SOLDERED RINGS &  BEZELS,  the DVD,
with Kate Richbourg
produced by Beaducation.com
Metalwork Series

I was completely thrilled that I was given the opportunity to review this DVD produced by Beaduction, the fabulous online teaching shop which offers all sorts of tools , materials and lessons, and now is offering some top teachers sharing their knowledge in DVD format.
I have loved Kate Richbourg's teaching style for years! Her style is calm yet fun, as she proceeds seemingly effortlessly from step to step, teaching how to do whatever it is you are planning on learning.

I have to say here that one of my first instruction videos which I ever bought was a video by Kate.  To be honest, without her, I probably never would have learned to wire wrap. EVER. Seeing as that is one of my specialities, I was really excited to review this particular DVD, SOLDERED RINGS & BEZELS, with Kate at its helm.

The ring which you will be making is the onyx ring pictured above, on the front of the DVD, however it is explained at the beginning that the manner in which you make this ring applies to any sort of flatback cabochon, whether it is dichroic glass, semi-precious stone, or something else you might choose. Another thing which you should know is that there are a number of free tutorials at the Beaducation site (which is also where you purchase this DVD and a number of other wonderful  and exciting ones) which you might want to check out as you go along your way through this learning experience. For example, if you didn't know how to stamp metal, you can check that out for free on Beaducation. You can also learn on the site, for free, how to antique with liver of sulphur, which you will need to know to really make the ring you are creating with this DVD's help "pop" with extra impact!

This 98 minute DVD is separated into sections, like a book. My husband walked in and wanted to watch it too. It is quite engrossing for anyone, and in my opinion, learning to solder is like learning to play the piano. You may choose later on to specialize in a different instrument, to continue with the piano simile, or you may choose to head off in a different jewelery making style, but this is basic stuff we should all know first! It is what makes us real jewelry artisans.Therefore, make it easy on yourself and choose this DVD to learn to solder. Kate will take you carefully and thoroughly through the steps you must know to learn to set a cabochon into a bezel ring (or a pendant if you prefer). When you are finished, you will know everything you need to know. If there is any confusion at all, you can go back, of course, to any part of the DVD. I doubt you will be confused at any point however.Kate Richbourg is just too good a teacher!

The DVD is separated into steps. Basically, they are:
Tools & Materials
Cutting the Bezel Wire
Soldering the Bezel
Shaping the Bezel
Attaching the Bezel to the Backplate
Fabricating the Band
Soldering the Band
and the Conclusion

You can go back and view separate sections if you need to, and you can order most of the materials you might require (including the DVD itself) right online at Beaducation.
Kate Richbourg is the Director of Education at Beaducation. She knows EVERYTHING you will need to know and even anticipates things you will want to do, which you shouldn't do, and tells you beforehand the correct time to do them.  Boy, did she have MY number a couple of times with her tips! You will see what I mean if you purchase this completely FIVE star DVD from Beaducation.
What's more, I guarantee you will have a ball with your new expertise at making soldered rings and bezels! From there, I expect it will intrigue you into wanting to investigate Beaducation further. Beaducation is absolutely one of the best sites of its kind online.
I heartily recommend this super-fun and illuminating DVD, SOLDERED RINGS & BEZELS,  with Kate
Richbourg.

Big News! If you would like to win this particular DVD,  or another of the wonderful new DVDs which Beaducation is offering--your choice on whichever one you want!-- all you have to do is "Like" their blog, which is here: http://blog.beaducation.com/
Please leave me a comment on this entry so that I know you have entered their Giveaway! This Giveaway ends on Thursday, next week!

--jean

Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.