MeritMade Commentaries - Make a Ring Workshop

This Saturday will be our 5th Make a Ring workshop, and it feels like we are really starting to find our rhythm. It has been so much fun watching the creativity and skills of our students. Teaching was always part of the plan, but we had no idea it would we such a fulfilling experience.

stone selection

Each class begins with selecting a stone. There is a nice variety to pick from that includes jaspers, agates, turquoise and more in all different colors. The stone is a major part of the ring and this is the opportunity to really define what you want your ring to look like. Once the stones have been selected, we work with you to come up with a design that is both beautiful and functional. 

designing

The designs are then transferred to silver and the real fun starts. During the fabrication process you learn a variety of basic metalsmithing techniques: sawing, filling, forming, stamping, soldering etc. We are there every step of the way to help and guide. It may seem a bit daunting at first, but pretty quickly you realize that it is worth the effort. 

sawing demo

stamping

forming a band

Of course the best part is when it is all done and you leave with a ring YOU made that will last a life time. As if a super awesome ring wasn't enough, the icing on the cake is that you also leave with a greater understanding and appreciation for the craft of metalsmithing and creating jewelry.

soldering is fun, because you get to play with fire

We really can't get enough of these workshops. It is so fun for us to watch the rings come to life. Each ring is just as unique as the individuals that create them. We will definitely be doing more in the future. If you are interested in participating, click on over to our workshop page where you can find the most up to date information. We would love your feedback on future cities we should travel to and different skills/types of jewelry you want to learn. 

all the smiling faces

all photographs by Morgan Miller Photography

MeritMade Stones - Hematite

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Hematite is one of 2 stones we used in the upcoming Valentine's Mini Collection. Also spelled as Haematite, it is the mineral form of iron oxide (iron and oxygen) and is mined as the main source of iron. When it is turned to a powder, Hematite is a rusty red color. Through out history this red powder has been used on pottery, cave walls, and to pigment oil paints. Not strictly limited to planet earth, this amazing mineral also resides on MARS and is what gives Mars it's red color.

Martian Rocks: In 2004, NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity discovered that soil near its landing site contained millions of tiny spheres that researchers nicknamed "blueberries." Upon analysis they were determined to be composed of iron oxide, mostly in the form of hematite. Image by NASA.

Metaphysically speaking Hematite is a powerhouse. It is ENERGIZING, EMPOWERING, and GROUNDING.

It is used to bring mental organization and can help with original thinking, logical thinking, and mathematics. Basically any type of thinking which requires significant mental clarity, can benefit from the wearing of hematite.

Emotionally, hematite decreases negativity. Lowering negativity, helps balance the body/mind/spirit connection. It also is said to balance the meridians, boost self-esteem, and self-confidence.

Want some of this awesome material too? Click on over to the shop to pick out a piece. 

MeritMade Stories - Dane

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What is your MeritMade story? 
I requested a MeritMade engagement/wedding ring combo from Kelly solely from seeing one piece she did. I believe it was a necklace or something of the like. But I was sold. The detailed work that had been put into something as simple as the object was. I knew that if the attention to detail was so wonderful on it, that she would be even more flawless with something as special as my request. The hardest part was keeping it secret. But we prevailed without a slip up. Kelly and I initially made up a few drawings of what we thought would work well together. She was very careful to make sure I was a part of the entire process, which I really liked. Though she did all the hard work; I still felt like a jewelry designer and contributor without have ever doing so. Once we came up with the design and chose all of the materials, Kelly was great at keeping communication with me regarding the process and timeline. I feel like a custom piece is the way to go. It's the only piece in existence. And I am so very glad I made the decision to go with MeritMade. And so is my fiancè!

How does working with MeritMade compare to buying jewelry in the past?
I don't purchase a lot of jewelry. But even prior to meeting with Kelly, I had gone into a couple jewelry stores to ask some questions. And it felt stale. I didn't feel appreciated for what I wanted. And if I weren't interested in the extremely expensive items, they would quickly disengage from their assistance. But, Kelly really gets customer service. She is a treat others as you'd like to be treated kind of person. Plus she's extremely talented, so you know that the work she does for you will be unique and solely special for you.

If you could get another piece of MeritMade jewelry for free, what would you want?
Probably a pinky ring of sorts. something timeless and classic. Perhaps something that was focused around Kansas City. Perhaps the Royals. Perhaps the royals winning the World Series? Perhaps! (Please note this is foreshadowing written prior to the ROYALS WINNING THE WORLD SERIES!!!!)

What is the best movie quote ever, and what movie is it from?
"You tell 'em I'm coming! And Hell's coming with me!" - Kurt Russel as Wyatt Earp in Tombstone

Anything else you would like to add?
Word on the street that Kelly might be making me a Wedding Band. This is good news!

-Dane