Monday, February 27, 2012

Blogging Isn't Always Easy!


I have not blogged in some time. This is something I am going to have to try to get into the habit of again. I have been working on some new designs. I am learning some new techniques. It is both fun and frustrating. I thought learning to solder would be easy. 

Over the next couple of weeks I will be revamping my Etsy shop: http://TangledMetal.etsy.com I will be taking new photos, changing the overall look of the shop, and adding a lot of new items. I hope you like the changes.

Anyhow, a short blog today because I need to finish up an order and get it shipped out. See you tomorrow, I hope...

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving from Tangled Metal


Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Black Friday Sale From Tangled Metal

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope all of you are going to have a safe T-day. I just wanted to spread the word about Tangled Metal's Black Friday Sale! Select items have huge discounts. The sale actually started yesterday and goes through Monday so there is still a little time. Be sure to check out some of my new items as well.

That is all for now. Have a great one!

Friday, October 28, 2011

Tangled Metal Is So busy!

I recently made a deal with a distributor for one of my best selling lines and their initial order was 200 items. I am about 3/4 of the way through the first part of the order which was 88 items. My hands are sore and I might be a tad bit grumpy because of that.

I would love to say that is the reason that I have not blogged lately but it would not be entirely true. The main reason is just me being lazy and slacking. I have six different blogs that should be maintained but lately I am finding it difficult to keep up with one.

Anyhow, I am working full time on my art and I love it but I have been making the same thing over and over for the last week and I can hardly wait until this order is done so I can move on to something different. I am going to try and blog more often so stay tuned.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Coffee Thoughts On Chainmail

Before coffee every morning I think some pretty random thoughts. My mind has yet to focus on little more than the process of putting the coffee maker on and yet I come up with some pretty spiffy ideas.

Today while setting up the coffee maker I was thinking about a device I am making to cut rings more efficiently. Currently I use a jewelers saw.
It is like a coping saw, only with a much smaller blade. I can buy a machine that will cut my rings for about $500. It uses a circular saw blade connected to a motor to cut rings very fast. Of course, I don't have $5 extra in my pocket today, let alone $500.

I have been building a prototype machine in my head. I have gone through several designs and many failures without ever having to build the machine. I am very lucky in that way. I can do much of the trial and error in my mind without having to build it.

All the basic pieces for the machine are pretty simple and I have been picking them up here and there for a couple of weeks. So far my entire investment is about $25 or $30. I have almost everything I need to build my first working prototype. The most expensive piece is the blade. The blades cost anywhere from $8 to $15 each. The problem is most places have a $50 minimum order.

All and all I figure I will have less than $50 in the machine when I am done building it. It will save me a ton of time when cutting the rings I use to make chainmail. Today, while setting up the coffee pot, I figured out how to build my splash guard for the blade coolant system. Interesting how your mind can work when you have not completely woken up.