MISTAKES I'VE MADE as a beginner jewelry maker

Hi all! You've asked me what were the worst mistakes I've made when staring out with jewelry metalsmithing. Today I'll share some of them with you! In this video I will focus on the technical mistakes, but if you're interested in hearing about other ones, more connected with running small business, then let me know! I will happily make video part two! We all make mistakes. It's completely normal and, honestly, I think making mistakes is absolutely necessary to grow! So don't worry if you make mistakes. Don't think of this as a "failure", don't take it personally. Learn from it and move on ❤️
⭐️ Instagram / stardustmine.art
⭐️ Additional resources can be found on my Patreon page!
Find out more about becoming a Channel Patron and ways to support the production of the videos: / stardustmine
CHAPTERS:
0:00 Intro
0:47 Mistake with Dremel and chain
4:17 Failed planning
6:27 Losing money on cheap gemstones
9:45 Soldering mistakes and weak joints
11:30 Grabbing hot metal with bear hand
12:34 Don't lose an eye
13:56 Gettin g the gemstone stuck
15:25 Hitting myself with stuff
⭐️ GEMSTONES RESOURCES (PDF to download):
- LIST OF SELLERS: / list-of-gemstone-27415416
- EXTENDED LISTS OF SELLERS & suppliers:
/ extended-list-of-27415903
/ list-of-gemstone-30289794
- LIST of additional RESOURCES for further reading: / list-of-gemstone-27415416
⭐️ TUTORIALS - HOW TO MAKE:
UNISEX RING step by step tutorial: • HOW TO MAKE A RING - t...
BEZEL step by step tutorial: • SILVER BEZEL for caboc...
RING from start to finish: • How to make a ring - f...
LABRADORITE RING: • How to make a ring wit...
EASY STACKIG RINGS: • How to make EASY STACK...
AN EASY PENDANT: • HOW TO MAKE A PENDANT ...
STUD EARRINGS: • How to make Alpaca ste...
STEAMPUNK RING: • STEAMPUNK ring - turni...
GOLD FILLED STUDS: • How to make GOLD FILLE...
⭐️ ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Metal starter pack: • BASIC METAL for silver...
Most Basic Tools: • MOST BASIC SILVERSMITH...
Books to learn silversmithing: • Silversmithing BOOKS &...
DIY workbench: • Easy DIY JEWELER'S BEN...
How to fill a butane torch: • Learn silversmithing: ...
Soldering surfaces: • My SOLDERING SURFACES ...
Rotary tool and flex shaft attachments: • Pendant motor ATTACHME...
⭐️ LET’S CONNECT!
My website: stardustmine.art/
Instagram: / stardustmine.art
Facebook: / stardustminejewellery
Pinterest: / thestardustmine
#jewelrymaking #metalsmithing #craft #art

[@nohana2003]

My biggest mistake was selling my items too cheap; I'm a people pleaser and I have to be careful not selling items with just a very little profit (and not counting my working hours for example)...

[@stephencoster9532]

Hiya H&N, have you watched Megan Collin's video on pricing? It's perfect for those of us like you who suffer to do it right. Stay safe, Steve...

[@jwon5614]

Love your channel!!! I think my biggest mistake has been not making any jewelry since the pandemic began. I don't understand my logic because not only does it bring me great joy, it also calms me. I need to stop procrastinating. You are a great inspiration- love your necklace☺️btw!!!

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Thanks for sharing that 🙏❤ But I totally understand you, sometimes we can get into this slump and it can be hard to get out of it. I hope you'll feel more insipration soon and excitement to get back to crafting! 😀❤ Thank you so much for watching and I'm happy you like the necklace! It's a lovely Labradorite 😊

[@jenniferw1570]

So do I J Won, I've got a beautiful bench and tools but have procrastinated as well, her videos help.

[@kasiulekk23]

awesome, thanks for sharing these! Good to know what mistakes others made, it makes you feel less alone haha

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

So glad it was helpful! Thank you so much for watching and your sweet comment 🌺❤

[@juliajesus2162]

You are so gracious. I learn so much with you. Thank you so much sz

[@MyOwn2Wheels]

Thank you for your honesty and sharing your experiences to better OUR next experience. You are amazing.

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Thank you so much James! I appreciate it a lot 🙏❤️ Glad you enjoyed watching

[@timprobasco9882]

Thank you... Always so many pearls of wisdom.... You never disappoint. ooooollll... "Pearls of Wisdom" ... What a great name for a new Collection.. You can have it. Thanks for the great videos and mistakes advice

[@violette80]

You’re a breath a fresh air! Thank you my dear!

[@kathyhoffman5520]

Good points, some I’ve already done! Love your channel.

[@christinaloveday4411]

Thank you for your video, it is so helpful! It takes a humble person to make a video like this, thank you for being vulnerable so that we can learn together! Xo

[@candaceb.8978]

Thank you for generously sharing your knowledge. I really really appreciate it and it's helping me maintain my sanity during this pandemic. I love the focus that this requires.... takes my mind off the craziness of 2020. Here's to a happier 2021.

[@Denaesartisanjewelry]

I LOVE YOUR LABRADORITE PENDANT!! YOU ARE A TRUE TALENT! Amazing work! I JUST started in soldering so these tips are AMAZING!

[@tracijones6840]

Love your channel. I’m so glad that I found it. Thank you for the tips. I find myself rushing to finish sometimes and need to remember that I started doing this because I enjoy making the pieces. You have reminded me to just slow down and enjoy it again. Loved the floss tip. Very helpful.

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Yes, slowing down is super important and worth remembering! I feel the same way 😀 Thank you so much for watching, I'm really glad you've enjoyed it! 🌺❤

[@shelleythompson8816]

What a gorgeous pendant!!!

[@everydaysaschool-day7517]

Thank you for this super video! I think it is so easy to forget that everyone is a beginner at one point! I think this video will give people the courage to make mistakes because that's how we learn 😊

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

So true! I hope it can give people some encouragement 😍 Thank you so much for watching!

[@mizzify]

Omg fabulous! Makes me feel less as an idiot! First attempt at grinding opal needed a warning sign saying 'caution flying objects'. Best thing i ever learnt was to put my pendant motor handpiece in my bench vice. The next best thing i learnt was having two hands holding a metal object when polishing using said clamped handpiece could only compare to trying to hold lava. My 'thing ring' is my daughters favourite. Sawed a piece of 3mm silver into 4, made a fabulous setting and soldered it onto my daughters ring-forgot to saw the excess metal off the bottom so ended up with a super high setting. She now wears it on a necklace.....

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Right??? Usually the best and easies solutions are the hardest to think of! Hahaha :) I love these ideas you shared, I will try mounting the handpiece in the vice too, and with good finger covers haha! Thanks so much for your comment and for watching ❤️

[@mattroams3317]

"Experience is the teacher of all things" - Julius Caesar

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

perfect 💗💗💗

[@samuellaramsey5963]

The chain!!! Been there, but thankfully I was able to stop immediately with my foot pedal. I lmbo when you said how the chain was flying everywhere! Glad you weren't hurt! I'm a 70 year old great grandma and I have to say you are just adorable! Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us🥰

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Thank you so much Samuella, you are so sweet and kind! I appreciate it a lot 💕 I'm glad you enjoyed the video, and yes! Gosh the chain one is always the worst and scary! Glad you were able to stop it quickly, foot pedal is a great addition to the rotary tool in those cases

[@kathybradbury]

You mentioned I think the name of your pet? It would be fun to see him/ her! I love your wonderful down to earth manner, you are a joy to listen to-and I love your creativity! Thank you for sharing!

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

You are so kind, thank you so much! ❤️ And Jarek is actually my boyfriend's name hahaha 😂 Though he still might make an appearance in one of the future videos videos 😃

[@CriticizeCriticize]

Fear has been stopping me with my journey for two months! Thank you for posting videos like this & other beginner jeweler videos. I’m a miner, painter, & going to finally startup journey thanks to your encouragement!

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

that's wonderful to hear! Thank you, I'm very happy you feel this way :) Good luck creating, have fun!

[@nohana2003]

I discovered over time (and also did a lot of friend jewelry makers) it's VERY hard to make a full time living out of this; Only the happy few earn a full monthly wage with jewelry making, but most of us still have a job and make jewelry in their free time;

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

it takes time and that's ok. No one should feel bad about themselves if they combine this with another job. It took me few years to progress into full time jewellery making, but I'm also a content creator so it's not just jewellery that I do. I'm not sure if I would be able to do only jewellery making full time already if it wasn't for other things I do. 🌺❤

[@mariahvega7230]

Thank you for sharing I love your content! 🥰 I saw a tip on getting stones stuck in bezels without floss, you can put hot glue on the end of a dowel and pull the stone out! I thought that was helpful. Anyways thank you for your tips and tricks! 🥰

[@MyChannel948]

Thank you so much for sharing. I’m just starting my business and finding suppliers has been really difficult!

[@sajanmahesh2250]

Thanks for the tips which are given by you and those are also helpful to me and others Thank you

[@kh2904]

I love your labradorite pendant 😍

[@tanjabaron9112]

You are so lovly, light & happy! I love that! I've problems to start my jewelry business🥲. It's along Start😐 But i'm happy that i can do what i love.

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

ohhh it's so true! It is a long process unfortunately and not many short cuts - if any! But I hope it will go well and smooth for you, enjoy the process and don't rush, this is an important stage, worth your focus and time :)

[@tanjabaron9112]

I love your work and i learn from you! Thx🤗 for your sharing content. Wonderful and inspiring 💕

[@tanjabaron9112]

please do a tutorial about what to consider in terms of business development.

[@myjewellerygarden_8628]

Thanks for sharing your experiences & in such a lovely way - it is so helpful for me as a newbie to silversmithing and jewellery making :)

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

You are so welcome! Thank you so much for watching 😍

[@evib7244]

Thanks for sharing these!! Gosh, soldering is still a pain in the neck for me.. 🙄😅😅😅

[@1thank2you3]

Your vids are so informative and organized. I also LOVE your soothing voice so much I can listen to you all day! lovely videos love!

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Thank you so much! 🙏❤ That means a lot as my voice and accent have been one of those things that kept me from making videos earlier and made me quite self conscious. So I really appreciate your kind words! 🌺

[@stephencoster9532]

@@TheArtOfMetalsmithing you have a wonderful voice Basia, Steve...

[@farnazgbd3484]

Woooow. That part about silver bubble was really scary. I do not wear eyewear. I don't know why...but I guess I should start 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

oooh, girrrrlll!!! Please, go and get yourself glasses, like, right now! Please 😀 It only takes a second for you to lose or painfully damage your eye... Whether you're working with the rotary tool or soldering (or even sawing!), thing's can brake and fly towards you all of a sudden and land near your eyes. Protect yourself beautiful 🙏❤ I don't know where you're based, but there are inexpensive options available on Amazon, Rio Grande, Cooksongold or Cousins. Even at your local hardware shop 🌺❤

[@JayDub_143]

I truly just love your videos!! Your content is always teaching and inspiring!! Btw... That labradorite is just stunning!! Labradorite is my favorite stone of all time and wow that pendant is GORGEOUS!!! 💗

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Thank you so much for watching! 😀❤ Ahh, yes, this was a great and rare find, I love that necklace a lot 😊 Thank you!

[@JayDub_143]

@@TheArtOfMetalsmithing I sent you a very important message on IG!! Please check it as soon as you can. And really it is stunning!!! 😍

[@debbiejohnson4034]

Great video thank you, really helpful.

[@faby6451]

I had to cut a lock of hair once... Guess why? Yep, I guess you know why 🤣.... That's the way humans learn: making mistakes. Nice video!!! ❤️

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

ooops! Oh no, hahaha 😆 I'm so sorry! But you're right, that's how we learn and sometimes there's no other way 😊 Thank you so much for watching Faby! ❤️

[@allanthompson9695]

Very worth while tips. Thanks Basia.

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Thank you! I'm working on the second part of this video - this time I will also include some mistakes our fellow makers made and were happy to share with me :)

[@korneliajewelry]

This video was soooo nice to watch/listen to. A lot of these things are mistakes I made too, and burning my fingers after soldering (and even melting) silver is unfortunatly number 1 mistake. This plus hitting myself or sawing in my fingertips are reminders to me that I have to take a break because I am to tired 🙈 I might make a video like this too, this is such great advice, we can all learn from our own and eachothers’ mistakes!

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

oh yes, please do! I'd love to hear your experience and I'm sure you have many good stories from which we could all learn! Can't wait to listen to it 😍❤ And yes, hurting yourself is usually number 1, becasue it can really happen so easily, and especially when we lose the focus, even for one second. Got to be very careful!

[@stephencoster9532]

It's not just your eyes, a full face visor saved me a lot of pain and scarring. Stay safe, Steve...

[@Kalavati.C]

Wow some of the tips like safety gear would never come to mind but it makes sense 😄 🤣 thank you for sharing

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Right?? Such a simple thing, yet can be forgotten. Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching 😊

[@MsKris983]

Love your labradorite pendant and ring, so beautiful. And of course the content of video is gre8 as always. 😊

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Thank you! 😊 Really happy you think so, thank you for watching! :)

[@user-ed7qz7tt2p]

you're so nice and that necklace and that stone ring are gorgeous! I had a really bad day and learning a bit about jewlery making is very interesting. I'd love to learn, i bought some stones to make stone pendants with macrame though. Metalsmithing is too much i think if you don't want to sell items specifically. So many tools!

[@flyingcheff]

How about VLOG mistakes, what would/could you share about that creative venue, please?

[@anumy6382]

The relief I felt when watching this! I have made mistakes also but hearing others having done the same makes me feel a bit more at ease haha I was wondering if I could make a request? If so I would love to know more about the polishing process and the tools you use to get that perfect finish. Love your videos and can’t wait to see more!

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

I'm super glad you enjoyed this video! Exactly, we all start somewhere and make mistakes and that's ok 😊 You can consider this videos done! 😀 It's actually in the filming and making process, so I hope to have it ready for September 🌺

[@anumy6382]

Stardust Mine Jewellery Great! Can’t wait xx

[@stephencoster9532]

Hiya Lady Stardust, you've come clean, again. I really felt for you, the thought of loosing an eye or just scaring on your face... Or ripping your finger, or... We don't think of it as a dangerous job but as a gentle ocupation, but it has a lot of risk hidden away, you learn as you learn I guess. Nothing is totally risk free so learn the hazards as we learn the beauty. Talking of beauty, your pendant... very eye catching, a lovely piece of work Basia, as is normal for you! I'll keep saying it, you have an eye for a perfect gem. I've made too many mistakes to list, I've still got some scars 40 years later, but if you learn??? I only broke a few minor bones, so... Keep going Dear Lady & keep teaching us please, it's good to learn. You are looking very beautiful, keep on staying safe... Steve x...

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Thank you so much Steve!! As always, really appreciate your comment and sweet words! Thank you for watching 🌷❤

[@stephencoster9532]

@@TheArtOfMetalsmithing You are more than welcome to my words of praise Dear Lady, after all you have earned them! I love your channel & your work, both sides of the camera! I love that you hi-light the problems as well as the great side of producing art! You live in the real world & show us all sides of your travels. People coming in need to see that there could be a down side, in fact more than one, from not selling bad stones to physical harm! Thank you Lady Stardust for sharing with us & stay safe... Steve x...

[@stephencoster9532]

Hiya again, again... Kim shows a great way to get gems out of a cab if you didn't put floss in. Tupperware, yep put the piece in the box, seal the lid on and do the merrackers, her word, and somehow the gem doesn't stop when the fitting does and it's out. Did you know goldsmiths used to use human hair, about three long strands. Stay safe...Steve...

[@Mass-jab-death-2025]

I am sorry to hear that polishing chain went so wrong, I hope you have now got your motorcycle fixed again !

[@silversmithclasses]

Thank you for sharing!

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

My pleasure! Thank you for watching 🌺❤

[@claudiamarina8079]

Thanks for sharing!!!!❤️ And if possible, please, if you could do a video about polishing. What to use and the steps... the best compounds... if you use any product to avoid tarnish. It would be really appreciated! Looove your videos!!! Always!!! 💋

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

I'm working on these videos, texturing and finishing, I think I should have them ready for September-October 😀❤ Thank you so much for watching! :) 🙏

[@claudiamarina8079]

Stardust Mine Jewellery ❤️

[@Lucy4n89]

Amazing and very helpful video love

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Thank you so much! Really happy you've enjoyed watching xx

[@stephencoster9532]

Hiya again, While waiting for the adverts to run through before watching this the main ad was "Buy your gemstones online" the first video in the list below this was yours for, "Watch this before buying gemstones online." Perfect Dear Lady! Stay safe, Steve...

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

really?? My own video was in the ad?? Wow! I had no idea 😍 Thank you for letting me know :)

[@stephencoster9532]

@@TheArtOfMetalsmithing, sorry if I confused you, dear lady, the advert was about buying gemstones online. Then below that on the screen was a list of YT recommended videos, yours was the first of those. It was the perfect naming of your film that the algorithm chose to put your video top of the list. So you weren't in the video, you were just below. Worth watching though, many times. Stay safe, Steve xx...

[@teperikaetr]

Thank you for sharing. I just took a bezel setting in a ring class and I made the mistake of putting the stone in my bezel. The instructor had this wax stick that she used to remove the atone. The floss tip is also a good idea. In case I dont find this wax thingy.

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Oooh, the wax thingy is great! Sometimes the floss can slip out from underneat the stone in a bezel too, and then it's a disaster lol I need to get myself this wax too :) Thanks so much! ❤️

[@stephencoster9532]

Hiya, blue tac can work. Or bee's wax mixed with charcoal dust. Stay safe, Steve...

[@yana_kaechka_mandalas]

Thank you very much, it was very interesting)

[@AnaHeartbeat]

This reminds me of college horror stories. The technician tried polishing a chunky chain using a heavy duty polishing wheel. It got caught and dragged his hand into the machine but he let go in time, completely bent the pendant out of shape and broke the chain. Also that time a drill bit broke, flew across the room and into the wall beside a lecturers head.....and that time a ring burnt straight threw my apron but I moved in time to save my skin...yup, good times 🤣

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Good God, each one of these sound absolutely terrifying! I'm glad nothing more serious has happened, these were certainly close calls, wow... 😱 Not everyone realises this, but making jewellery is dangerous! 😄

[@monjier]

Bruh I nearly burned the floor because I dropped my ring after soldering. I'm happy that an hour earlier I got a fire extinguisher just in case something happened.

[@feychannel2254]

Un bon sujet merci

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Merci d'avoir regardé!

[@empressofmu2519]

You have a beautiful voice . I love your channel ❤ 💕

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

oh my, that's so sweet! Thank you lovely and thank you for watching! 💕

[@jenniferw1570]

Hi, glad I found your channel, after working for a high end jeweler for 10yrs I learned a lot but need some inspiration to get back into it on my own, so thank you. Labradorite is one of my favorite stones and I would love to find one like yours with the beautiful blue flash, could you recommend a good source for quality gemstones? thanks again!

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Thank you so much! :) Please check out my nimi series about gemstones! The description boxes under the videos have more info and links to lists: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGm8d2uqjMeiY6s

[@marianabarrios623]

Thank you for sharing 💞 love your channel . I am jus a beginner on silversmith and I was wondering if you can share wax carving tips 🕯

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Thank you for watching! I'm afraid I haven't done the wax carving yet, so won't be able to share much. But I will surely share what I can as soon as I start it myself!

[@marianabarrios623]

💞

[@katarina2438]

You are such a sweet person :D Thanks for sharing

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

My pleasure, I'm happy you enjoyed it! :)

[@-Atmos1]

Very good , I like your crystal pendant , did you make it ? Hope you are well .

[@CashelOConnolly]

Hi from Dublin Ireland. I know you get a lot of questions asked but I bought a very expensive 18k 1 carat diamond spinner ring from a reputable second hand pawn shop. Within 2 weeks one the circular flat plates that kept the middle ring (the diamond one) fell off. I took it back and the guy who mends their jewellery said it was a quirk of the ring. I told him I didn’t believe him and he said he’d tack it back on. He did but also tacked on the middle ring so it doesn’t spin anymore. Is this right? Should the bottom or top plate holing the spinner ring fall off? He’s also used silver solder which I didn’t think was suitable for gold. The ring cost 1300 euros. Is he lying to me? Thank you

[@mahyasabghi2061]

Girl i have done most of these🤣

[@Cien_Swiatla]

my worst moment, I guess, was when my face was in the path of the flames. I only lost my facial hairs, after a while it grew back.

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Oh no!! That must've been terrible ;// You gotta watch out ;)

[@sabafashiontv9528]

Your smile is eforless beautiful...Allah gives you beautiful eyes mashallah

[@realLWD]

I am really intrigued in that you seem to make a lot of stuff, jewellery, silver items...do you ever make stuff using gold?

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

I've made some gold jewellery before, but for now I only make silver (because of the metal prices). I'll get back to gold in the near future 😄

[@realLWD]

@@TheArtOfMetalsmithing What are the differences in working with gold that's different to working with silver? And do you have a preference of type of gold?

[@laina137]

How do you promote your jewelry?

[@signeericsson6772]

Hello im new to this and i am wondering what the difference between hard and soft solder is and when you need to have soft and when you need to have hard

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

the basic difference is the temperature in which it flows. Easy solder will require lower temperature than hard solder. It comes in handy when you're soldering multiple joints on one metal piece. You wouldn't want to melt previously soldered pieces, so that's why you will start with hard solder and move to easy one! Hope that helps 😊

[@signeericsson6772]

@@TheArtOfMetalsmithing thank you so much for the answer! Thats good to know :) great videos btw, they are really helpful

[@AndyDaviesByTheSea]

Hi, very entertaining. . . Just remember, . . 'The guy that never made a mistake never made anything!!'

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Yes!! That's so true!

[@enriquesorrentini]

Where is buy silver?

[@TheArtOfMetalsmithing]

Rio Grande, Cookson Gold etc :)

[@enriquesorrentini]

@@TheArtOfMetalsmithing thank you

[@stephencoster9532]

Hiya, google 'Bullion sales' for your country, if there are none then do it for a country you can buy from with ease. I hope this helps? Stay safe... Steve...

[@enriquesorrentini]

@@stephencoster9532 thank you

[@JonahVex]

If you need to polish a chain pin the chain down to a piece of wood.. finish one side then flip and pin again.. also if you cant turn your dremel off in an emergency yank the plug from the wall.

[@stephencoster9532]

Hiya, you didn't say what to polish with? Using a rotary power polishing tool will always be dangerous, even with pins, I've had pins/nails break/bend. Use a brass brush and dish soap, most experts recommend this way! Stay safe, Steve...