Recycled Tile Necklace with Alcohol Ink and Easy Soldering

Click here for my soldering 101 video:    • soldering for crafters  

Scroll down for my review of the soldering kit I used.

Today I am going to show you how to turn tiny ceramic tiles leftover from a home improvement project into a stylish pendant using alcohol ink. I will show you how to solder a jump ring to the tile so you can war it on a necklace!

You can find my satin cord/organza ribbon necklace cord tutorial here:    • How to make organza necklace cords  

Supplies:
Soldering Iron (I am using and reviewing the Whatnot Widgets Soldering kit, details on this kit below)
Flux
Lead Free Solder
Copper tape
Alcohol ink in colors and silver (if desired)
jump ring (steel or copper)
*I highly recommend getting a "helping hands" tool if you plan on doing a lot of soldering. They can be purchased for around $5 at Harbor Freight or Fire Mountain Gems.

Review of the Whatnot Widgets soldering kit: http://www.whatnotwidgets.com/

I have used several soldering irons and gun in the past and will base my review on that comparison.

I like the fact that all of the accessories (solder, stand, desoldering pump, tip) will fit in the case. I think I will take the plastic packaging line out of the box so I can fir the soldering iron back in with the tip in place as it is not necessary to remove the tip after each use. I like that the iron takes a standard tip so that it can be replaced if needed. I was skeptical about the stand but it was fine for holding the iron when not in use. The iron is CE certified not UL certified but both organizations are comparable, it was odd to see a product without the UL label on it but I was assured the CE certification is as good. The iron was hot a minute after plugging it in. As with ALL soldering irons they are extremely hot and not to be left unattended where kids or pets might get to the. ALWAYS unplug the soldering iron when you are not using it. It heats up fast so there is not need to leave it plugged in when not in use.

The kit does not have an instruction manual. The solder contains lead (the kit is more designed for electronics use and not crafting) but is not labeled so I worry about crafters buying the kit and making jewelry with it not realizing the difference.

To make this kit most useful to crafters I would recommend including the following:
Instruction and care of iron manual
cellulose sponge for cleaning (use it damp)
steel wool for cleaning build up and oxidation off the tip
copper tape
lead-free solder and flux

The above items can be purchased at a dollar store and stained glass supply but it would be nice to have them included so beginner crafters can hit the ground running when they buy the kit.

Bottom line, the kit works well, it is ideal for those wishing to work on household and hobby electronics but you will want additional items to create jewelry or stained glass but the iron itself if fine for those tasks.

If you like this review be sure to subscribe! http://www.youtube.com/user/thefrugal...

Thefrugalcrafter Community on Facebook:   / thefrugalcrafter   Join in the fun!
Visit my blog: http://thefrugalcrafter.wordpress.com
Follow me on Pinterest:   / boards  
Follow along and have fun! http://www.youtube.com/user/thefrugal... Music credit (if music is present in video) Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...