Fused Chain at Bead It!

Last week, I took a class on how to fuse silver at Bead It! in Kailua.  First of all, I need to rave about how much I love the local businesses and shops in Kailua. There are some really great small businesses and some real hidden gems.  But Bead It! is my favorite of all, and I try to limit the number of trips there since I would absolutely be homeless and divorced if I bought all the things I wanted from that store.

Once or twice a year, I treat myself to a class at Bead It! and if you are local on Oahu and want to learn how to use your tools and materials correctly, I highly recommend investing in their classes.  Really.  These ladies know what they're doing and are able to explain the science and common sense behind what you are doing and why.  You also learn things like safety, materials, set up/clean up, and how to identify the difference between good work and bad work.  In the end, your money is well spent because you will waste less materials and learn to take better care of your tools.  NOT TO MENTION THE SAFETY ASPECT. 

So anyway, here is the product of my labor.  The first couple of links I fused were not so great and ended up in the scrap pile.  As I went on, I got faster, and the quality of my work also improved.

In case you were wondering, I bought a butane torch the following day and am still able to retain the information given (and to create fused links on my own).  However, as part of your class fees, a very in-depth handout is also provided as a memory refresher. 

I had a lot of fun and am now experimenting with different designs.  By the way, if you see "beachy bangles" on Etsy consisting of fused silver with either a shell or beach glass on it, those are probably copycats of a very popular class taught at Bead It!  (Don't get me wrong, they're still beautiful, unique, and require skill/art.)

Also, just so you know, I do not work for or derive any income from Bead It!  I don't know the owners or any of the employees except as a customer and student.  This is my own personal, unsolicited opinion.  So there you have it.
 
Please visit our Etsy store for all kinds of upcycled accessories and jewelry, handcrafted in Hawaii!