Metalsmithing Class -- Class Project

Well, things got a bit hectic and time flew!  This week marked the completion of our Basic Metalsmithing class. Whew!  I think it was a great experience...I believe I learned almost as much of what NOT to do as what TO do!  Overall it was a productive class!  We are looking forward to the Advanced Metalsmithing class that starts mid-January.

"So, what did you MAKE in that class, anyway", you ask???  Well, I made a lot of mistakes, but after all, and in and amongst, that, after much sweat, tears and even a little blood, I was able to make THIS!

Brecciated Jasper in Sterling Bezel, Copper Backplate, Brass Bale on Solid Copper Chain. All oxidized and polished for dimension and UMPH!

The project assignment was to use piercing as part of the design. I chose drilled holes and pierced decoration for the backplate. Additional design factors of mixed metals to compliment the luscious colors in the stone!

 

 The copper backplate reminds me of tooled leather.

 

 Backplate cut-away to reveal stone back.

Now I need a name for it! :)

Coming Soon to a New Retail Location - near you?!

We are excited about our newest Retail location - Kind Kandles & Beach Kreations!  We appreciate Rob and Denise for inviting and welcoming us into their store!  If you are in the Erie, PA area, feel free to pop in and tell them Kat and Dave sent ya!

Kind Kandles & Beach Kreations 
Holiday Store Hours:

2818 W 8th St., Erie, PA 16505 (click here for detailed map)

Monday 10 am - 6 pm
Tuesday - Friday 10 am - 7 pm
Saturday 10 am - 6 pm
Sunday 10 am - 5 pm

Service Area:
Erie ~ Buffalo ~ Ohio
Pittsburgh~New York
Pennsylvania
THE WORLD

Metalsmithing Class - Week 2

Today was our second classroom session of our Metalsmithing course at the Tulsa WaterWorks Art Center.  Last week was basic discussion/show and tell of tools and terminology.  Today was the day to jump right into some very basic but very exciting and fun techniques!  We learned different types of joints, how to properly load and adjust the blade for the jeweler's and the process of going from a piece of metal to two pieces of metal connected with solder -- design, saw, cut, file and finish ends (today was a butt joint), clean the metal properly, apply flux and solder, solder, quench and pickle.

I have already had my share of playing with all these but my first time to actually use a jeweler's saw.  We typically use a scroll saw for cutting, but hadn't had a WHOLE lot of luck with it...Today, I think I figured out WHY -- not enough teeth per inch for the gauge of metal we are cutting!  So, that will be the next experiment for using the scroll saw.

Come to find out, there is a standard table to determine how many TPI (Teeth Per Inch) your blade needs to be based on the gauge of sheet you intend on using it on.  To have a proper TPI - Sheet Gauge ratio, you must have at least 3 teeth on the metal surface at all times.  If memory serves me, the table goes something like this:

28ga -- #4/0
26ga -- #3/0
24ga -- #2/0
22ga -- #1/0
20ga -- #1
18ga -- #2
16ga -- #3
14ga -- #4
...and so on in both directions up and down the table.  The smallest I have noticed so far is 8/0 (TINY TINY TEETH for some super thin sheet!!!).

David seemed to thoroughly enjoy himself!  He blew right on through to make THREE different types of soldering applications!  The instructor was smiling knowing he was so eager to learn!

We are really anxious to see what next week holds.  I am already imagining actually being able to MAKE pieces I've had locked inside my head!

Tulsa WaterWorks Art Center

What a fabulous surprise discovery!

Someone had the creative foresight to breathe new life into an old WaterWorks facility!

Tulsa WaterWorks Art Center

 Tulsa WaterWorks Art Center is a great resource tucked away just outside downtown Tulsa.  It is available to local artists of all ages and persuasions!

Entry and into studio

Children's Fiber Art Display

Grinding Station

Fused Glass variations displayed in work room

Pottery Studio

There is a kiln room too, but I didn't see that until we were leaving.

Interested in attending their next public display?

Enjoy "Pinwheels for Peace" art display to be held on September 21 at Newblock Park.

Metalsmithing for Jewelry Making at Tulsa WaterWorks

David and I are excited about the Basic Metalsmithing for Jewelry Making class we have signed up for that begins tomorrow morning (evening class was already full!)!

Soldering Station

I'm sure it will fill in the blanks I have and introduce David to a variety of techniques.  They also offer an Advanced Metalsmithing for Jewelry Making that you can be sure that we will be enrolling in upon completion of basic!

2 1/2 hours, one day a week, 12 weeks.

Blog Kick Start?!

WOWZER!

Seems summer kept us so hopping there was no time for blogging! *shame shame!!!* Things have quieted down JUST enough for me to jump back into the Blog! Keep your eyes peeled for some exciting things happening here!

I trust you all had a fabulous summer and got the kiddos started back to school without TOO many hitches. LOL I am looking forward to new creative inspirations to share with you all here!

48th Annual Delray Affair

We are so excited about our next event! We were accepted into the 48th Annual Delray Affair in Delray Beach, FL that is happening this next weekend, April 9 - 11!

It will be our first time to participate in this whopper of a show. We are excited about our location as we will be located near the two expo's that are new to the show this year -- The World Showcase Travel Expo and Cranes Beach House New Artist Oasis situated near the Amphitheater in Old School Square!

There will be live entertainment and PLENTY to see and do. Bring the family, bring the dog and don't forget to bring a blanket, a picnic lunch and your comfy shoes! Feel free to stop by our booth and take a look around. Be sure to introduce yourselves and that you found us on the web!

Hope to see you there!
Kat & Dave

David's Kreations

David has been bit by the inspiration bug of late! I just love to see his creative mind spring to life! He has been able to put his many years of machining to use by making his own precision cut jump rings for Chainmaille! Another thing he is bringing into play is drawing up the designs in CAD (Computer Aided Design) to determine exact sizes, measurements and materials list.

This is the latest of his creations -- Copper Japanese 2 in 2 Chain, 12 in 2 Focal Chainmaille with Turquoise Dyed Magnesite Accent
Copper S Clasp from Magpie Gemstones

Silent Auction Donation

The other day I was poking around on Facebook and happened to notice a post of someone looking for donations for an upcoming silent auction. With a little digging I came to realize that it was for an organization a cousin of mine, who is an interpreter for the deaf, is involved with. It is an annual event called Souper Sunday sponsored by TSHA (Total Source for Hearing-loss and Access) in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

I was soon compelled to donate a piece to further the cause but wasn't sure where to start. Lo and behold, the typically elusive Muse stopped by for a visit to assist! Isn't it amazing how you can have coils of wire and a stash of beads and never hear any of them speak to you till the Muse pops by?! Well, it wasn't long till I there were whispers then shouts from my wire and bead corner. Before too long I was surrounded by tools, some chunky turquoise colored magnesite, big link copper chain and a couple of spools of copper wire and copper findings and was well on my way of working on a new adventure!

Magnesite & Copper chic rustic big link necklace and matching earrings.

Magnesite beads from Thunderbird Supply
Copper chain, wire and findings from Magpie Gemstones

Here it is, all boxed up with a Sunshine Polishing Cloth and Copper Jewelry Care Card, ready to ship!

My only regret is that I won't be able to be there to watch the bidding and hug the winner's neck!

Event Schedule Ramp Up!

A quick post:
I've been updating the event schedule and it looks like we are going to be hopping pretty soon!
Feel free to check out the Event Schedule on our website. We have some exciting venues on deck!

Hope everyone is doing well with the new year. Take care and stay safe! Spring will be here before ya know it!