Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Tucker08087

(621 posts)
Sun Feb 23, 2020, 12:22 PM Feb 2020

I have been making jewelry and accidentally got into other things...

I’ve learned how to drill holes in glass and ceramic (which is a long, difficult, tedious process), just as one example. I repurpose things that people are no longer using. I’ll take pictures of some of the things I’ve made (like bird baths out of old Italian dishes).
But now I’ve gotten into wind chimes. I’ve always loved the sounds. I have learned to cut pipes and drill holes in the metal and I use a variety of materials for the tops. Recently, I “rescues” a wicker chair that was waiting trash pickup, and took it apart and cut the pieces. These have been my tops lately. I’m going to attempt to show pics of 2 that were requests. One was for a NE Patriots fan and one was for an avid gardener who grows (among other things) milkweed for the migrating butterflies. Since it’s winter here still, it’s in her house, hanging on a grandfather clock, so it’s not as easy to see the details. My hands are gnarled from Lupus, so I can only do this on certain days, but I find it peaceful and fulfilling. Now I’m working on two others: One for a dragonfly lover, which is almost done, and one for a woman who trains therapy dogs (so it has stones with paw prints hanging from it).
I’m going to try to attach pictures as a comment. Hope it works! Any suggestions or feedback would be great. 🥰

9 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
I have been making jewelry and accidentally got into other things... (Original Post) Tucker08087 Feb 2020 OP
Ok, how do I attach pictures? Tucker08087 Feb 2020 #1
The picture has to already be on the internet. pamela Feb 2020 #4
Thank you! Tucker08087 Feb 2020 #8
If on your computer or phone, use Imgur or posit or Lickr apps sinkingfeeling Feb 2020 #5
I'd Very Much Like To See Pics Of Your Work..... global1 Feb 2020 #2
To drill holes in glass or ceramic... Tucker08087 Feb 2020 #6
To post pictures, Ohiogal Feb 2020 #3
I posted just above your post... Tucker08087 Feb 2020 #7
Thanks so much for joining this group! lunatica Feb 2020 #9

Tucker08087

(621 posts)
1. Ok, how do I attach pictures?
Sun Feb 23, 2020, 12:25 PM
Feb 2020

I’m so sorry! I thought I could just copy and paste, but it isn’t working. What am I doing wrong? Ugh!

pamela

(3,469 posts)
4. The picture has to already be on the internet.
Sun Feb 23, 2020, 12:47 PM
Feb 2020

Then you click on the properties and copy and paste. I keep a private page on Pinterest and upload pictures to that, then copy and paste here. There are probably easier ways but that works for me.

global1

(25,225 posts)
2. I'd Very Much Like To See Pics Of Your Work.....
Sun Feb 23, 2020, 12:29 PM
Feb 2020

I too like to repurpose things and I'm into making lamps from all sorts of materials.

I see where you said you learned how to drill holes in glass and ceramic. Any tips as to how to do that would be appreciated.























Tucker08087

(621 posts)
6. To drill holes in glass or ceramic...
Sun Feb 23, 2020, 07:01 PM
Feb 2020

You need a diamond tip bit. I thought it would be expensive (since it has a diamond 🙄 ) but it really wasn’t. You need to drill very slowly. If you push to get through, it will crack. The drill bit will get extremely hot, and so will the surface, so you need to keep ice and ice water handy. It’s best if you are drilling something with a curved surface (like a plate, for instance) to keep a piece of ice directly on the surface to allow the water to run over the area where you are working as the ice melts. Often, this just isn’t possible, so you will need to stop frequently to cool both the surface and the bit. Be careful! The surface can quickly become hot enough to burn you! Once the surface has a slight indent, it becomes easier to keep the drill in place, but it also tempts you to push a bit harder and try to reach the other side more quickly. This impatience, I find, is often the cause of a break. It really takes a great deal of time and patience, and the continual cooling is the key.

Ohiogal

(31,919 posts)
3. To post pictures,
Sun Feb 23, 2020, 12:35 PM
Feb 2020

You have to download them onto a host website. I use PostImages.com Just create an account, and follow the instructions for downloading images. It's free.

They will assign your image a link, then you can copy and paste that link here, and when your post appears, the photo will, too.

My husband has tried to drill holes into beach glass for me and did not have any luck, so I'd love to hear how you did it and I'd also love to see pics of your projects! I also like to make jewelry and things out of re-purposed or found items.

Tucker08087

(621 posts)
7. I posted just above your post...
Sun Feb 23, 2020, 07:03 PM
Feb 2020

....to explain how to drill holes. I LOVE sea glass! I’m going to work on getting my pictures online so I can transfer them.
I’m so happy to have found this subgroup!

lunatica

(53,410 posts)
9. Thanks so much for joining this group!
Mon Feb 24, 2020, 08:30 AM
Feb 2020

I can’t wait to see your work. It takes an artist to take other people’s throwaways and transform them into art. I love that!

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Crafts»I have been making jewelr...