Moving quickly along to solitaire prong setting, Blaine directed us through bur control, angle alignment, vector tightening and the finer details that separate the average goldsmiths from the great goldsmiths.  Tiny adjustments can make a world of difference.  It is in the details, but the details don't really take that long.  They can make a huge impact visually.

I received a package of my work back this weekend from a gallery that unfortunately closed it's doors.  So many things I missed or just glazed over.  Not that any of it was horrible, just not what I want to pass as ok anymore.  Oh the humanity!!!  Naw, now I can see the little things that can make a difference in the overall appearance.  Next week starts bead setting!!  I've never done it before.  This should be an interesting ride...Hang on!  It's gonna get bumpy!

Several years ago I heard of a school for jewelers called New Approach School for Jewelers.  I knew a few goldsmiths that had gone through some of the classes and had spoken highly of the school.  I had always dreamed of an opportunity to study in an intensive program really learning all the things I never was taught properly or was self taught half-assed. 

Well, the planets aligned in my favor or maybe I willed it to happen, either way, here I am in Middle Tennessee studying under Blaine Lewis at the New Approach School for Jewelers. 

Luckily, my little family was ready for a change, a new adventure.  We had lived in Oregon for 20 years and loved every minute of it.  (Well, most of every minute...)  We recently moved to Portland, Oregon in 2012 and found we were all having a hard time fitting in.  There were elements we loved but many we found not working for us.  After a little re-con trip in June to Nashville, we packed our bags and headed to Tennessee! 

2300 or so miles later, we landed and settled in to a town 25 minutes south of Nashville called Franklin.  After unpacking the neccesities and getting the kids started in their new school, my new jewelry adventure began! 

The program is 12 weeks long and intensive.  9+ hour days and a ton of material is covered daily.  Some people are starting having no experience at all, some with a little, and then there is me with 20+ years of mismash experience and learning that has led to bad habits and work that could be at a higher level than it currently is residing. 

I propose (insert attempt) to chronicle the program week by week sharing my thoughts, fears, and progress as I climb my way through the Graduate Bench Jewelers Program.  I hope you will take a peek over my shoulder and share my adventure at the bench. 

Edit:
A lack of internet for three and a half weeks, I am posting my first few posts this week to catch up.