Love  this  solution  for  those  using  solder  paste  from  @willowandtwigg  -  “Solder  paste  is  really  useful  stuff,  but  it’s  also  expensive  compared  to  regular  solder  so  you  don’t  want  to  waste  it  by  not  storing  it  properly.
If  you  allow  it  to  dry  out,  then  the  paste  becomes  stiff  and  brittle  and  much  harder  to  apply,  and  it  won’t  flow  as  well  when  heated.  
I  store  my  paste  solder  in  an  air-tight  tupperware  container,  but  I  also  use  a  stopper  to  make  sure  it  will  last  as  long  as  possible.
Using  a  piece  of  silver  wire  means  it  won’t  corrode,  so  you  don’t  get  rust  forming  and  therefore  there’s  no  potential  contamination  of  the  solder.  And  balling  up  the  end  means  it  is  easier  to  use  and  is  less  likely  to  get  misplaced  or  mistaken  as  scrap  if  left  on  the  bench  when  the  solder  is  in  use.”  thanks  for  this  Kelly!!  This  seems  like  it  would  be  very  useful!  If  you  use  paste  solder  share  your  tips  with  us  at  tips@metalsmithsociety.com  #solderpaste  #solderingjewelry