Sunday, August 31, 2008

Learning to Solder

That's what I did Saturday. I took my first class on soldering. Heather Ales hosted and taught the class from her lovely home. It was very informative (I didn't have a clue what flux was before then) and I think I can officially say that I am addicted. It was definitely fun. Yes, I was anal retentive about it, but it was fun, nonetheless.

My first attempt was a bit of a challenge and came out pretty lumpy.

(front)
(back)

My second try was much easier. It looks better, but I don't think I put enough solder on it.


That's okay though... practice makes perfect and I'll be able to practice all I want to, as soon as my beginners kit arrives.

One of the best parts of the day was getting to meet Joanna face to face. She is an absolute doll!
(this is Heather and her)


I can only imagine what she must think of me, however. In true "Alisa" fashion, I became an introvert as soon as I walk through Heather's front door. You would think that after 37 years of this silly shyness, I'd be over it by now. I guess I should be thankful for the progress I have made during that time... *sigh* oh well.

I promise Joanna, now that I've actually met you, next time I won't so closely resemble a lump on a log. I really do have a personality... really.

17 comments:

Unknown said...

You did an awesome job for your first time!What fun!

Sand

Anonymous said...

Alisa, you are too funny! I, too, am an intovert and am really great when you get to know me in person. Maybe that's why I like blogs so much, I can make friends easier on them than in person. Wierd, I know! Thanks for visiting my blog today! I would love to take up soldering but am so afraid since I have 6 kitties and there is no place they don't go and would be afraid one might get burned being curious! You did a great job and looking forward to seeing more. I haven't see any classes offered near me but I will keep watching.

Lola Enchanted said...

What an incredible job you did!!!!

I would love to try my hands at that one day!!!

Incredible!!!!~

Caleen said...

I am quite impressed.. I have all the stuff to solder but, not enough confidence to start it. There is no one around where I live that teaches it. Some of the classes are quite expensive.. I applaud you for going for it.. You should be quite proud of yourself.. I have quite an outgoing personality but, I took a class with Tim Holtz once and I couldn't even speak.. I was so mad at myself when I got home.. Me? Quiet?! I think in his presence I just looked at all his talent and did not feel very talented.. I guess I lacked confidence.. I hope I learned something from that.. I am sure you had a wonderful experience... great job..

Anonymous said...

Alisa, I think you did a BEAUTIFUL job of soldering! Especially since you've never done it before. You are going to have a blast! It's one of my "learn-to-do" wishes when I have time someday!

Diane

Sherry said...

If these are your first attempts...I think we can safely say you are no longer "a virgin"!!! As for being shy -- perhaps it's more "awe" that kept you silent!! ;)

Allie said...

Alisa~
I'm impressed! Your first attempt looks great and good for you for trying something new. I'm sort of like you, when I walk into a new situation, I prefer to just become a bit of a chameleon until I can "test out the water" a bit. Those who know me know that I am no introvert......just cautious and quiet in the beginning. Maybe that comes from being an Army brat and always being the "new kid"...a survival method I developed. Where did you take the class? In McKinney? Was it expensive?

On another note, I'm happy to report that I only spent one of my three vacation days doing chores. Spent all of yesterday scrapbooking with my best friend...about 12 hours of making a mess, girl talk, and white pizza.
Happy Labor Day!
~Allie

Lori said...

Alisa, i think your first soldering pieces look great...i bought supplies to solder a long while ago and i am too afraid to try it...i wish i could find a local class...LOL on the shyness, laughing WITH you of course as i am very shy too...it stinks doesn't it?

Heidi said...

Looking great! I've enjoyed learning to solder, too! The charms you made are very pretty!
*Heidi*

Stink Bone Jones said...

I really love the last one you made with the little birdie. It is adorable! I didn't even know there was a whole kit or class on making those neat things. I would love to try too!

Anonymous said...

Great pic! Including the one of me! ha-ha JK.

I had a blast... meeting you was awesome! I can't wait to get together again. (hopefully at the intermediate class???)

xoxo, Joanna
PS. I love your charms... (just incase you didn't hear me the other 99x I told you at Heather's). :)

Susannah said...

Lovely blog to scroll through!
Susannah x

Splashes of Pink and Mint said...

Wow Alisa, great job girl!!! They look fabulous!!!
Huh... are you shy??? Never could have guessed! Hurray for the internet! Good luck with your other solder-projects!

Anonymous said...

Hey thank you for your thoughts and prayers during the coastal Hurricane! We got lucky this time. No damage and no flooding! I soo want to learn how to solder!!! hugs

toodles-
sarah

Natasha Burns said...

Wow you did a great job! I don't mind if they are lumpy at all, and they don't look lumpy to my untrained eye!
Thanks for stopping by my blog today and for your sweet comments ox

Unknown said...

What? They look great! I think many of us bloggy girls are introverts. That's why we like blogging- it's so...safe! I'm sure you demonstrated plenty of personality!

Valita said...

Your charms are great! Much better than my first time or even
3rd or 4rth time. Heather is a great teacher. Hopefully I'll meet up with you sometime soon.