sharing your talents with us.

[@melaniekline4895]

So are you using a pick to solder now?❤

[@lenastiward8657]

Absolutely the most beautiful feather I have ever seen! Love your calm way about you and your voice! Such an excellent teacher! I cannot wait to make a feather! Thank you so much for being so giving!❤

[@melaniekline4895]

Hey Lena! Thanks for letting me know that you watched this video! Glad that you think you learned something! Have fun!

[@jillsundberg7415]

I wish I could add a photo of the earrings I made after watching your demo. I really enjoyed the process. Thank you!

[@melaniekline4895]

Jill, Friend me on Facebook and post them there! I'd love to see them!

[@user-uq1io9cv4d]

Just used your solder tip today it worked perfectly. Thank you again.

[@melaniekline4895]

You're welcome. Thanks for letting me know!

[@margaretslater1354]

I love feathers and your tutorial has given me a lot of aha's. Thank you from Brisbane Oz

[@christinabeanqueen]

I have really enjoyed watching your videos. Thank you for sharing your skills and knowledge. ❤

[@lizhafer512]

Hey Melanie! I so enjoy all the many creations you have made for me over the years. How fun it is to see how you masterfully create your artwork. This is an excellent video that is well done and provides the detail needed to work through the process from start to finish. I highly recommend it for anyone who desires to learn the craft!

[@melaniekline4895]

Thank you so much! Great to hear from you. Thanks for watching.....love from all of us

[@AWGuess]

I have never followed anyone on KZbin before, but your tiny flower video was so wonderful, I wanted to be sure to know if you ever added another video! Truly the best "how-to" video I've seen. I am thrilled that you have made another!

[@sylvialonghurst8745]

Thank you so much, I have a better understanding of tools, I'm hoping to have a go when I have a shed and watching you so calmly making things has inspired me,

[@ceciliam7144]

I like so much the way you teach: your instructions are so clear and easy to follow, the project so nice! I am watching this series you've made and enjoying each one! Thanks for sharing your knowledge❤. It would be lovely to see you again on KZbin. 😊❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@rachellepowell6404]

GREAT solder flow explanation and demonstration. And urging the practice practice practice part. I have been hard on myself and now I am recommitted to just get to the bench and keep soldering. Thanks for your patience in sharing your great skill.

[@paulinebarnatt2564]

I really liked your tutorial style. You make everything so easy to understand and the finished feather is beautiful. A really great thing I learnt from this video is that solder flows to heat, which is not something I have come across anywhere else and this will be a great help to me in future soldering projects. I shall be looking for more of your videos because I loved this one.

[@melaniekline4895]

Thanks so much for taking the time to write. I'm glad you feel like you learned something you will use!

[@marthaerb9358]

Thank you Melanie! I will make some feathers!!!

[@melaniekline4895]

I'd love to see what you make! Friends me in Facebook and post photos. Glad you feel like you learned something new

[@christineharvey7167]

Beautiful piece Definitely taking oñ board your soldering tips thank you. Ps i hope you are well, hope to see more of your wonderful skills

[@eileensmiley4095]

Great teacher! I’ve been learning silver fabrication for several years. I have learned so much from this video! Thank you.

[@melaniekline4895]

Thanks for watching and writing! Hope you learned something new and useful.

[@Brandyp2010]

Love it 🍀 🌷 I wish I could take one of your Classes. You are an excellent Teacher. .. Thank you so much. .. I've learned a lot from your video.

[@76C3Stingray]

Good information Melanie, I had the basics but now you showed a few tricks to refine my work

[@melaniekline4895]

That's great news! Glad you found a new method or two. Thanks for letting me know.

[@laureetilton-weaver2258]

I learned more from this one video than I have learned from multiple tutorials - thank you so much for your very clear descriptions!

[@kristibbradshaw]

I love this you are so good and I find you easy to follow.

[@rebeccahb1268]

Excellent instructor. I look forward to every video, thank you for your time and commitment

[@melaniekline4895]

Thanks for watching!

[@user-uq1io9cv4d]

The solder tip is cool thank you.

[@amberjojola5007]

A lot of great instruction!! Thank you for sharing!

[@jmak4393]

This was great. Would love to see more from you 🙂

[@dawnsaffel2620]

Beautiful work thank you for sharing

[@sherribrumley1753]

Your videos are fabulous! They are easy to follow and don’t go to fast. Your are clear and easy to understand. Thank you so much for this!

[@melaniekline4895]

Sherri, Thanks so much for your encouragement! I'm just learning the video editing and production so at this point, I can make jewelry a whole lot faster than making a piece for KZbin. I appreciate that you watched and welcome suggestions for future techniques and topics. Melanie

[@nikitiliakos497]

Really helpful video!! Thank you for posting it.

[@melaniekline4895]

You're welcome!

[@lawrencefontenot6835]

You have a Beautiful Shop. I learned a Great deal of info. here. Thank You so much for making this tutorial. I'm excited to jump in and make some feathers.

[@melaniekline4895]

Thanks for watching and writing! Hope you learned something new and useful.

[@pameladudrow247]

Beautiful feather. Great video! I could listen and learn from you for hours! I’ve learned so my tips and techniques; you are a phenomenal instructor and I thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@alicerosa6766]

Love the techniques...you got a new subscriber! I love those feathers, they are beautiful 🤗.

[@melaniekline4895]

Thanks for writing, Alice! have fun making feathers.........

[@jierdastormcrow]

my local jeweller is closing down next year and I talked to her today about buying her tools so I could learn to make my designs since she won't be there to make them for me anymore, tutorials like this give me hope that I may learn to get good at this.

[@melaniekline4895]

You can do it! Glad you found my videos.

[@mariettagilway6637]

One of the BEST things I have seen in making feathers, SO, YES, I am going to "go make feathers". You are a great teacher, Thank You for the time you put in this for US.

[@melaniekline4895]

Thanks for writing!

[@annh3599]

Thanks Melanie!

[@melaniekline4895]

Thanks for watching and writing!

[@RosatheSilvermuse]

You are an excellent teacher. Thank you.

[@melaniekline4895]

Thanks for watching and for writing. Glad you feel that you've learned something new!

[@karie9890]

Melanie thanks for sharing your talent with us! Love this video!

[@melaniekline4895]

Thanks for writing and for watching!

[@ClaudiaEstradaHarmonyLavender]

What a fabulous video on making a silver feather! Thank you so much for sharing your valuable knowledge. 🙏

[@Shukarr]

THANK YOU THANK YOU 🙏

[@CannonCornelia]

Hey Melanie, Per your suggestion, I'm not going to solder with copper anymore. You are right. Sliver may be a bit more expensive but working with it is my goal. Thanks for all your help. I'm loving your series.

[@melaniekline4895]

It's so much nicer! Good for you‐ you'll love it!

[@larryrichards3668]

Best looking feather I've ever seen. Thank you.

[@melaniekline4895]

Thanks Larry, you going to make some?

[@larryrichards3668]

@@melaniekline4895 I will give it my best shot.

[@lizw2853]

Thank you!

[@karenlorenz1597]

I am always amazed watching your videos. Thank you for your business and generosity!

[@DouglasMosley759]

This is so great! Exactly what I needed right now. Thank you!

[@melaniekline4895]

So glad! Have fun making feathers!

[@beowoofthemoviestar]

I hope to try the pick soldering next week - thanks for the encouragement and visual guidance

[@DomartelloArteeamor]

Congratulations on the beautiful work. You have a lot of talent. Thanks for sharing. Greetings straight from Brazil.

[@melaniekline4895]

Thanks for writing and telling me you watched and enjoyed

[@DomartelloArteeamor]

@@melaniekline4895 Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I'm happy to receive your response. You are a wonderful human creature, you have the gift of creation. .

[@ruthdederich3622]

Mel, again thanks so very much. Wonderful tutorial!

[@kristibbradshaw]

Great tutorial. Thanks.

[@tahomyjo]

i just found you and you are an amazing teacher and i sure hope you come back

[@melaniekline4895]

Tammy, I plan to make more. I've been dealing with a vision problem and can't yet, but it's improving so I have hope. So glad you feel like you've learned something from me.

[@karenmartin3687]

Thanks for all of your hard work in sharing your gift. I've made feathers, but always textured with hammers, but LOVE the control of using the cutters to texture. I love that the double sided feathers don't actually add much work to achieve!! Thanks again. You have just inspired me to get out of my robe and into the studio today! LOL!

[@madeinkonada]

Just wow. You are an incredible silversmith and an even better teacher.

[@jeanmenden5105]

Thank You. Its a well done video with some new ideas for me.

[@melaniekline4895]

Thanks for writing, Jean. Glad you liked it!

[@jeanmenden5105]

@@melaniekline4895 I'd like to show you my version of your feather design but I don't know how to do that here.

[@melaniekline4895]

@@jeanmenden5105 I think you have to friend me on Facebook.

[@mary-annkieckhaben5026]

Super thank you for shering

[@fuelban]

Excellent video, so well explained.. thank you.. Thom in Scotland.

[@melaniekline4895]

Thanks Thom!

[@lupapera]

Thank you so much for your tutorial. I have just found your channel, and I hope you're still reading comments. I made a triple pendant and the star was a feather inspired by your art. Thank you very much again.

[@melaniekline4895]

Love to see a photo! Friend me on Facebook and post it!

[@kristi8484]

This is awesome !! Thank you so much for sharing !!

[@melaniekline4895]

Thanks for watching!

[@marenc9648]

Hello Melanie, I'm glad that I found your channel. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and all your helpful tips. I've learned a lot in your videos. Greetings from Germany Maren

[@melaniekline4895]

You are so welcome! many more to come (after gardening season!)

[@Evie_Raven]

This is such a well done tutorial. Thanks for sharing it. :)

[@finehomemadewine]

So pretty, so much mastery.

[@NewLife-qj9mx]

Very nice video Melanie, thank you for sharing ☺👍

[@melaniekline4895]

Thanks for watching and writing!

[@susansutherland9775]

WOW...gorgeous! You are an excellent teacher...thank you!!!

[@melaniekline4895]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching and for writing. Glad to hear you learned something new!

[@annettejamieson4489]

Brilliant tutorial. Thank you. How do you spell the name of the flux you used for the silver please?

[@melaniekline4895]

Hi, glad you watched! Hope you learned something new. The flux generic name is fluorine and is sold under various names. Easiest to find is My-T-Flux from Riogrande jewelry suppliers.

[@melaniekline4895]

Fluoron

[@annettejamieson4489]

Thank you 👍❤

[@jeremiahmcafee3816]

You are be the best brazer I've ever seen

[@mikaelsaaf6719]

Really fun to see a video with someone who works with Flouron, I do too, but no one has ever shown how explained how the flux changes with the heat. I was taught to clean the solder before cutting it, not necessary? I'm also placing the solder before heating up the flux, now I gotta try it your way! Excellent video on techniques, really!! 🔥🔨

[@melaniekline4895]

Thanks for writing! Glad you enjoyed it. If you are in the habit of cleaning your solder (by sanding it, I assume) then sure, but it is only necessary if your solder isn't flowing well. If your solder sits there as a glowing red ball instead of spreading, it's contaminated and needs cleaning.

[@larrymoremckenzie3029]

Your video brings back memories for me,Many years ago when i was starting out with jewelery,this type of feather was something i needed in hundreds as earrings or components in other designs. The one's i made were simpler and scribed by hand but very good practice,I give thanks for discovering the vibratory tumbler and steel shot!

[@melaniekline4895]

Thanks for watching and writing!

[@elsiehendricks8915]

Tank you for sharing..... I love feathers

[@melaniekline4895]

you're welcome , Elsie! Have fun making feathers.. . Love to see photos when you do

[@TheSassyone2]

Fabulous, as always. Thank you, Melanie

[@jorgeaugustocuro6362]

Buenas Noches Melanie ,eres una artista hermoso lo que haces te sale del Corazon .GRACIAS ,GRACIAS por tu conocimiento y tu tiempo y paciencia y excelente explicacion .cuidate mucho que Dios te bendiga ,mis respetos.chauuuuuuuu

[@veronicamartinez5625]

Beautiful!!! Well done!!! Thank you for your video :)

[@MrsLeguyader]

Thank you! Great video!

[@melaniekline4895]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching.

[@SharonDurginCamppbell]

Melanie I took classes with you on Cape Cod. So glad to find you. Still doing jewelry as a hobby but hoping to make a side business

[@carolellis894]

Great video! What gauge did you use for the feather?

[@melaniekline4895]

Hi Carol. I usually use 22g but 24g looks great, too.

[@dianazaalberg1993]

Thank you for this tutorial I will make some feathers 🥰💪

[@mariagloriagentilegmsjewer5565]

This is beautiful thank you ..I was about to give up onself..

[@jeffchandler3390]

Fantastic tutorial! You do a great job of getting in close so that what you are doing can be seen. I'm a former high school television/video production teacher and appreciate the excellent production and detailed explanation of what you're doing! I hope you continue to make videos like this because I'm interested in this as a hobby.

[@moghrid]

Awesome video. 😊 I was looking for something new to try, gonna give this a go! Cheers

[@melaniekline4895]

Great! Love to see a photo of what you make when you do!

[@moghrid]

@@melaniekline4895 I'll try to remember that! Are you on Instagram?

[@melaniekline4895]

@@moghrid no, I'm not.

[@catherinehughes3740]

Thank you so much for sharing yr video. I found it so useful ❤

[@melaniekline4895]

Thanks for watching and for writing. Glad you feel you've learned something new!

[@elisawithington5991]

Excellent video.🌷🙏 I’ve learn new skills from your video.💐 Elisa/Ca

[@melaniekline4895]

Wonderful! What did you learn?

[@zannee100]

What a great Video. I was so mesmerized by everything you showed. Great detail on everything. Looking forward to watching more of you videos Certainly an inspiration to all of us who love creating with silver and learning tip and tricks. Very informative and to the point. Can't wait to try this. It will be next on my list . Thanks so much !!!

[@melaniekline4895]

So glad it inspired you and taught you new options. Send me a photo of one of your feathers when you make them. Thanks for writing!

[@peteknight4281]

Thanks melanie, great tutorial, have just started playing with silverworking, followed your directions now have an amazing feather, wow👍

[@melaniekline4895]

I'd love to see it!

[@peteknight4281]

@@melaniekline4895 I'll find you on facebook

[@teberjewelry2955]

Amazing even your voice i enjoy thank you

[@melaniekline4895]

You're welcome....Thanks for writing!

[@jodyconnolly8502]

You are Awesome... I'm so glad I found you and your videos... Your a wonderful teacher... I really appreciate how you explain everything... I'll be watching all of your videos... Again Thank you for being you😇😀😁

[@melaniekline4895]

Great to hear from you. Thanks for writing! Keep in touch!

[@montgomery9140]

Thank you so much for your time and effort with this.

[@melaniekline4895]

You're welcome! Hope you enjoy making feathers!

[@janellehinchey950]

I love your videos, keep them coming please. Loved the feather one so much I had a go at it myself....(not sure how to add the photo of it)

[@melaniekline4895]

I'd love to see! Friend me on Facebook so you can post it there!

[@heathernichol378]

Thanks so much for this great tutorial! May I ask what type of torch you are using? Thanks again

[@CherylAnn2222]

wow!! great lesson with many tips for different applications!

[@andreak001]

I just started watching your videos and they are so good! I've learned so many little tricks from you- thank you so much!💓

[@melaniekline4895]

Thanks for letting me know, Andrea!

[@jasonbrown5263]

Your really cool 😎

[@tishsmiddy71]

Thank you ☺️ very cool 🤟❤️💋

[@Vgudorf]

OMG, I learned so much watching this vid! Where to place the solder, and how to use the torch to draw it along the length of the quill was a revelation. You only showed attaching the quill to the feather portion on one side, but I assume you repeat the steps on both sides. Once you flip the piece over to do the opposite side, are there any precautions you need to take to protect the work you just completed? Will the solder re-melt along the quill seam on the underside, and perhaps spread to other parts of the feather? Did you use hard solder for the entire operation? I gather that you probably did, but how do you control your heat to prevent unintended mishaps? These feathers are so gorgeous, I’m super keen on trying to make them as well. Thank you, Melanie, for this lesson. I’ve subscribed in the hope of seeing many more from you!

[@melaniekline4895]

You asked great questions! So, it's not my experience to have the solder bleed to areas where I don't want it after I've initially placed it successfully and it has run where it was supposed to go. If you encounter that problem when you practice, paint the area with yellow ocre or white out which will block solder flow, like an antiflux. I HAVE had mixed metals melt into each other while soldering if I overheated them and didn't pay close attention, though, so watch for that if you using brass, copper or even 14k with your sterling silver. Yes, I always use hard solder. I'll do a whole video about why sometime soon. Please send photos (or post here) of the pieces you make from my instructions! I'd love to see them and have a chance to watch your progress! Melanie

[@lelasart]

You are such a great teacher - thank you so much! I've just found your videos and have learned so much in watching - I will watch over and over again and take notes -- trying to set up my own studio soon and taking a silversmithing class at a community college now -- are you still doing videos? It looks like it's been a while from the time shown on the last one

[@melaniekline4895]

Hi, I hope so! Been dealing with vision issues (age related macular degeneration) so I've been scared to try to work at my bench. I guess I don't want to find out that I can't.......

[@lelasart]

@@melaniekline4895 hope you still can! I know the surgery is supposed to really help -- I may be there in a few years

[@CannonCornelia]

Hi Melanie~I can't wait for this weekend so I can spend a full 8 hours making feathers. 😊 Thank you for doing these videos. You are easy to follow and very encouraging. If you are taking suggestions. I have a terrible time using the jewelry saw. The blades break and/or explode into 3 or 4 pieces shortly after I start sawing. I have no idea what I'm doing wrong. A lesson on the ins and outs of using a jewelers saw would be greatly appreciated.

[@CannonCornelia]

and your shop... so very cool.

[@melaniekline4895]

Connie, that saw thing is really weird. Send me a photo of the saw and blades you are using. [e-mail]

[@CannonCornelia]

@@melaniekline4895 Photo emailed. Thank you for helping me with my saw trauma. 😊

[@melaniekline4895]

@@CannonCornelia How did you make out with new blade sizes?

[@cindyturner7240]

Awesome video. Thanks

[@melaniekline4895]

Thanks for watching, Cindy!

[@mrpibb97]

Did I miss something about what size gauge sheet you cut the strip from I heard you say the wire sizes. looks like fun thanks

[@melaniekline4895]

Hi, used 22g here in the video. Thicker won't ripple very well. Have fun! Send me a photo of your feather!

[@Shukarr]

Thank you so much for your videos. May I ask if you could some day make a video on working with heavy gauge silver sheet for making traditional Ketoh bracelets please? I was apprenticing with my Dad but he died and I never learned to make them. It was one of our upcoming projects together and I cannot find any information on making them anywhere. I am trying in my own but the sheet buckled and deformed on me when I’ve tried to solder the heavy gauge triangular wire on. Any advice would be so appreciated

[@melaniekline4895]

Do you know how to make a rivot?

[@scotty2x422]

Hey what torch are you using and gas that works best for you? Ty for posting

[@pattiklaus9580]

Im gonna go make fearhers!

[@melaniekline4895]

Yay!!! Post photos!

[@pattiklaus9580]

@@melaniekline4895 cant post a pic of my new feather!

[@melaniekline4895]

@@pattiklaus9580 friend me on facebook

[@kayneF1251]

Excellent

[@melaniekline4895]

Thanks for watching!

[@jamesshelleywijnhamer19]

Sorry if this was already answered. What gauge sheet do you use for the feather? How wide is the feather? Thank you so much you video is amazing

[@melaniekline4895]

Hi, thanks for watching and for writing! I like 22 or 24 gauge for feathers. 6-8 mm wide makes a nice one but you can go as wide as you like. Good luck and have fun!