Saving Bucks in the Studio

Unless you are dripping in profits from your jewelry sales, you probably need to cut corners where ever you can to cut down on spending....

Lord knows we all need just one more tool to make the most perfect designs ever...

I am so lucky to have a husband, father-in-law and apprentice son that appreciate the challenges I present...usually one a week!  So here's one that Tim & Austin made for me this past weekend...I've had a ring mandrel forever it seems...

but trying to hold it in my lap and hammer didn't work, nor did laying it on the workbench...

Metallferious  at  $30
Savings....$30 +10 shipping total $39.00

so they made me a ring mandrel holder from scrap steel

 (somehow my husband always has the right materials on hand) 

Now the next thing I needed was a bracelet mandrel...I found a wooden one online for at Cool tools for $14.00 plus shpg  Here's my solution...

Old wooden baseball bat cut in threes for assorted sizes
Savings $14 + $6.00 shipping  Total $20

Some other things I'm using....an old tool box found at the local flea Market for $5.00 and leftover Pergo floor boards for light yet sturdy shelves...also brick leftover from last years patio project to hold up the shelves.

So I hope I inspired you with some ideas for saving money using things around your home...
Now a peek  at my latest project

Have a great week!