In the past couple of weeks two different people have asked me about the Japanese ring makers that are used to create seamless metal clay rings. I first heard about them on the
Yahoo! Metalclay forum when a group of members put together a large order. At the time these tools were only available in Japan. The difference in Japanese & American sizing numbers and the way the cylinders were meant to be used was so confusing that I just read along, not interested in joining in the fascination.
Now Rio Grande is carrying them with English instructions and even this great little video that I found on You Tube. Finally, after two years, my interest is peaked! I'm kind of considered the ring lady by some of my jewelry making friends and I've found a few ways to make ring shanks that I think work well to make strong durable rings. This little gadget seems too easy to me, too "crafty" to be used by a true artist. But that attitude seems like more of the same prejudice that metal clay enthusiasts are used to hearing from the traditional jewelry world about the alleged simplicity of making fine jewelry from clay. Hmphf! Guess I need to put aside my pre conceived ideas and give these little gem makers a try. Have any of you used them? What do you think?
