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The Secret Life of a Metal & Hammer Hoarder

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If someone had told me 15 years ago that I would be salivating over sheets of metal and hammers I would have [tweet_dis_img]keep-calm-and-hammer-on[/tweet_dis_img]laughed out loud!

Yet here I am … getting excited over my collection of hammers. This is one of my favorite ones. The surface creates a soft almost satiny texture on my Copper, Silver or Brass metal.

But the fun only starts with this hammer. Currently I have over 25 different pieces ranging from ones that texture.. styles that form, and some that just plain flatten a rivet. Talking to other jewelers, I am aware that mine is a small collection compared to many. We are all Hammer Hoarders!

Aren’t tools supposed to be a man’s toy box? Truly times are changing. I know women who love to hammer. This includes not only jewelers but also those in the construction business.  There is such a feeling of strength, control and accomplishment that a hammer brings to us.

new-hammer-drawerThe use of simple hammers dates to about 2,600,000 BC when various shaped stones were used to strike wood, bone or other stones to break them apart and shape them.  This evolved into stones attached to sticks with strips of leather or animal sinew. 
The hammer’s archeological record shows that it may be the oldest tool for which definite evidence exists of its early existence.

[tweet_box design=”box_01″ float=”none”]”The world is more malleable than you think. and it’s waiting for you to hammer it into shape.”       Bono[/tweet_box]

In addition to sheets  and coils of copper, brass and silver, I also am the owner of a bench vise,  drill, Lots of pliers, two saws and so much more. Here’s the picture of my workbench to give you an idea. Do you see the tool chest in the back? it is filled with all my supplies.
The best part of this is the FUN I have creating (and sometimes recreating) my jewelry designs. Each time I sit at this bench, the rest of the world melts away. All the ‘issues’ of the day or week dont seem to matter at all. This passion is truly a gift and I appreciate it so much.

Here’s hoping you find some of this inspiration when wearing one of my designs.   Alene’s Adornments.

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Comments

  1. Tamuria says

    I love all the tools I use for my crafting too, Alene – so much fun. At the moment my staple gun has been getting a huge workout but my drill and hammer are never far away, also box cutters, tin snips, and tons of glue and paint. That feeling when you are engrossed in a creative pursuit – it really does make all the ‘issues’ seem not to matter.

    Reply

  2. Sabrina Quairoli says

    I only have two hammers but your hammers look like each has its own purpose. I don’t think it is hoarding when you are using them for a specific purpose like creating beautiful jewelry.

    Reply

  3. Susan Mary Malone says

    I have to laugh, Alene–all of my creativity is in my head. Literally. Lol. Tangible art isn’t something I can do, but I so appreciate you who do it!
    But I love the hammers. They just drew me in! Although I’d never use one, I’d love to let my fingers slide over their smooth handles.

    Reply

  5. Erin says

    Well this is fascinating. I’m not one who likes to be crafty with tools, but I can appreciate how a pretty or fun tool is something that makes you feel good. I love to knit so the

    Reply

  6. Reba Linker says

    Ohmigosh – I love a good hammer! I’m always attracted to those cool, slim and lightweight ladders, too. As a sculptor, knitter, gardener and all-around love to work with my hands kind of gal, I love my tools of the trade! Great post!

    Reply

  7. Robin says

    Love your article – the title really spoke to me. We all are hoarders of some kind, but really appreciate how you explain the your hoarding leads to something better – your beautiful pieces of jewelry. We should all be such hoarders:)

    Reply

  9. Meghan Monaghan says

    This is my favorite articles of yours Alene! Your personality and passion are contagious. I wanted to go home and revisit my jewelry-making tools. 🙂 Now that my hands aren’t as good, I find my peace and stress relief in gardening. I miss being crafty, but I’ve been considering creating again and possibly selling my stuff online. We will see. Thanks for sharing these details with your readers, I really enjoyed learning more about you, your craft, and the tools!

    Reply

    • Alene Geed says

      Hi Meghan. Thanks so much for your lovely comments. Gardening is a wonderful pastime as well. It requires lots of passion and love. That being said, I hope you take the plunge and create jewelry again

      Reply

  10. Candess M. Campbell says

    You look great in your art space full of tools! I often say “I grew up in the garage with my dad.” I love tools and although I don’t have many now, I would always get drills and such for presents when I was younger. You jewelry is beautiful!

    Reply

  11. Tandy Elisala says

    I love your article and I am so inspired by your passion. I LOVE that you are living your life with passion and purpose and surround yourself with all the metals and hammers to create beautiful jewelry and designs.

    Reply

  14. Lori English says

    Hello,

    Great article and so much value packed information and great to learn and have the tool space to do other projects. Thank You lovely article.

    Lori English

    Reply

  16. Lydia Brown says

    Alene, what a beautiful hammer it is. I understand your love of your tools my husband’s eyes glow every time he is going over his collection and adding to it. Thank you for sharing your passion with us.

    Reply

    • Alene Geed says

      thanks Lydia. Before I started designing jewelry, I can remember my husband turning down the tool aisle at Costco. I could not then understand the allure. Now I shop a Harbor Freight. Who would have guessed?

      Reply

  18. Natalie Palombi says

    I love that you have a whole tool chest 🙂 You have an incredible skill with the lovely hammers and tools you use, so keep it up, Alene!

    Reply

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What People are Saying

I still have the first pair of earrings I bought from Alene and wear them frequently.  I could  almost open my own store with all the cuffs, earrings, and necklaces I own of Alene’s.  I admire and respect her talent.  It has been  wonderful to watch her jewelry progress over almost 20 years.  What a pleasure  to wear her talent.  Always compliments!!

Peg Doerfler

I have bought several sets of earrings designed and made by Alene over the past few years. I am happy with the design and quality of all. Get many compliments when I wear them. also, once ordered the merchandise arrives on time.  Would highly recommend purchasing one of her designs.  Rating “5”.

Joan Alexander
I am so thrilled to own several pieces of this Artisans’ creations!
Designs are wonderful and jewelry is well made.
Naomi Flink

Alene’s creations are not only beautiful, but truly unique. A rare find and appreciated for their one of a kind look and feel. Highly recommend!

Sarah Mckinney

Alene is extremely talented her pieces are not only amazing they are well made at a reasonable price. She also will create custom pieces for you. I have several of her original and custom made pieces and love them all💞 You will not be disappointed!

Mary Jo Edel

I really enjoy wearing my ‘Alene’s Adornments’ spiral earrings. They’re exactly what I want and like in an earring: authentic materials, light weight and beautiful design. I look forward to adding the next item to my collection of Alene’s creations. I highly recommend shopping here if you want beautiful jewelry, along with great service!

Reba Linker

I was introduced to Alene’s Adornments through a customer from work (grocery industry). I loved the unique pieces that Alene creates. I purchased a ring and received it gift wrapped and very quickly. The ring is one of my favorites and I receive nice comments when I wear it.

Lynn

Alene has a gift for creating the perfect, unique piece of jewelry. Her ability to combine copper and sterling creates pieces of jewelry that are second to none. Alene then adds pops of color to create a piece that will call your name. Always eagerly await her new designs to see what new amazing piece will call my name.

Robin Meador

I like the uniqueness of Alene’s jewelry and the quality of her craftsmanship! Made with love!

Mary Slusser

After I purchased my first piece of jewelry from Alene…I was hooked. Her craftsmanship, detail and creativity is above and beyond. I will always look to her for gift ideas, and of course, treasures for myself too. Thanks for sharing your talent with us.

Linda Mangun

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