Artfire LInk Blog: A Refiner's Fire

Silver ore and scrap silver have to go through a refining process in order for the pure silver to be separated from the dross. Cupellation is when it is heated to 1,200 degrees Celsius in a special furnace. First though, the silver scrap or ore is placed in a solution of 30-35 % nitric acid. It takes an ounce and a half of nitric acid to dissolve one ounce of silver. The solution produces a white powder called silver chloride. When sodium carbonate is mixed with the silver chloride and placed in a furnace, the heat causes a chemical reaction, releasing energy and makes table salt and silver. Using Sodium Bicarbonate changes the ph and prevents the poisonous chlorine gas released as it purifies the silver.

Our group has grown immensely and that has demanded more hands and minds. Vicki Diane and I began this group but Vicki's friend and fan base brought many members to the group. So I owe a huge thanks to her. I have learned how to network with a smile from many experiences, but Vicki added to that knowledge. Vicki's recent need to take care of her ailing sister has taken her from her love to flutter around our network, however, she is still doing her amazing work on Etsy and the "Artists Treasury: A NON STOP ROTATION OF ARTISTS EXPOSED !!

Like creating a new mechanism, it takes the right elements and time. You can not assemble a clock and automatically expect it to keep time correctly. There is adjustments that need to be made in order to create a masterpiece. All creatives acknowledge this.

The refining fire of a pure precious metal will require heat, the growing pains of experience and discarding the 'dross' or 'chaff'(from another analogy). Every living organism requires discarding some of the overgrowth or dead. A rose bush for instance, cannot grow to it's full potential and bloom well without pruning. Disease can creep in if the pruning is not done carefully and correctly. Too fast overgrowth can also invite disease and insects. Often, the pruning can be painful for the plant as well as the pruner(thorns). But the end result is a vibrant, healthy and beautiful rose bush.

Our group is going through a refiner's fire. It is not dead or will it be. But every thing has it's time and rest is also a season and has it's place. I am looking forward to the new growth and blooms to come for It's Better Handmade Group. I am so proud to be a part of such a great team.

We will miss Vicki and Diana. And we hope that in the future, they will return to us. We will continue to support them in their endevours and involvements.