Titanium Crafts - Latest News

Pelicans have landed

2008-06-29T18:45:00.003+10:00

I have been getting requests, so here is a mess of pelicans, I have added one to my listing so you can put it in your shopping cart and I will send it to your home.
My large Pelican brooch has best quality nickel silver spot welded fittings. I have the option of a small brooch too, these go for a little less $ than the large one, let me know if you are interested.
All the best
Philip

Welding Titanium

2008-06-06T14:39:00.003+10:00

One of the challenges for a jeweler who works in titanium is welding this metal. Titanium reacts with Oxygen and also Nitrogen, in fact it is the only metal that will burn in pure nitrogen. So easily welding is really not possible for the average jeweler unless you have an expensive setup exclusively for this.
Spot welding is on the other hand an option, I use a spot welder, it is quick, you can join reasonably consistantly. Joining dissimilar metals is possible too. The only other options are glue and or riviting, these options have their limitations.
The fittings used on our jewelery are high quality findings that are spot welded and guaranteed for the life of the piece.
Here I am welding a fitting to one of my Superb Fairy Wren design brooches.
I'm hoping to get permission to add links to other titanium jewelers images that I like the look of, so watch this space.

Titanium animals a historical record

2008-04-01T07:05:00.005+10:00

I find the rapid changes that I have seen in my short life on this planet a bit much. We have a huge potential for positive and hopeful outcomes for everyone and also a very big possibility to stuff it all up! I hope to encourage every one to consider their environmental impact much more.
Through my work I hope to help us to value our diverse animal friends. Each of us as individuals is having an impact in our own back yard. I depict animals mostly, they are in titanium which is a long term material reminder of our impact. My titanium jewelry will survive a house fire where all else melts. I see these pieces as a type of historical record for future generations.
Take care
Philip

titanium ear wire bending

2008-03-29T00:08:00.008+10:00

Here is the bending of my titanium earwires that I do regularly. I usually do 50-70 pair every 4 days. it takes a few days for my fingers to recover! I use commercially pure grade 2 titanium. These wires give my Titanium Jewelery an allergy free quality. The stock wires I use are cut to length and have both ends deburred and rounded. They are later colored to match the piece they are fitted to.

Titanium Penguin & Wombat

2008-03-14T09:36:00.003+10:00

Here are some new things from my desk to yours...These earrings are of a little penguin, they used to be called a fairy penguin. Little penguins inhabit the southern oceans around Australia. They nest in holes on islands.

I have also added a pair of fun Wombat earrings...
Wombats are a bit like bulldozers they have a set route of travel. If a farmer happens to put a fence across their path the fence comes off badly. They dig fairly large holes which are dangerous for horses. They are friendly and cute.

Titanium Cross

2008-02-11T08:57:00.000+10:00

Here is the latest design, a customer wanted a simple cross and together we came up with this.

To reduce the plier marks I made this jig, the end result works well. Titanium wire is tough and has quite a toll on the fingers.

Pleasure found in Mud!

2008-01-08T20:44:00.000+10:00

Woodford has been and gone for another year, this year was interesting with 6 days of rain! Some found it hard, sleeping in a wet bed is no fun but when you have somewhere dry to recover, fun it was! I was surprised that Toni who is NOT an out door type was slopping in the mud as if it was sand between her toes on a summer beach.

The Woodford experience was fun but tiring, met some very interesting people and had a memorable time. The cyclone that threatened the coast nearby really added another dimension to the festival, 125,000 people, day visitors, and camping over the 6 days, 20 performance venues rain every day and mud glorious mud. Some of the memorable acts I saw were Bob Brosman, Women in Docs, My Friend the Chocolate Cake, Babylon Circus, Cat Empire, Angus & Julia Stone, Harry Manx, The Waifs, TeTe, The Perch Creek Jug Band, That 1 Guy and more.
there is a woodford photo pool at
Flickr
there are about 4 pages of images so far, people are adding as they are able to get out of the mud!

time flying by

2007-12-13T13:14:00.000+10:00

Well the house of Titaniumcrafts has been going through some events. Georgia and Errol decided that they wanted to move their marriage forward to the 1st of Dec! We had planned some time away after the Heart of Gold so, we left after much planning to marry off our daughter and get some time to gather our frayed thoughts. We are back with some creative juices flowing! We have just tidyed up some orders that came in while we were away. There is still some planning for the Woodford wrap up to the year. I will get a little more time soon to do a better job of this update, Wishing you all the best Philip

Recovery

2007-11-03T07:36:00.000+10:00

Titanium jewelry making has its seasons, spring is busy.

The Heart of Gold is over for 2007 and we are trying to get balance back. I am busy clearing the back log of orders from my desk.

Here I have a couple of beautiful models showing off my work. I do custom work at inspired times, but these do cost a bit more than my jewelery that is advertised here.

Summer is rapidly arriving I have been sweltering here in my studio, so an early start is the go. We have so many birds that are active at this time, they sing to me as I work.

Better get back to work!

9 sleeps till we festival

2007-10-15T10:51:00.000+10:00

Hi the Heart of Gold Film festival is almost upon us. The festival has films from 38 countries. 123 were selected out of 500 entered and of these 60 are Australian premiers, 5 International premiers and 8 World premiers!
In the midst of this I have been getting quite a bit done in the shed with jewelry I have been putting some long hours in to get the christmas orders out the door for the shops we supply. While working I listen to Coast FM they are a great bunch putting together the best radio listening I have heard. You can listen on the internet anywhere in the world! I would like to thank Tailored for the great support, all things web and getting your site found.

comunity service

2007-09-23T20:14:00.000+10:00

Here is a bit of PR for the QRFS, this organisation is peopled by volunteers who help to save property and lives by being ready to go into action to put out bush fires. Here we are having a bit of fun with the Mary Valley Rattler. I joined the Chatsworth Brigade, some years ago, can you spot me? Helping others is lots of fun, here we are posing for photo shoot for the fund raising calender for next year. Clue: I have gloves on!

but wait, there's more!

2007-09-18T16:39:00.000+10:00

Hi I don't know if you know about Flickr but for those who don't here's a quick outline. Or better still here is a link to flickr
I have a flickr site it is mostly photographic and there are a few more pictures than here on my blog so here is my flickr.
Toni is trying to get the on line ticket sales going for the Heart of Gold there seems to be some hiccup with the banks at the moment, but it will happen soon.
Spring seems to be happening everywhere at the moment, lots of things growing people are all getting busy and so many things to do.
For those with our titanium jewelery it is time for a spring clean, or any time is good for a clean! Soapy water like you would use for cleaning glass wear, dip and dry with a soft cloth to stop smearing.
Wishing you good growth this spring

Busy Busy

2007-08-27T08:00:00.000+10:00

It seems every thing happens in spring. I don't know why I can't get my orders spread across the year. I found this site that has a fairly good background information about Titanium It is a Magnetic therapy site and they use titanium in their bracelets. I have found magnets helpful in some muscular pain but I'm not sure about the other claims.
must get back to work
All the best Philip

Unexpected flooding Rains

2007-08-25T20:27:00.000+10:00

260mm or 10.25" of rain in 5 days was not what I had been expecting but that is what we just got! This is my vegetable garden with the option of white water rafting! We had been getting worried about bush fires until the day before.
Yesterday I had an unexpected visit from long distance travelers Beryl & Maurice, little did I know that my jewelry has collectors in the UK. It was a pleasant surprise and welcome interuption to my day at work in the studio. Beryl mentioned Holly Yashi as an interesting site to look at and I thought so too. Take a look at some creative work in another reactive metal, Niobium.
To know how many people actually visit my web site is difficult, as I don't get much feed back. Generally I feel like I am talking to a mute monitor. I have discovered a number of jewelers and craftworkers though on www.flickr.com. Interaction is possible here with comments easily posted to the images and notification sent on to the image owner. I have a site there which I started documenting animals from our property that I was able to capture but lately it has pictures of my work, on flickr here
Thankfully today the rain has stopped and the sun has come out.
All the best
Philip

titanium chain

2007-08-10T21:32:00.000+10:00

Here is my latest design, in titanium it is a type of folded box chain, it is soft and falls nicely. I'm still working on the catch, these things take time! Have a look at my shop

My other half Toni is working hard on the Heart of Gold Film Festival the entries have closed with over 570 entries. there ave been 125 film selected to screen and the deadline for the progam printing is almost done. She really has put a marathon effort in.

Recently we had the visit of a family of Rainbow bee eaters they are beautiful birds that are very colorful, maybe that should be my next project.
All the best
Philip

titanium beetle - Jewelry

2007-07-19T13:58:00.000+10:00

This is my latest creation, a design that is based on the "Christmas Beetle" this beetle abounds in summer, here in Australia. They eat the new leaves on gum trees. I created it some time ago. It is eye catching, but not for some, who fear insects! It is a brooch and is about 35mm long. If you are interested in purchasing one of these contact me.
There is a lot on the web lately about titanium rings here is a site that advertises a free ring sizer. One of the problems I have found is that resizing a titanium ring is not easy! I actually suggest that you have two made, one half to one size larger. This will accommodate the difference in finger sizes between summer and winter.
There have been questions about body piercings setting off airport metal detectors. I do know that titanium is invisible to radar, For instance the stealth bomber but not metal detectors. Airport metal detectors are designed to find larger metal pieces like knives and guns, a piercing is a relatively small piece of metal, so not really a danger on planes, unless you get caught on something by the piercing!
all the best
Philip

titanium tooling

2007-07-12T19:42:00.000+10:00

The high speed engraving spindle is coming along slowly, I hope soon to test it. There are a number of new designs that have been stalled because of the need for this tool. It will fit into my existing CNC machine and help me with machining knife edge dies. In the mean time the Heart of Gold DVD has been on sale for a few weeks. This has a selection of favorites of the first festival, "they are really good" is the report I get back frequently. David Williamson (one of the jury) commented that it was a surprising quality group of films.
Meanwhile,
I cannot believe the amount of imported product that is passed off as an "Australian" souvenir to the many trusting visitors to our country.
We in Australia seem to be fooled into thinking that cheap is better. Good and cheap are NOT the same thing.
Our iconic designs capture the uniqueness of Australia. Being made in Australia really matters to many discerning overseas visitors.
One of our favorite outlets is Australian Choice If you get to Canberra look them up and see what Aussies can do.

new machines

2007-07-05T19:32:00.000+10:00

I have been busy designing a new machine for a new design. this seems to be a constant challenge for me, I have a design idea and to see it fulfilled I need a new tool or machine to complete it. The thing I have been making is a high speed spindle for making a new type of forming die. The design that I will be doing with this tool is a bit like these earrings

The studio has been quite cool lately so I have been rugged up. we have had lots of visitors and many distractions. I hope this finds you all well and enjoying life
All the best
Philip

Titanium Bluebells

2007-06-15T06:29:00.000+10:00

Bluebells in Titanium! Blubells are the floral symbol of the Austalian Capital Territory here in Australia. They grow in quite a few places and are difficult to find as they are only there for a few days, but they are exquisite. I have designed this one and it comes as a necklace, earrings, and stick pin.
I love the fact that titanium is such a wonderful material to represent these and many other things from nature. They remind me that we live in a world filled with wonder and to be grateful.
Meanwhile the Heart of Gold film festival has been consuming Toni's life. There is a fantastic lineup of films this year and the jury is headed by Margaret Pomerance with many other industry people. The Heart of Gold International Film festival is about nourishing funny and hopeful films Don't we need this in todays world!

Unique Titanium Jewelery

2007-06-03T20:25:00.000+10:00

Hows that, another great titanium robbery! Here is the story of a titanium robbery from the Rolls Royce factory!
There is a growing interest and price for titanium. The new Boeing aircraft designs are looking to use a large amount of this metal.
So you will be pleased to know that my jewelery prices have not changed much in the past 4 years! One of the things that is also interesting is that we design and make this jewelery here in our studio. You are looking at a unique product this is limited by the hands that make it! No two pieces are the same. A bit like the animals that we reproduce in this metal. If there is a design idea or an animal that you don't see on our site ask... I may have one already designed and made.
All the best Philip

New titanium Bilby

2007-05-24T22:06:00.000+10:00

Here is the latest design a beautiful reminder to be thinking of our endangered species. I spoke earlier about the Bilby and how Australian Wildlife Conservancy has been doing a fantastic job. Have a look at their work, you may get inspired!
The demand for titanium seems to be continuing its upward trend..... but our work has not had a price rise for 2 years. Now is a good time to pick up unique piece of our work. I have many designs beyond what I have listed here so if there is an animal that you would like let me know.

Why titanium jewelery?

2007-04-27T16:47:00.000+10:00

Give this stuff a try... It is not radioactive!

One great reason to try titanium is that it is the material that is used in body implants, pacemakers,dental posts, shunts, bone screws, artificial hips etc. Our earrings while looking great also feel fantastic in, no itchy ears no redness.
Another great reason is the fact that titanium is so light. So no heavy hanging objects dragging you down in fact you will forget that you have our jewelry on It is only the comments you get from others that reminds you what a great choice you made buying our work.
Titanium is also strong so even though the designs look delicate they are forever.
Outstanding! is the response that many get. it is the colours of our work that is really outstanding because we actually don't use any pigments! These colours are grown using electricity, it is actually a thin clear layer that refracts light, different thicknesses produce the different colours!
You really should try our jewelery to feel the difference!

Missing - extinct, Now in titanium

2007-04-24T18:07:00.000+10:00

It seems that there is a growing awareness of the rapid decline in habitat and resulting evaporation of species from our planet. I have designed a range of pins that are in the format of dis-appeared. Here is my thylocene pin as you can see it negative shape - it is gone.....A little like Ned Kelly, who is also no more, perhaps this will happen to us! We are robbing the planet, resulting in a spate of "no more", of many things.... Have a look at my jewelery and decide which animal we could do without. Eistein predicted that if we lost bees from our eco system then the human race would not last much more than 4 yrs!
May I suggest you do one thing to help the environment tomorrow to reverse this.

Creative juices

2007-04-21T20:38:00.000+10:00

Titanium Jewelry, Me
Pottery, Sister
Artist, Brother
Filmmakers, Daughters
Photographer, Daughter
Event manager spouse and
animator Son
There are many more artistic adventurers in our family but I need to leave a little room for the story. What's going on here? Lots of creative juices flowing here, I wonder if it could be genetic? I think it is interesting that there are many types of people in the world and each of us will be remembered for something. What contribution to this world will you leave? I hope that I inspire you to leave a positive contribution. I will leave you with this, I have been inspired lately by a chinese proverb, I use it in my signature in my emails
"One joy scatters 100 griefs"

Homes for the birds

2007-04-10T17:09:00.000+10:00

I have had a busy easter with the visit of family and friends. Aside from that I got a bit of creative energy and installed a few nesting boxes for Black Cockatoos and lorikeet.
I make a palm cockatoo brooch and a Galah too but no Lorikeet.
Here are a few pics of my efforts, Toni came to see what i was up to and said you are mad risking your life to put a nest box in a tree! We have had Yellow tail Black Cockatoo visiting and lots of Lorikeet in the flowering season for paperbark, you can see mor photos at my flickr and don't forget to have a look at the jewelery we make.
All the best Philip