tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312145685876120575.post4652235146593335138..comments2024-03-27T18:20:35.784-04:00Comments on The Beading Gem: Book Review - Colorful Aluminum JewelryThe Beading Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10373750828368944711noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312145685876120575.post-86046225074884410822010-11-02T14:02:52.588-04:002010-11-02T14:02:52.588-04:00Great tip about the diamond dust files, T=MC2!Great tip about the diamond dust files, T=MC2!The Beading Gemhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10373750828368944711noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312145685876120575.post-29401651561262966292010-11-02T14:00:32.477-04:002010-11-02T14:00:32.477-04:00Wire wrapper, I use needle files which you can get...Wire wrapper, I use needle files which you can get from the hardware store. <br /><br />Maneki, we recycle aluminum here quite well. It was unfortunate that the Hungarian mine did not have a secondary containment wall which is required by many countries.<br /><br />I have bought plain aluminum sheets - they come in different gauges. I am sure there must be a source of anodized aluminum sheets but surely pop cans are much more convenient and "free"!The Beading Gemhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10373750828368944711noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312145685876120575.post-42473292518802420402010-11-02T13:28:23.559-04:002010-11-02T13:28:23.559-04:00Very interesting to read this review. I just spott...Very interesting to read this review. I just spotted this book yesterday and thought it looked fab. I love flowers of all sorts, especially when they are more realistic like these. The book's on my beady wishlist now.<br /><br />I've cut myself on thin sheet metal several times so I do hope anyone using this book is being careful. It happens so easy, with cut edges being much sharper than they look. Ouch!<br /><br />The only downside to the idea of "recycling" cans is that I'm a bit uncertain about using aluminum, I'd rather see it kept in the the recycling cycle, seeing how much energy it takes to produce new aluminum compared to recycling existing refined metal. As the demand is unlikely to diminish, new aluminum needs to be produced -- something that not only consumes energy, but can lead to accidents like the horrible one in Hungary. That said I do like aluminum a lot. Love my anodized aluminum scales for example. And I haven't any LCA reports that say aluminum would be "worse" than other metals.<br /><br />PS! I know it's possible to buy anodized sheet aluminum, but don't know if it's sold in the same thickness as the sheets used in cans. If it is, that could be an option to trying and find nice cans with the right colours. Or one could just buy "plain" sheet and then paint the metal. I'm thinking about getting copper sheet to make flowers from. Perhaps too thin to enamel, but it'd be fun if it was possible.<br /><br />(Sorry for the long, rambling comment... I'm too fond of writing, I fear. :p )Manekihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13362626785474144154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312145685876120575.post-47407141434325578762010-11-02T13:10:50.748-04:002010-11-02T13:10:50.748-04:00Hi Wirewrapper - I find that a simple nail file is...Hi Wirewrapper - I find that a simple nail file is perfect for dulling sharp metal edges. You can get tiny ones for getting into small spaces (like wrapped loops) and larger ones for larger bits of metal. I like the disposable kind, as it means I don't have to worry about breaking the good crystal file I use on my nails (!), but for really tough or thick metal the diamond dust files are brilliant, and they last forever.T=MC2https://www.blogger.com/profile/12983401316670315202noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312145685876120575.post-42218145394621403222010-11-02T11:19:28.274-04:002010-11-02T11:19:28.274-04:00How do you dull the edges of the aluminum?How do you dull the edges of the aluminum?Wirewrapperhttp://www.wirewrapper.etsy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312145685876120575.post-4722347325332539422010-11-02T08:48:57.654-04:002010-11-02T08:48:57.654-04:00According to the author, yes. Aluminum cans are qu...According to the author, yes. Aluminum cans are quite thin. She also said that her punches don't seem to dull either after 2 years. <br /><br />Just check your grocery aisle. There are different kinds. I dare say, people in different locations will have different types. <br /><br />The no name brands seem to have less writing if you prefer solid colors. But creative punching of even the patterned or boldly lettered parts will work.<br /><br />PearlThe Beading Gemhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10373750828368944711noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312145685876120575.post-81636657785352710052010-11-02T08:44:20.141-04:002010-11-02T08:44:20.141-04:00What a fabulous book. Please share any designs you...What a fabulous book. Please share any designs you try. If you find some colorful cans, please let us know the brand.<br /><br />I have a question - if you use scrapbooking punches will the edges be sharp?Willinoreply@blogger.com