Ergane Studio

Well, I did it. I managed to make the spinner ring and it almost even fits – if the weather is dry and cool I can get it on the finger I want it. If not, it fits other fingers. It’s not exactly how I wanted it, but it’s pretty close and I learned a lot in the process, so I’m pretty pleased in the end. No more finger rings for a bit though. Class ends this week, so I don’t have access to a studio for a while. Besides, I need to get back to my other rings – the little ones. I’ve been sadly lax about my chainmailling for the past several weeks, and need to build the inventory up. And anyway, I’m out of fingers!

Undefeated

Last week I finished these little fellas off. Sterling and copper, two plain, one hammered, one stamped. Mostly an exercise in soldering and finish work, but I’m pleased with them.
My next project was to start on a spinner ring. But I measured wrong, so it’s too small for the finger I planned to wear it on. D’oh! So what to do? I’m going to finish it, but then do I sell it? Give it to a friend? Mount it as a shrine to ‘measure twice, cut once’? So frustrating, but that’s learning. I’d still rather mess up in the studio than spend a day in the office doing things perfectly. (Hah! my boss says.) This week, once I finish my mistake, I think I might try some fold forming. Just because. And I think I need a break from rings.

soldering practice

Ergane (er-gah-nee) is an epithet of the Greek Goddess Athene. It means “worker woman” and stems from her patronage of craftspersons

, artisans, and manual workers. She is also goddess of weaving and metalwork. As a woman who works (and works, and works), who weaves chainmaille and enjoys metal craft, when I came across the name Ergane, I felt it deep inside.

I am a wife, mother, daughter. I work two part-time jobs, and do a whole lotta stuff that no one pays me for. In the cracks between all of my other activities, I make jewelry. I started out beading, and then found myself hooked on chainmaille. I’m up to my elbows in shiny little rings, and I love them. To expand my horizons, I have been taking a class in metalworking, or as I call it – playing with metal and fire. Fun! I made this…

not bad for the attempt

Many thanks to my teacher, Karenna Maraj for the help and encouragement!