[Jewelry making - Article 01079] - Re: [Orchid] Fabricating Silver Chopsticks

[Megin Diamond]

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Randy,

    As part of my philosophy for the tableware pieces I make, they must
    be very user friendly. Although I consider my work art, it is also to
    be used, not just admired. 

    With that in mind, I want to make the chopsticks (of which I have
    made several pairs) light enough to be comfortable in the hands. 

    How I accomplish that is by starting with a hollow silver tube cut
    to the length of about 2" shorter than the finished product. I then
    cut a piece of heavy wire the length to finish the total desired
    length plus about 3/4". Then I grind the extra length so it fits
    nicely inside the tube and solder. This provides a light enough
    chopstick to use. Plus the eating end is heavier so the chopstick is
    always pointed in the proper direction. I then grind the eating end
    to a soft point (my particular favorite shape for eating this way). 

    The tubing is a great palate for whatever decoration I choose to
    create. I also make the eating end a matte finish, usually with
    scotch brite, so as the sticks get used, the part in the food that is
    liable to get really soiled can easily be cleaned by the collector. 

    Since I grew up using sterling flatware everyday, I use sterling
    silver for the sticks. It has never made me sick. 

    I have gained so much excellent information on this forum. Thank you
    for bringing up a topic where I can make a reliable contribution. I
    hope this helps. 

Megin
Megin Diamond Designs
www.megindiamond.com
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