Studio Vlog #5: Wax Carving Jewelry | Failed Launch | ASMR Jewelry Making

[@Stanley-xd1gf]

Good morning from Brazil. Drinking coffee in the mountains on a cold morning (6 degrees celsius) and getting your video notification. Nothing better to start the day.

[@MiteraMade]

Thank you Stanley! 🙏🏻☺️ it sounds beautiful where you are! It’s nice and rainy here in England today and about 13 degrees Celsius 😵‍💫. I hope you have a great day! Thank you for the support 🎉

[@lylepascoe7243]

As an artist it is very hard to separate yourself from things you create and not take it personally if no one likes your creations. Every artist has to learn to not take it as rejection or failure. In your situation I would suggest you do what fashion designers do. Create an expensive small range to use as show stoppers and things you are passionate about and then make a more accessible “cheaper” ready to wear range that is a simplified version of the expensive range. Thereby opening your market up to a bigger customer base. Your stuff is great. But like you know it may be too pricey for everyone or at least your current customers

[@MiteraMade]

This is really really great advice, thank you! 🙏🏻 I will definitely start coming up with some ideas for some more “everyday” affordable pieces along side my expensive ones. 😊🙏🏻

[@E11even_E11even]

You’re adorable!! You’re gonna do GREAT!! I can just feel it! ✨ ❤

[@MiteraMade]

Thank you so so much, that’s so sweet of you to say! 🙏🏻🥹💜

[@helenaadel2356]

Every piece you made is to die for. And yes the pieces are expensive but that adds more to their exclusivity. I have your work on my Wish-List and I wish to own one of your pieces one day.

[@MiteraMade]

Thank you so much for your support! 🥹💜

[@sheetsbj]

Don't get discouraged....You're an artist!...Your creations are awesome! .Don't worry that it didn't go well this round...I've been making jewellery for a few years (self taught like you) and failed so many times...Just keep moving on with your creativity! Find your niche and you'll make it happen!

[@MiteraMade]

Thank you for the encouragement! 🥲That means a lot 🙏🏼

[@jasonphillips5227]

Thank you for such generous sharing….!

[@MiteraMade]

You’re very welcome! I’m happy to help ☺️

[@BecomeGolden18]

I really enjoy your videos. You're very personal. And doing a great job.

[@MiteraMade]

Thank you so much! 🙏🏻☺️

[@marcanthonymartinez5772]

You have a beautiful eye for jewelry for teaching yourself love it

[@MiteraMade]

Thank you so much! That means a lot! 🥹💜

[@drsyn1699]

Thank you i think i might try the wax soon. Im not selling stuff yet just practicing lots in silver but your channel is really interesting to a newbie especially letting us know the behind scenes and logistics hehe! Your stuff is amazing ! I defo want to buy something when funds allow!😊

[@MiteraMade]

Thank you so much I’m so glad I can help! 🥹 I remember trying to find stuff about wax carving and someone who was going down the same path as me and I couldn’t really find it. There are a few tutorials out there but nothing super in depth, so I hope I can be that. 💜🙏🏻 I think the best way to start in wax would be to buy a tube or sheet of blue wax, some cheap carving tools and a ring mandrel blade and start playing. ☺️💜

[@thupergirl]

Just came across your page and Im so grateful. I am an electroformer and newbie silversmith and am looking to create more refined pieces. Im so happy to see your channel and appreciate all your info! ❤❤❤

[@MiteraMade]

Definitely had to google what electroforming was, it looks cool! 🫢🙈💜 I’m sure you can take a lot of your skills from that and apply it to silversmithing! I’m glad you’re here!💜 🙏🏻☺️

[@JustME-ft4di]

The purple is methylated spirits. It is what American call denatured alcohol but in the UK it has stuff added to make it so ppl don’t drink it.

[@victoriazellar2104]

Hi! I love this demo for the stone setting. How far into the wax should be drilled for prong wires?

[@pamelaschlitz1011]

amazing videos btw and keep going I also think your collection was gorgeous!

[@MiteraMade]

Thank you so much Pamela! 🥹

[@cruisinnc]

I just found your channel today and I'm binge watching! I've been metalsmithing and cutting stones for about two years and am constantly trying to add skills. I've done wax injecting into molds and casting and sand casting, but no actual wax creations by hand. I am going to try and recreate a custom ring I had made 35 years ago and subsequently lost. My question is....what is the 'tool' you used to create the shank on after you created the seat for the stone? It looks so convenient to work and size with. I looked at your link (and will look again now), but I didn't see that piece listed - unless I just looked right past it. Your work is beautiful and it's so interesting to see how other people create and work. Best of luck. I'll be watching.

[@MiteraMade]

Such a sweet comment, thank you for sharing all of that! 🥹💜 I’m glad I have someone here that has casted work before so if you see me making any mistakes you can point them out since I’m about to go down that road 🙈😂 I can’t wait to hear how it goes recreating old work! Thank you for all of your sweet compliments!! Something I love about jewelry making is how many avenues and methods there are to making jewelry. It’s fun to test them all out! ☺️💜 I couldn’t find it on Amazon but I just linked one similar and a little more affordable, BUT you can find the exact same one on Rio grandes website or cooks on gold depending on where you’re located ☺️. It’s nice to have to here and thanks again for the sweet words 🙏🏻☺️

[@_emory]

“I ran out of spirit for my spirit lamp” is some dragonball z legend of Zelda stuff 👌

[@MiteraMade]

😂

[@Mazkay85]

Yes!! Dragon Ball, same 😆😆

[@juliatord]

I feel you with the sale thing. I started making jewellery last year andni really love everything ive done, but the sales is so bad. But I can't be discourage. Its takes times to build something up. And I don't rely on it as an income, but it would be nice to sell more so I can make more.

[@funnygaming2672]

it because it not the same target audience. people that purchase copper and silver normally don't have the money for gold or more expensive jewelry. And even for copper most people buy it for health reason/religious reason. Silver is also for religious reason or because they cannot afford white gold or platinum. A really creative piece in gold would be extremely expensive for most people.

[@martywhite1822]

You use denatured alcohol in a alcohol lamp, from 1 wax carver to another.❤

[@MiteraMade]

Thank you so much! 🙏🏻☺️

[@viannecash3774]

Lovely product. I noticed on your website photographs there are none that show the inside or backs of your items. As well, are they stamped with the type of metal or your mark? Finally, maybe at least one really close-up of a stone's setting or some detail work? I am truly inspired by your work & and enthusiasm, so please know I am hoping to help. Looking forward to more beautiful creations.

[@sofiiii1]

Please can you do a video on stone setting in wax and how to take the stone out after?

[@MiteraMade]

I absolutely can show a bit more of that for you! ☺️💜 once I get my studio back up and running from this move, I will put it at the top of the list ☺️

[@MiteraMade]

I just noticed that I share a bit of this in studio vlog #7!! Take a look at it and let me know if you have any questions, I hope it helps! ☺️

[@sofiiii1]

@@MiteraMade thanks so much, I just had a look - really helpful! Would still love an in depth example as someone who's learning. There are so many wax carving videos on KZbin but for some reason not so many that shows the popping out method! Thank you 💜

[@JustME-ft4di]

Can I ask where you got your stuff cast in the UK? Thanks!

[@user-lx5gz2on2i]

will you be making the rafe pendant again?

[@MiteraMade]

Unfortunately I won’t 😭💜

[@MrDutchman100]

I am a jeweler I make jewelry don’t worry about if you don’t sell it somebody else will like it and love it sometimes it just takes a little time when you get lemons you make lemonade

[@MiteraMade]

Thank you for your positivity! 🥹💕

[@brassseajewelry5880]

Hi! What kind of stones i can cast already with wax?

[@crli4353]

Ill start with a tip so you can understand that my post is coming from the best possible place. Instead of using a lighter to smooth out your wax in the final step, use lighter fluid on a q-tip instead. It will smooth your wax and you won't have to worry about accidentally melting a prong or other feature. I can appreciate your drive to be jewelry maker, its a fantastic occupation to have. That said, if you want to start marketing higher price pieces, your level of experience and expertise must reflect it. From what I can see, you are still a beginner. Hell, I've been in the trade for 25 years and consider myself average. There is NOTHING wrong with this because its takes TIME to develop your skill set and by that I mean YEARS. Keep this one thing in mind. The better you get at working silver, the easier it will be to move to gold. Silver is by far a much more difficult metal to master. Yes, you have to produce and sell more pieces to increase your revenue, but it is FAR easier to sell sub $200 pieces than 1K pieces. I worked silver for years, cutting, filing shaping and soldering by hand before I EVER had something cast. I didnt have a flex shaft or any other power tool. This wasn't because I couldn't afford it, it was because that was part of my training. I learned to do it all the old way with hand tools first, before becoming modern and I can say I am a FAR batter jeweler because of it. No, im not some ancient senior, im in my 40's still and no im not saying your need to do the same as I did, but there IS value in the idea.

[@MiteraMade]

I really appreciate your comment and your advice! I don't think I will ever feel like I REALLY know what I am doing to that I am a pro lol I think so far my mindset has been "hey that worked!" 😂 I love the learning process and definitely am definitely not trying to rush it. Thank you again for your genuine comment! 💕

[@crli4353]

​@@MiteraMade Im so happy you were able to see the intent of my post. I have been very fortunate to have had access to information from jewelers far more talented than I over the years and they all had the same philosophy, SHARE the knowledge. If you ever have any questions, please feel free to reach out. I wish you the best in your future business .

[@NotFalling4it]

I just had a look at your work and NO WAY is it expensive for what it is. For example the Iron Maiden turquoise ring you have is cheap. Your gold stuff is extremely well priced.

[@MiteraMade]

Thank you so much for the boost of confidence! 🥲💜

[@DP-ki7rm]

Where do you send the waxed product to be cast ? Keep up the great work.

[@MiteraMade]

Thank you so much! I use Merrell Casting here in the UK but am on the lookout for a caster in the US. 🫶🏼

[@jeannettesalazar6442]

Adriana wold you please tell me where did you get the grey tool holder?

[@MiteraMade]

Of course! I got it from Foredom’s website when I got my pendant motor but I believe you can find it on Amazon too 😊

[@carolinestone8485]

At my studio we use just normal denatured alcohol for the flame. I’m pretty sure. But if u don’t have that then wear a face mask!!

[@pamelaschlitz1011]

How do you take the stone out of the wax form before you cast it without damaging the wax form?

[@MiteraMade]

Gently pry the wax away from the stone and push the stone out from the back 💜

[@mazedabegum503]

Very nice

[@BecomeGolden18]

Im a wax carver also.

[@cariiinen]

Nice

[@jenijeni-dt1ly]

Romania.ce frumos faci bijuteriile.

[@MiteraMade]

Thank you! 🥹💜

[@Marbehm7]

Well we learn from failure so yeihhh to any blows / hicups/ bumps in the row….😅❤

[@fredbenavides3463]

Find a niche with the jewelry

[@Marbehm7]

Hello beauty!! I love love love the pieces… I don’t think it has anything to do with all those valid point you made. Perhaps the element of surprise has something to do with the outcome of your sales. Also the targeted audience …? 😮 still trying to figure out myself what this means…

[@shawnstatzer95]

Search for your materials at a more affordable price.

[@FisherHunte-pf8zy]

You are honey 🍯 happy 🍯 honey 🍯 🌹🥀🌷⚘️ 💐💐💐

[@funnygaming2672]

I think the launch did not go well because your follower are jewelers and that the rest are probably poor gen z viewers. apparently gen z don't spend a lot of money on jewelry way less than the others gen! so, they are the wrong target for gold jewelry or anything that cost 100+.Your work is beautiful, but you have to make the decision to have either expensive are cheaper jewelry because it really not the same people buying.

[@MiteraMade]

I think there’s a lot of truth in what you’re saying! If most of my audience are other jewelers, they likely aren’t buying 💕 but, I try not to think too far into who I’m attracting or it may drive me nuts. I try to just put out what feels right and natural and hope that the right people will come. 🙏🏻💕

[@funnygaming2672]

@@MiteraMade i also went to your website and saw maybe why it did not sell ...the beautiful opal ring size is at 5.25 but the most popular size that women wear is 6 and 7. i think men it 9 and 10 for ring size that is popular. 5.25 is probably a pinky ring finger for most. so maybe it needs to be advertised has such or resized? i think anything that is not standard size is really niche and probably harder to sell unless it was custom made for a client. 🥰

[@Mazkay85]

Your growth will happen naturally, I have no doubt, your beautiful work and quirky personality will shine through! Moving will affect your sales too, unless you had overseas orders just as often as you did UK orders? I disagree with the original comment, to have either expensive or cheaper jewellery. You can absolutely do both as another has commented. Perhaps some stacking rings and small pendants and studs. There are a few artists that promote sales growth saying to cater for your 'audience' but in my opinion, the audience will find us/the artist, not immediately, but in time. I, like you am playing the long game, once my first collection is launched, I will keep making and creating and going to craft fairs. Have you thought about doing a giveaway? Asking people to share your jewellery on social media and commenting.