Sorcery in Tiffany Soft Soldering: OOAK Jewelry with Zette

In my enchanting workshop at Sacred Vandalism, nestled within the confines of my converted dining room lol, creativity dances through the air. Here, bathed in the soft glow of LED lights and serenaded by the gentle hum of tools, I, Zette, embark on another journey of one of a kind jewelry creations through the ancient art of Tiffany soft soldering.

It all traces back to the hallowed halls of Louis Comfort Tiffany's studio, where the mesmerizing interplay of molten solder and gleaming glass birthed a technique that transcends time. Drawing inspiration from the allure of stained glass windows and the trailblazing work of Tiffany soft solder artists like Eugenia at La Modernique, Tea & Art, Karen’s Intuitive Jewelry, and Laura Beth Love, who all ignited my passion and courage to embark on this artistic venture, I set forth to reclaim this age-old craft, infusing it with a modern twist from my neurodivergent mind.

In the heart of the design phase, I transform into a dream architect, immersing myself in a treasure trove of semi-precious stones, shells, and an eclectic array of bits and baubles – both raw and polished – alongside shards of broken glass and fragments of ceramic. Like a master puzzle solver, I meticulously assemble these repurposed elements, each carrying its own narrative, into this new story. With every stroke and placement, a mosaic of colors and textures comes to life, offering a thrilling visual feast that fuels my creativity.

I begin by cleaning each piece and delicately apply copper tape to the edges of each element, smoothing it with care. Then, with the flicker of the soldering iron, the enchantment unfolds – flux flows like liquid starlight, guiding molten solder to form bonds that seem to defy gravity itself. As the pieces intertwine, with each twist and turn, I infuse the design with whimsy and wonder whenever possible, adding delicate touches and wicked elements.

With the precision I refine each detail by hand, using tools like the Dremel or hand files to perfect the form of each piece. After applying a dark patina solution, I polish the surface, revealing that shimmer and gleam that was trapped underneath. With a final flourish, I get to adorn the piece with chains or beads, completing the journey from inspiration to creation.

As each piece emerges from my hands, it becomes more than just a one-of-a-kind crystal jewelry creation – it embodies a touch of magic. Crafting my own findings, clasps, and jump rings infuses each piece with my organic aesthetic, a labor of love that spans days to weeks as I work in batches. Every shimmer and sparkle ignites a new creation born from the depths of my imaginative, autistic mind.

This is Zette bidding farewell from my makeshift studio (or rather, the dining room table – LOL). Safe travels to my fellow adventurers. Love ya.