[Jewelry making - Article 00259] - Re: [Orchid] Melting silver?

[Karen Goeller]

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Lori,

    Not a stupid question at all.  There are a couple of answers to
    it.... 

    1.  Yes, you can melt them down, pour into an ingot mold, roll out
    and work into wire or sheet.  For best results, mix in some "fresh"
    casting grain to avoid any problem with brittleness. 

    2.  But first --  Sort them by size or shape and take a good look at
    them. Are there shapes that spark something for you?  Can you use
    them as part of fusings in a piece? As the base for another piece? 
    What would that odd shape look like if it were reticulated? Or
    partially melted?  This is an exercise I use to try and get new ideas
    for abstract designs -- it can work well and lets your mind go down
    paths it might not otherwise follow.  And best of all, it's really no
    cost to you other than time -- you can experiment to your heart's
    content and if it doesn't work, go to step 1 and melt it down. 

    Have fun! Karen Goeller kgoeller AT nolimitations.com  

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